23 questions!

With International experience and strong variation across mediums, Danesh has honed his creative skills to become a great mid weight Graphic Designer. Read on to see where Danesh finds inspiration.

What sparked your passion for design?
Visuals.

Growing up, picture books fascinated me (they still do). I am always absorbed in what the pictures have to say and show. There is so much to absorb from the visual language.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I was always doodling. It got me all the unwanted attention of my teachers. My books were filled with them.

Do you come from a creative family?
I believe every one has the creative monster living within.
For some it sleeps and for others it’s always in hyper drive.
My family has got a mix and they express it in different ways.

Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Very supportive, I am blessed.

What sort of education and training have you had?
After finishing high school I studied Visual Communication / Applied Art in Bombay, India. I was trained the old school way, working by hand, using letrasets, ink, drawing and mixing paint, exploring the different techniques of illustration, typography, photography and printing.
Computers & software are the new creative tools, for faster execution with endless possibilities unleashed. I am currently studying web design and find it extremely challenging, but I am still learning.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Grandmother India - a multi disciplinary design studio in the heart of Bombay
www.grandmother.in

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
It was creating a press ad at Grandmother on my very first day, for the fashion brand 'Ramp N Rack' who were holding a summer sale. The idea was to illustrate the unique feature of the space, which essentially was a boutique store that transformed into a catwalk for fashion designers to display their works. It was a tight deadline, and required a stylized illustration and strong typography. It was my very first commercial work and seeing it printed in various publications was a bit of a kick within the first few weeks of starting work.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
Preferences change all the time. The Adobe Suite is super slick as ever. I usually work with what is required to get the desired result. There have been many great advancement in technology in the last 5 years but what digital cameras are capable of today is truly amazing.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
If the human need to touch and feel ceases to exist, only then will digital technology eliminate the need for print.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
The list is very long, there is so much to be inspired by, but Scott Hansen has some amazing work.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
You learn something new every day. Every one that I have ever worked with has taught me something. There is always something to learn from another individual, it could be something as simple as learning a new short cut. I know for sure that I don’t know everything.

How would you describe your work?
I am very critical about it, so I will not.

What are your plans for the future?
Let me gaze into the crystal ball.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
There is too much goodness out there, it would be great to be able to get on board and collaborate with various folk.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
There is so much that makes me go 'WOW!' There is such great art and design down under. People experimenting and pushing the boundaries further and further. And then I also see stuff that makes me think not enough thought and effort went into making that.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The best thing is the freedom to be able to create without radical censorship. And the worst is the competition; there are some really awesome people out there. Respect!

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Hmm… Looks like that crystal ball is really stuffed.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Music, the out doors and film.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I really like the old pubs. They are housed in such beautiful buildings, you just can’t go wrong with them. Some of them are really quirky.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.ffffound.com
www.booooooom.com
www.designiskinky.com
www.lostateminor.com
www.72dpi.cn

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Sitar Hendrix - Marsicano Sitar Experience by Trio Marsicano - It’s brilliant!

If I was a font, I’d be...?
Helvetica

For more information regarding Danesh's availability, call us here at Artisan on 9514 1000!