23 Questions!

What sparked your passion for design?
My brother attempted to get into design and didn’t quite make it! Now he is an architect. Don’t know who got the better deal : )

How creative were you as a youngster?
I always challenged the norms and broke the rules. You have to be for your work to be seen and recognized. My inspirations always came from life experiences.

Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Many in my family didn’t quite understand exactly what designers did. So I always mentioned we “draw”. Keeping it simple and invited less questions!

What sort of education and training have you had?
Advanced Diploma of Graphic Art and Design.
Masters of Communication – Advertising.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Emery Vincent.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
mmm…that’s nearly 12 years ago now. I’d rather leave that! Your first project is always a learning experience.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? Illustrator. Mesh Tool.

What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore?
Tried many traditional mediums, especially through school. Wouldn’t mind experimenting in sculpture, playing with different textures and substrates.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Not in the near future. People will always prefer paper in their hands. Maybe in 50-100 years time.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
Futurebrand, Landor and Interbrand. All of their work demonstrates great strategic thinking and rigorous planning.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? Ron Jack. Principal Director of 765º Brand Communications. He taught me the essentials of running a successful creative agency.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Being Partner / Director of an agency called 765º Brand Communications and completing my Masters in Communication.

How would you describe your work?
Minimalist. Clean. Expressive. Influential.

What are your plans for the future?
Never know what’s around the corner. Open to ideas…

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A leading “strategic” communications agency.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
Overall, I think it’s good. At least we try to push the boundaries where we can.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
A little conservative, especially in the corporate environment.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Integrating it within the broader context of communication.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Spending time with people who mean a lot to me. Also enjoying the outdoors playing sports.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
Bond Bar was great in its time. Now it’s probably Baroq House. There are many tucked away in Melbourne though.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
At the moment it’s just seek, seek and more seek.com.au.

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Kings of Leon. Ministry of Sound. Buddha Bar.

If I was a font, I’d be...?
Note sure…something that’s probably not going to date very easily. It would have to be a Sans Serif.

Do you need an A-List Artisan like Carl in your studio? Would you like to know more? Contact Elke NOW.