a-list / justin :: art director :: bne
Justin :: Art Director :: BNE
I like to splash paint on or around a canvas...
What sparked your passion for design? How creative were you as a youngster?
Form the early years of playing in the backyard sandpit I developed a need to be creative. A plastic shovel like Duchamp conceptual artwork with the toilet, I felt I could manipulate and sculpt with the shovel under the flames of a backyard burn-off. To my amazement the plastic melted into my hands and caused great discomfort. A slight setback but a motivation to keep exploring.
Do you come from a creative family?
Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer? My father in his working career was a Doctor of Physics who was always researching and experimenting. It was not uncommon to have formulas and scientific material entering the living room whilst my Dutch Mother would bring a European flavour into the house interior resting on the fringes of Melbourne. They were very supportive in my interest in art and design which I have a lot to thank them for.
The first move... What sort of education and training have you had?
Recently I have completed my research based Master of Fine Art at Monash University. For many years I have been following creative and corporate briefs so it was a great challenge to write my own brief.
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I was very fortunate to land a design position within the Age Newspaper art stables after completing my degree in Art and design. I was sitting beside cartoonist Michael Leunig, Peter Nicholson and John Spooner and this provided a cocktail of creative inspiration.
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
The first project was to create an illustration for an editorial News Story. With the quick daily deadline I thought my artwork was a disaster. This was a real jolt that triggered an internal time clock to work effectively to tight deadlines.
Technology... What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
I like to swim around in CS5 to execute creative solutions. The i evolution to me is the greatest advancement in technology in recent times.
What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore? Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I’m always searching for an interesting medium to explore mark making. I’ve explored blu-tack, ceramic tiles, masking tapes, collagraphs and slices of bread. Print has been through a tough time but I feel has weathered the storm. There is a human joy of the sensory experience of the tactile which needs to be kept.
We could be heroes... Whose work do you really admire and why?
I have always been a fan of typographer and designer David Carson who challenged the publishing landscape with sliced type.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
Michael Leunig has been one of my greatest influences who really encouraged to explore mark making.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
The greatest personal achievement so far was to be awarded an award of Excellence for Artwork by the Society of Newspaper design in New York. Fairfax paid for me to accept my award in Barcelona where the conference was held. I stood on stage with the likes of Milton Glazier and David Carson.
All about me... How would you describe your work?
My work is bold
What are your plans for the future?
To keep experimenting
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A company that enjoys a great creative team
Locally made... What is your opinion of Australian design?
For our population I think we punch above our weight
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
After a recent trip to Tokyo, Australia needs a greater population to have more competition to challenge designers to be more innovative to stand out.
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Is not to be left behind with globalization effectively changing the creative landscape. The greatest challenge is for leaders of design to communicate effectively the importance of great design.
Just for fun... What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I like to splash paint on or around a canvas or take dynamic drawing classes at Byron Bay What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I must say the Carlton Hotel on Bourke Street is a sensory delight.
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.gfc.com.au
www.whitecube.com
www.roslyoxley.com
www.mot-art-museum.jp
www.afl.com.au
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Blind Boys of Alabama, Take the High Road
An oldie but a cracker. If I was a font, I’d be...?
Bell Gothic Black, a classic extra bold newspaper font
Form the early years of playing in the backyard sandpit I developed a need to be creative. A plastic shovel like Duchamp conceptual artwork with the toilet, I felt I could manipulate and sculpt with the shovel under the flames of a backyard burn-off. To my amazement the plastic melted into my hands and caused great discomfort. A slight setback but a motivation to keep exploring.
Do you come from a creative family?
Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer? My father in his working career was a Doctor of Physics who was always researching and experimenting. It was not uncommon to have formulas and scientific material entering the living room whilst my Dutch Mother would bring a European flavour into the house interior resting on the fringes of Melbourne. They were very supportive in my interest in art and design which I have a lot to thank them for.
The first move... What sort of education and training have you had?
Recently I have completed my research based Master of Fine Art at Monash University. For many years I have been following creative and corporate briefs so it was a great challenge to write my own brief.
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I was very fortunate to land a design position within the Age Newspaper art stables after completing my degree in Art and design. I was sitting beside cartoonist Michael Leunig, Peter Nicholson and John Spooner and this provided a cocktail of creative inspiration.
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
The first project was to create an illustration for an editorial News Story. With the quick daily deadline I thought my artwork was a disaster. This was a real jolt that triggered an internal time clock to work effectively to tight deadlines.
Technology... What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
I like to swim around in CS5 to execute creative solutions. The i evolution to me is the greatest advancement in technology in recent times.
What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore? Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I’m always searching for an interesting medium to explore mark making. I’ve explored blu-tack, ceramic tiles, masking tapes, collagraphs and slices of bread. Print has been through a tough time but I feel has weathered the storm. There is a human joy of the sensory experience of the tactile which needs to be kept.
We could be heroes... Whose work do you really admire and why?
I have always been a fan of typographer and designer David Carson who challenged the publishing landscape with sliced type.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
Michael Leunig has been one of my greatest influences who really encouraged to explore mark making.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
The greatest personal achievement so far was to be awarded an award of Excellence for Artwork by the Society of Newspaper design in New York. Fairfax paid for me to accept my award in Barcelona where the conference was held. I stood on stage with the likes of Milton Glazier and David Carson.
All about me... How would you describe your work?
My work is bold
What are your plans for the future?
To keep experimenting
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A company that enjoys a great creative team
Locally made... What is your opinion of Australian design?
For our population I think we punch above our weight
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
After a recent trip to Tokyo, Australia needs a greater population to have more competition to challenge designers to be more innovative to stand out.
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Is not to be left behind with globalization effectively changing the creative landscape. The greatest challenge is for leaders of design to communicate effectively the importance of great design.
Just for fun... What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I like to splash paint on or around a canvas or take dynamic drawing classes at Byron Bay What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I must say the Carlton Hotel on Bourke Street is a sensory delight.
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.gfc.com.au
www.whitecube.com
www.roslyoxley.com
www.mot-art-museum.jp
www.afl.com.au
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Blind Boys of Alabama, Take the High Road
An oldie but a cracker. If I was a font, I’d be...?
Bell Gothic Black, a classic extra bold newspaper font
watch
Tony Bennet and GagaThe lady is a tramp
Phil is listening to...
