What is the best way to describe the style and type of work your company is recognised for?
We try not to have a style – but address every project as requiring its own approach. Despite this noble intention, reoccurring elements emerge which, over time, became a unconscious signature of the studio. I’m too close to the process to accurately describe these attributes. Overall however the virtues that would be desirable in our work is a care for detail, a passion for the field and an awareness of the social and cultural position of graphic design and typography within a wider community.
Why did you choose the current location for your design studio?
We’re on the top floor of a beautiful old (1908) emporium in Brunswick (10 minutes out of the city). Its huge arched windows offer a view as far as the Dandenong Mountains. Here in Brunswick we sense the same vibe that Flinders Lane had in the mid 1990s – a feeling of change, community and above all, diversity. There’s also a great choice of coffee and food. And nearly every factory is in fact full of artist studios.
Do you expect a certain level of education from an employee?
Does education or skill impact a designer’s level of pay/opportunity for promotions? An undergraduate qualification is a minimum. We tend to employ designers who have a few years under their belts and have travelled and generally lived a life. They’re a lot more relaxed and fit into their own skin. Personality is a massive part of the criteria for employment – after all, I spend more time with these people than my own family.
What are the key elements you look for when interviewing prospective employees?
A broad exposure to life. A good sense of humour and a sense of a life outside of graphic design.
What attributes and abilities do you think makes an outstanding designer?
Passion along with the attributes listed in the last answer. Smiling on the way to work in the morning.
What do you do as a designer to develop and increase your creativity and skills while working in the industry?
Try to work on things outside of the industry. That brings clarity. Exposure to change. Avoiding formulas.
Do you having any tips for removing creative block?
Go for a swim or a walk. Somewhere where there’s no type (yes, I know that’s getting harder).
How important is it to be able to discuss you work and ideas with others?
It’s important and it’s something that has taken me a while to develop (I was a sole designer for many years).
How do you balance attention to detail with meeting the deadline?
Being hyper-organised (thankfully this is a personality trait along with a typical ‘graphic designer control-freak’ aspect in there as well).
What type of projects do you enjoy working on the most?
The ones where there is a mutual respect and things don’t have to be said (like a good relationship).
What does an average day/week look like for you in terms of hours, tasks, meetings etc?
I keep meetings to a minimum. My time is split between the studio and academic commitments. We work on about 10-15 projects at once (plus Character and our typo-merchandise). There is a stupid old myth that you have to work really late and nearly kill yourselves to be successful. Don’t believe this martyrdom for a minute. You just need to be organised. People who work here leave at 5.30 pm on the dot. I work a little later doing planning for the next day. A life outside graphic design brings great richness to your work.
How many people are currently employed? What are the majority of positions?
That depends on what’s going on. The studio is a bit like an accordian – going from highly compressed to extreme expansion. We do have a core of people who are here from project to project. Sarah Findlay takes care of studio management. We intentionally run a small operation. It’s a lot more fun and allows us to do our own projects as well as the ones that pay us money.
What is your favourite font?
It’s an unfair question really. Fonts are like children. We have to love them all no matter how ugly. Note to interviewers: Please do not ask this question.