a-list / kathleen :: graphic designer :: bne
Kathleen :: Graphic Designer :: BNE
If I was a font, I’d be...?
Avant Garde Bk Bt.
Background...
What sparked your passion for design?
Since I can remember I’ve always been creative and artistic. I entered and won almost every colouring in, painting, drawing and decorating competition I could while I was going through school. Even then though, I had decided that I wanted to be a fighter pilot in the RAAF! Unfortunately due to poor eyesight and being a female I had to think of a realistic career. That’s when my mum suggested Graphic Design. I haven’t looked back a day since!
How creative were you as a youngster?
I loved drawing when I was a youngster. I always had a sketch pad and a collection of pencils, leads and charcoals with me. We went camping and sight-seeing a lot - I used to quickly race around to see everything and then rush back to the car so I could sketch while I waited for my family.
Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Every member of my family is creative in their own way. My mum is great with quilting, knitting and anything to do with material. My dad is really nifty at constructing and building and my brother... Well he’s an electrician and he gets excited by wires. They were all always very supportive of me and all my artwork and then of my decision to listen to my mum for once!
The first move...
What sort of education and training have you had?
Design wise I have a Diploma in Arts (graphic design and advertising) which I studied at CATC. I’m also (in the most part) a product photographer so I did a short course, Photo-styling (products, portraits and food) at Swinburne University of Technology, to get me started. I’ve also got a Cert III in Business Administration (specialising in technical illustration) which I studied through a traineeship with Aviation Australia.
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I was already working as a technical illustrator for Boeing when I completed my design studies so initially I wanted to work for Boeing. Since then I’ve wanted to work in as many different environments as possible.
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first professional project was actually to design a corporate package for my karate club. I think it suited the club well and the karate industry but looking back on it now, as with every project, I see things that I’d really like to improve.
Technology...
What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
Adobe CS5.5 of course! In particular InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. It’s hard to pick a particular advancement in technology because it’s forever improving and developing.
What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore?
I guess I would like to explore online and interactive mediums a little more. Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print? Digital technology is definitely zooming but I think print is always going to be around. People still like to touch and feel – use their senses.
We could be heroes...
Whose work do you really admire and why?
There’s no one person that I absolutely admire. I draw inspiration from all different works, surroundings and people.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
That would have to be Miss Heidi Snowdon. She was my first senior designer. She took me under her wing and was always willing to help me develop. She was passionate and good at what she did! I learnt a lot of Photoshop skills from her – thanks Heidi!
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
For me personally my greatest achievement was re-locating myself to Melbourne. I didn’t know anyone there, nor did I have work lined up but I was determined to gain some valuable experience in Australia’s design capital. With that tucked under my belt, I’ve now returned home to Brisi with my head held high!
All about me...
How would you describe your work?
My work differs depending on how much free reign I have. All in all there is generally a lot of logic behind it.
What are your plans for the future?
Success, fun, and conquering challenges. That’s my plan... and I’d like to achieve that by working with some inspiring, talented and professional people.
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I would like to work with a company that’s fun, friendly, professional and busy, busy, busy! Locally made... What is your opinion of Australian design? I think Australian design is still over-looked a little because as a country we’re so young. But there are some insanely talented designers, artists and illustrators here.
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The best thing would be being surrounded by so many cultures and sourcing great inspiration from them. It’s also an exciting challenge because our audience differs so much.
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future? Definitely keeping the great designers here. Just for fun... What is your creative outlet outside of design? It’s not creative but it’s my outlet – gym and karate!
What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
The best designed bar n Melbourne – that’s a tough 1! I went to a bar once (that I haven’t found again) called the “Section 8” (I think). It’s in a car park in the middle of the city- surrounded by a tall mesh fence, covered by a roof, heated by outdoor gas heaters, graffiti on the brickwork, the seats are old crates and the bar is set up in an old caravan. It had the most interesting mix of people and the vibe was great.
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
http://www.notcot.com/
http://www.planetphotoshop.com/
http://abduzeedo.com
http://creattica.com/
http://www.racket.net.au/
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
I’ve been listening to a bit of Seeker, Lover, Keeper. There’s 1 song on the album that I love but all in all it’s pretty good.
If I was a font, I’d be...?
