23 Questions!

What sparked your passion for design?
When I was younger photography and graffiti were my passions. It wasn’t until year 11 that I was first introduced to the field of Graphic Design. It was then that I realised I could incorporate different creative mediums into a final outcome and communicate to a wider audience.

How creative were you as a youngster?
My mind was always stimulated by the visual appeal of things. At school my text books were always covered in colourful scribble and art was my favourite subject. In a school that promoted strict regime I was always looking for a creative outlet.

Do you come from a creative family?
My Mother and Grandfather were often taking me to galleries as a youngster. Whilst I may not have always appreciated it at the time I think my interest in the creative fields stemmed from those visits. One of my cousins is a photographer and the other owns and advertising agency. I have been very lucky to be surrounded by creative and forward thinking influences.

Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
My family has always supported the decisions I have made and becoming a designer was no different. The most important aspect for them is that I work hard and live happy.

What sort of education and training have you had?
After completing VCE, I did a Cert 4 in applied design. This was a much more hands on course and gave me the opportunity to experiment with various artistic techniques. I then studied a diploma of Graphic Art at Swinburne University and completed my studies with a Bachelor of Communication Design.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I originally aspired to work in studios such as Frost and 3 Deep, however as I have become more aware of the other fantastic studios in Melbourne a much longer list has developed.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first project was a typography and colour based brochure. At the time I remember feeling so unfamiliar and nervous about the outcome and not focusing enough on the concept. I look back at it now and understand there is so much more to design then the final outcome.

What is your preferred software to work with?
Day to day I use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. I feel most comfortable with InDesign but would be hard pressed to pick a favourite. Each has there own unique purpose and I am constantly learning new abilities.

What has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
From my perspective the I phone would have to be up there. Not only has it revolutionised touch screen and design but also social media and the ability to access to information. 5 years ago I was playing ‘Snake’ on a Nokia 5110!

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I can’t ever see the need for print design becoming obsolete. Whilst digital technology is convenient it won’t replace the physical feel and look of a beautiful hard back book or the subtle embossing on a well designed business card. But hey I am biased.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
Studio Round produce really beautiful outcomes with intelligent and well thought out concepts. They use a variety of media which gives each project a unique look. To me they are a quintessential Melbourne studio.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? Whilst doing an internship with Vanzella Design, a small studio in Collingwood, I worked with a great group of people led by Paul Vanzella. It was an environment driven by a need to produce great work but also a creative and fun place to work. Working there gave me a great first experience of what it is like to work in studio whilst also learning valuable typography and other design skills.

How would you describe your work?
I am always learning and developing skills so my work is constantly evolving. I try to think outside the box and not design to a pre conceived conception.

What are your plans for the future?
I want to become more involved in the design community both here in Australia and abroard. I eventually want to own by own studio.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I would love to work with a highly creative and driven company. One that is forward thinking and that will provide an environment were I can challenge my self and grow with the company.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
I love Australian design. We have a fantastic talent pool of designers and a huge number of great studios. Design seems to growing at a rapid rate and I love being part of that.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Australia is such a forward and modern country and this is reflected in design community. The worst thing is that geographically we are so far away from a lot of other countries and therefor makes it harder to work and experience different countries design.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future? Changes in technology and communication and balancing that with creating sustainable design.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Photography, listening to music and visiting galleries

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
Section 8 in the city is a pretty cool concept for a bar. Madame Brussels is another that springs to mind.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
Form Fifty Five
Dirty Mouse
Broadsheet
Facebook
Twitter

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
CD?? What’s a CD?

If I was a font, I’d be...?
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