Last month I was contacted by Jordi Mir, who is studying Graphic Design through Grenadi School of Design. Jordi wanted to ask me a few questions regarding my work, inspiration and experience.
What does graphic design mean to you?
Good question. To me, graphic design is all about communication it is also both art and problem solving combined. The art of arranging text, images and various other elements in the correct context for the job at hand. This in my opinion can often lead to problem solving as it needs to be well thought out for it to communicate effectively and thus being good graphic design. I personally always approach identity design jobs as a visual problem which I the designer must solve.
How did you get interested in this type of work?
Fortunately for me I discovered graphic design fairly early – before I had even thought about it as a career. I was in grade 10 and living in a small country town west of Brisbane. It was compulsory for all students to do some form of work experience. Me not having any idea of what to do I looked to my friends for help. One suggested I try a local printing company where his sister was working at the time as a graphic designer. He knew I had dabbled in Photoshop in my own time for fun. I was lucky enough to be placed at the printing company which I thoroughly enjoyed. Completed my compulsory time and was then offered a part time job after school two days a week, which I gratefully accepted.
How long have you been working as a graphic designer?
Haha, another good question! I’ve been employed full time as a graphic designer since 2008. Once I finished high school the small printing company I was working part time for offered me a full time job / apprenticeship in graphic pre press. I completed the first year of my apprenticeship however I realised that a qualification in graphic pre press was not what I wanted. So in 2009 with no qualifications or formal training, I very optimistically applied for a job as a Junior Graphic Designer with Crystal Media Group. However, I would only say I’ve been a “real graphic designer” since I completed my course at Design College Australia in July, 2010 which ran for a year part time.
Where did you study and for how long?
Formal qualification so far has only been a 1 year course part time which was a Certificate IV in Visual Communication at Design College Australia. I am forever studying really – as any designer should. I love to read design books, blogs etc.. oh plus on the job training…
Did you work somewhere else before joining / forming this company?
I need to learn to give shorter answers, I worked for “A Betterway to Print” in Stanthorpe – I cannot thank them enough for the head start and opportunity they gave me.
What advice would you give to a person starting in this industry and why?
Find a good place to study – Then regardless of what area of Graphic Design you want to specialise in find a good small printing company to work at part time (paid, un-paid – it won’t matter). Just get that experience so you will at least have an appreciation and a mild understanding of the production environment.
Is there someone you look to in this industry for advice or inspiration?
Other than the books and blogs I’ve read.
Clint Harvey – Head of school at Design College Australia.
David Airey – Graphic Designer and Design Author.
Do you have an example of your favourite project so far, and why is it your favourite?
I have two favourite projects both freelance identity design jobs. One being for a musician / producer called “Wolfwolf” and the other being for a friend of mine who is going to be an amazing interior designer once she completes her university studies.
Any drawbacks in this industry? Why do you think so?
Spec work. If you are unfamiliar with this term head to www.no-spec.com I’ll keep it short and use someone elses words “In a nutshell, spec requires the designer to invest time and resources with no guarantee of payment.”
Do you find this career as one that is high pressure and one that you find difficult to disconnect from after hours?
It can be a high pressure job and I have woken up several times in the middle of the night terrified. It’s just so rewarding though. Me personally I find it easy to relax and take time out through other creative outlets.
Could you explain your process of approaching a project and your steps from start to finish?
I’ll restrict this to identity design and try to keep it short: Getting my head around the project (once a clear brief has been defined), research, pencil & paper, note taking, word association, visual idea generation (sketching), revisiting the brief / research while looking over sketches, making a decision on the best options (restricting it to a maximum of 3) and pushing them further into illustrator.
Do you work as a group or individually on projects?
I’d say I am always in a group of some form even on my freelance work as I will liaise with the client the entire way through the project, effective communication is the key. When it comes to my work at Crystal Media, I can comfortably say 100% of the work we do is as a group. I am always talking to our team (in no particular order… printers, binders, dispatch, production managers, senior designer etc).
If you didn’t become a graphic designer, what would you have chosen to study?
Either nursing, teaching or went to uni straight after high school to study a bachelor of mass communication.
What goals do you have now that you are an established, professional graphic designer?
Art Director at a reputable advertising agency or a successful freelance brand identity designer – Actually I intend to do both.
Where do you see this industry going, for example technology wise, and why?
Well the print industry is pretty interesting at the moment, Digital has come a long way even in the short time I have been in the industry. Especially with project deadlines getting shorter, I’d say if digital printing keeps getting better (which it will) it will be a really major player. With Graphic Design if you’re good enough at what you do I think you will be alright even with crowd sourcing / spec work becoming increasingly popular etc… At the end of the day, nothing beats a good idea.
And lastly, just for fun, what is your favourite font?
My favourite typeface is Akzidenz Grotesk (Berthold) and favourite font would be Akzidenz Grotesk Bold… Man that was tempting to respond with “Comic Sans”