23 questions!

Now that Artisan is up and running in Queensland, our Brisbane team have been inundated with fabulous, sun kissed creative talent streaming through the doors. What better way to celebrate, than with Brisbane's very own A-List?! Yarron is one of Artisan's latest contacts, and only too happy to shed a little light on just what makes him tick.

What sparked your passion for design?
As long as I can remember I have always had a fascination in design.
Im sure my early comic book collections played a big part in my love of visual aesthetic.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I have always loved art and collecting posters, flyers and comic books.
Some which I still own today...

Do you come from a creative family?
Yes, my mother has been an artistic inspiration, she is bursting with creativity. She has fashion design, painting, mosaics and Interior design under her belt. There was no escaping it, haha.

Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Completely.

What sort of education and training have you had?
I have studied ‘Creative Industries’ at the ‘Queensland University of Technology’ majoring in ‘Communication design’ and have completed a ‘Certificate IV in design’ at ‘Shillington College’.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I have always been interested in Music Graphics, and was lucky enough to score my first dream client straight off the cusp of college. Projects included designing posters and promo for some of the biggest club nights in Brisbane.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first notable project was a advertising campaign for a Soft drink called IRN-BRU. With the campaign set in Brisbane I had the opportunity to design a range of print promotions such as bus stop ads, bus interiors and point of sale items. As it was such an early piece in my development as a designer of course I see a few thing I would have changed, but am still proud of my achievement.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
I love the abilities ‘Photoshop’ has brought to the table in terms of design. It is such a powerful tool and I enjoy experimenting and developing surreal digital art. I think in terms of technology developments; Im always amazed by how much we can store on such small drives... Your whole music collection in your pocket is incredible.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
No, There is always going to be a need for tangible products. Print is a beautiful thing, and still my preferred medium.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
The work of Non-format really inspires. Their ability to always generate fresh ideas while maintaining there recognisable style.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
I always enjoy collaboration, seeing project solutions from another perspective is always helpful and you always have the chance to learn new techniques skill sets.

How would you describe your work?
Modern with retro influences.
Clean and edgy.

What are your plans for the future?
At the moment Im developing my skills in motion graphics & After Effects.
It’s something I have always been interested in and am hoping to offer this service to my clients in the future.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I would really appreciate a studio that would focus on the design process, allowing for original and thought orientated projects. A company that takes pride in its branding and promotions.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
We have an amazing younger design community coming through at the moment.
Australia is rapidly growing in terms of the design industry, it’s important now to educate clients in the importance of design in hopes of growing our design profile around the world.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Australia is an amazing place to work and live. The only issue I think we face is our locality on the world map, we seem a little isolated from the rest of the world. I find as a designer you can gain a lot of inspiration from you environment and I think we may be missing a lot if we don’t travel.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Encouraging clients to invest in creative, original design, Its so important for the industry to flourish.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I am currently pursuing photography.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I really enjoy the illustrative walls of ‘Cookie.’
If anyone is around Brisbane town, you will have to check out ‘La Ruche.’ It hosts surreal decor that will really make an impression.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
ffffound.com
lifelounge.com
freelanceswitch.com
theloop.com.au
beatport.com

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Delphic - Acolyte; Its the best album of 2010, period.
And their live show is amazing too.

If I was a font, I’d be...?
DIN

Do you need an A-List Artisan like Yarron in your studio? Would you like to know more?
Contact Phil NOW!