Avant Garde Bk Bt.
What sparked your passion for design?
Since I can remember I’ve always been creative and artistic. I entered and won almost every colouring in, painting, drawing and decorating competition I could while I was going through school. Even then though, I had decided that I wanted to be a fighter pilot in the RAAF! Unfortunately due to poor eyesight and being a female I had to think of a realistic career. That’s when my mum suggested Graphic Design. I haven’t looked back a day since!
How creative were you as a youngster?
I loved drawing when I was a youngster. I always had a sketch pad and a collection of pencils, leads and charcoals with me. We went camping and sight-seeing a lot - I used to quickly race around to see everything and then rush back to the car so I could sketch while I waited for my family.
Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Every member of my family is creative in their own way. My mum is great with quilting, knitting and anything to do with material. My dad is really nifty at constructing and building and my brother... Well he’s an electrician and he gets excited by wires. They were all always very supportive of me and all my artwork and then of my decision to listen to my mum for once!
The first move...
What sort of education and training have you had?
Design wise I have a Diploma in Arts (graphic design and advertising) which I studied at CATC. I’m also (in the most part) a product photographer so I did a short course, Photo-styling (products, portraits and food) at Swinburne University of Technology, to get me started. I’ve also got a Cert III in Business Administration (specialising in technical illustration) which I studied through a traineeship with Aviation Australia.
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I was already working as a technical illustrator for Boeing when I completed my design studies so initially I wanted to work for Boeing. Since then I’ve wanted to work in as many different environments as possible.
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first professional project was actually to design a corporate package for my karate club. I think it suited the club well and the karate industry but looking back on it now, as with every project, I see things that I’d really like to improve.
Technology...
What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
Adobe CS5.5 of course! In particular InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. It’s hard to pick a particular advancement in technology because it’s forever improving and developing.
What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore?
I guess I would like to explore online and interactive mediums a little more. Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print? Digital technology is definitely zooming but I think print is always going to be around. People still like to touch and feel – use their senses.
We could be heroes...
Whose work do you really admire and why?
There’s no one person that I absolutely admire. I draw inspiration from all different works, surroundings and people.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
That would have to be Miss Heidi Snowdon. She was my first senior designer. She took me under her wing and was always willing to help me develop. She was passionate and good at what she did! I learnt a lot of Photoshop skills from her – thanks Heidi!
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
For me personally my greatest achievement was re-locating myself to Melbourne. I didn’t know anyone there, nor did I have work lined up but I was determined to gain some valuable experience in Australia’s design capital. With that tucked under my belt, I’ve now returned home to Brisi with my head held high!
All about me...
How would you describe your work?
My work differs depending on how much free reign I have. All in all there is generally a lot of logic behind it.
What are your plans for the future?
Success, fun, and conquering challenges. That’s my plan... and I’d like to achieve that by working with some inspiring, talented and professional people.
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I would like to work with a company that’s fun, friendly, professional and busy, busy, busy! Locally made... What is your opinion of Australian design? I think Australian design is still over-looked a little because as a country we’re so young. But there are some insanely talented designers, artists and illustrators here.
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The best thing would be being surrounded by so many cultures and sourcing great inspiration from them. It’s also an exciting challenge because our audience differs so much.
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future? Definitely keeping the great designers here. Just for fun... What is your creative outlet outside of design? It’s not creative but it’s my outlet – gym and karate!
What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
The best designed bar n Melbourne – that’s a tough 1! I went to a bar once (that I haven’t found again) called the “Section 8” (I think). It’s in a car park in the middle of the city- surrounded by a tall mesh fence, covered by a roof, heated by outdoor gas heaters, graffiti on the brickwork, the seats are old crates and the bar is set up in an old caravan. It had the most interesting mix of people and the vibe was great.
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
http://www.notcot.com/
http://www.planetphotoshop.com/
http://abduzeedo.com
http://creattica.com/
http://www.racket.net.au/
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
I’ve been listening to a bit of Seeker, Lover, Keeper. There’s 1 song on the album that I love but all in all it’s pretty good.
If I was a font, I’d be...?
Avant Garde Bk Bt.
watch
Armin Van Buuren - Andy Moor feat. Sue McLaren - Fight The Fire
Vicki-Anne is listening to
