a-list / darren
23 questions!
He might've only been here for a few months but he has already won the hearts and the minds of the Artisan gang. Check out the latest A-Lister to hit our exclusive list!
What sparked your passion for design?
No spark really, I’ve just always loved it
How creative were you as a youngster?
Quite creative I guess, from building the perfect lego car to making my first portfolio because I couldn’t find one that looked quite right
Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Apart from my brother my family is creatively inept but they more than make up for it with unbounding enthusiasm and support for whatever I do… love em
What sort of education and training have you had?
A National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in the UK, then really wanted to get out into the work place so left I my friends to do BAs and then got a job.
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Saatchi and Saatchi
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
I can’t even remember my first project…
What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? I pretty much live in InDesign. A move from Quark to InDesign and the cohesive nature of the Adobe suite
What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore?
Have done my majority of work in print which I love. Been involved in editing short audio visual pieces for a client in the UK. I think to keep working in print is how I see my future
Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I don’t think so and certainly hope not. The tactile quality of print and its longevity is something that can not be replaced by a digital medium
Whose work do you really admire and why?
No big names but a lot of my friends are very good graphic designers who now work for really good studios, seeing them develop from students through to professionals deserves admiration.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? My first boss, he took me from junior designer, taught me all he knew about finished art and I ended up running his studio
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Running my own design studio in the UK
How would you describe your work?
Clean, communicative and accurate
What are your plans for the future?
Build a solid base of freelance placements, within the year start up my own design studio again.
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A friendly boutique studio where I could use all my skills
What is your opinion of Australian design?
Good. Eclectic and fresh
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Having only been here a little time I don’t know yet but I’m optimistic
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Surviving the economic downturn then keeping it’s own identity amongst more established markets
What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Photography, I have always loved it and now having two kids what could be better.
What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
Having only been here for a few months I’ve only been to a few, however this is something I’m looking forward to researching.
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
fubiz.net
www.facebook.com
www.mutabor.de
www.officialclassic.com
www.bbc.co.uk
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Foo Fighters, Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace – a long term favourite, it rocks for me
If I was a font, I’d be...? The Sans
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Natalie Cole: Wild Women Do












