23 questions!

Ursula is back on home shores after working in Digital Production within a high profile agency in the UK!

What sparked your passion for digital?
I like how the digital industry is always growing with new technology, and it offers so many new and exciting mediums. Using a new technology in a way that completely suits a client’s objectives is really rewarding.

How creative were you as a youngster?
Very. I was always involved with the arts in some way through music, theatre or art.

Do you come from a creative family?
Yes, my mum has always been quite creative.

Were they supportive of your desire to be a [career]?
Absolutely.

What sort of education and training have you had?
I studied at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia, doing a Communications Bachelor Degree with a double major in Mass Communications and Photomedia. It was a great course as Mass Comms stood me in good stead for my client service and project management career but I also got to use my creative flair in Photomedia, which is still a huge interest of mine today.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I came to Melbourne not knowing what I was looking for, but had a great entry opportunity at a friend’s ad agency and fell in love with the industry there. Working with a tight team in a creative environment is something I still look for in a workplace.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
MY first major project was a PR campaign I had to manage proactively. I was terrified, dealing with all of the media as well as the client but luckily it all worked out okay! I’m still quite proud of how I handled it, looking back.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
There are just too many to mention. The rise of social media as a strategic business tool has probably been the most interesting, and it’s something that continues to expand.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Absolutely not. Print will always serve its’ purpose and there is something tangible and credible about it as a medium that I don’t think digital will ever fully replace.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
I’m a big fan of any digital agencies who manage to keep their work and ideas very creative. One thing I’ve learnt in the digital space is that technical concepts can be just as creative as design.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
Working with NIKE on an international project during my time in the UK was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot about project management, having client representatives in several countries at one time. It was a very valuable experience.

How would you describe your work?
As production manager and producer I am very highly organised – it’s the most essential skill. As a photographer my work is very soft and natural, I like to use natural light to capture the beauty in the small things.

What are your plans for the future?
Plans change, so my only major plan is to keep pursuing my dreams and to be happy.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I thrive on creative environments with a small enough team that you can get to know everyone closely and feel like you’re part of the working machine.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
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What is the best/worst thing about being [in digital] in Australia?
After working in the UK I can see how limiting Australia can be sometimes in terms of the markets we get asked to work with. Working on an International level often gives you a lot of opportunities to reach broader markets that we just don’t get the chance to work with down under.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
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What is your creative outlet outside of digital?
My photography. It’s my creative passion in life.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I’ve always loved The Croft Institute for its ‘scientific’ design and Madame Brussels for its kitsch Alice in Wonderland croquet pitch feel.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
I’m always keeping an eye on some of the digital work from my time in the UK, such as:
www.innocentkids.co.uk
www.adultswim.co.uk
and I’m always watching my favourite Australian photographers for new work;
www.christianblanchard.com
www.paulbarbera.com
and a favourite photography project;
http://www.love-lost.net

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
I’m currently listening to Amanda Blank’s I Love You and Pheonix’s Wolfgang Amadeus Pheonix. Both are very good.

If I was a font, I’d be...?
No idea! Probably constantly changing.

For more information regarding Ursula's current availability, call Ian here at Artisan on 9514 1000, or email Ian today!