23 Questions!

From finger painting to beat mixing, our newest A-List has more under his belt than logos to help people see. Intrigued? I bet you are! Read on to find out more about Will W.

What sparked your passion for design?
My Dad's always been a painter and teaches fine art at degree level so I grew up surrounded by visual creativity. I guess I was doomed from the start.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I've always lent towards creative activities from an early age. I was happier covered in paint than doing sums and that remains the case to this day!

Do you come from a creative family. Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Well you know about my Dad! My brothers a writer and Mum's a youth worker so all in all we're a pretty creative and supportive outfit!

What sort of education and training have you had?
After I left school at 16 with grades that just about kept my Mum happy, I went straight to 6th form college to do GNVQ Art & Design and a Photography A level. I enjoyed both and did well enough to then move onto Kent Institute of Art & Design to do a Graphic Design degree. I passed with honours and my Mum was so happy she cried this time!

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
As a naive young whippersnapper I was sure I'd either immediately become David Carsons number two or start my own incredible agency that'd change the world. These dreams remain as yet unrealised.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first proper design job was a logo for an opticians. I cant remember the opticians name but I remember being pleased with my creative outcome! I can still pretty much remember what it looks like and I'm still happy with the concept.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? I do the most of my work in the traditional big 3 of Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator. I can't see their monopoly being toppled anytime soon. The biggest change I've experienced in the last five years was changing from Quark to Indesign, which isn't too bad when you consider the changes that have happened in the last 25 years!

What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore? I've worked across most print based materials at some point in my career and still enjoy the print medium immensely. I'd like to learn a bit of the 'moving stuff' as that is where the world appears to be going and I don't wanna be left alone in the dark ages. Although I do enjoy a bit of lick n stick!

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Although its fast becoming the most important means of communication for advertisers in the contemporary market I can't ever see people quite forgoing the simple pleasure of reading the newspaper on a Sunday morning.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
Matisse's colour. Neville Brody's type. The small things I've learned from a vast pool of art directors, copywriters, designers, and even suits (!!) that I've had the pleasure of working with... and Thierry Henry's ability to breeze past defenders with the greatest of ease.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? I honestly couldn't pick a single person as there's been many. One thing that I was told once by my Creative Director was that 'you can't make everyone happy, but you can try' and I've been trying my best ever since!

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I've had the chance to enjoy some great roles working on campaigns for Vodafone, Renault, HSBC as well as being heavily involved in winning pitches for Hewlett Packard and Diet Coke. As yet I haven't won any awards but I've got a good feeling about this year!

How would you describe your work?
Simple, clean, effective graphic communication with an individual twist.

What are your plans for the future?
Hopefully to keep producing good work, in a good environment, alongside some great people.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I'd like to work in a company who are keen to produce some good work and have a good time doing it, one with little ego and plenty of smiles!

What is your opinion of Australian design?
It's been picking up awards all over the world in recent years so I think it really has to be considered a market leader. Australia's slightly more relaxed culture allows some great creative to come through what might be considered more conservative sectors. This can only be good for everyone!

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The best thing is being able to push the envelope a little further in general everyday. The worst thing is most agencies don't have a regular tea making rotor like we do in London so I always have to make my own!

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future? Probably the current global money panic! Although I think the Australian industry has proved itself to be very resilient, and they'll obviously be some penny pinching for a while but I think it'll come out the other side stronger and less affected than many other markets.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I've been making and playing house music for the last 10 years. It's a great little hobby that has allowed me to travel to some great places, play some amazing parties and meet some amazing people.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I haven't visited too many, though I am a fan of Sector 8 in the city and I've had a couple of good nights dancin' at Revolver!

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.faithfanzine.com - a music fanzine I do with some friends.
www.whatpeopleplay.com - THE best place to buy obscure German house records.
www.arsenal.com - by far the greatest football team the world has ever seen.
www.hypebeast.com - a great site for loads of great design, fashion and music inspiration.
www.aiga.org - a great online resource for all things design which has been a reference point for me on many occasions.

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
I'm currently listening to an album called 'The Grandfather Paradox' Its a mix album of minimal music from the last 20 years by 3 dance music artists called Ame, Dixon & Henrik Schwartz... and it's amazing!

If I was a font, I’d be...? A stiff British one that'd been slightly wilted by Australia's relaxed approach.

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