a-list / elliot :: graphic designer :: bne
Elliot :: Graphic Designer :: BNE
...I had some wild ideas when I was young. Playschool gave me a pretty warped sense...
What sparked your passion for design?
I was on work experience in high school at a production agency. I remember being palmed from department to department till I ended up in the design sector. After sorting tonnes of filing for a couple of days a designer there took me through some of his work and showed me the process of design for the first time. I actually remember thinking at that moment ‘this is actually what I want to do’. Who said work experience teaches you nothing?
How creative were you as a youngster?
I had some wild ideas when I was young. Playschool gave me a pretty warped sense of what was actually possible when you were 6 years old. I used to spend days crafting elaborate structures out of cardboard boxes or making detailed plans of how to build an underground tunnel in my backyard. They never turned out how I imagined them to be. Especially the tunnel.
Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
My mum taught art for a while, she has always encouraged my work. Dad is colour blind and still remains unsure of exactly what a designer even really is. Even still, he does remain supportive.
What sort of education and training have you had?
I taught myself the suite when I was still in school which earned me a scholarship to QANTM after I graduated. The course really helped build my creative side and gave me a new perspective on the world of design.
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Anyone at the time. I was keen to just get given a chance back then. All I knew was I wanted a studio position. Looking back now, I don’t think I could have been happier with what I ended up with.
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first project in a professional capacity was to create a promotional poster for a clients marketing campaign. It actually turned out really well for a first piece of work. Apparently the client still uses it today so I can’t complain about that.
What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
The adobe suite is by far my most preferred. Such a great set of applications. The greatest advancement would defiantly be the easier work flow that technology
What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore?
I’ve worked with mainly just print and digital mediums. I would love to do more digital, perhaps something interactive?
Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Print will always need to exist in some form. Digital is has grown massively in popularity over the years however print of some form will always be required.
Whose work do you really admire and why?
I have always really admired the work Sydney based agency Mathematics puts out. But on a global scale I can’t look past the works of Stefan Sagmiester. That guy is on another planet when it comes to design.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
My first boss, he gave me the opportunity to get into the industry and taught me so much about the creative process.
How would you describe your work?
Clean, balanced and consistent.
What are your plans for the future?
Hone my skills and see where design can take me.
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A company with solid ideas that can help greater develop me as a designer.
What is your opinion of Australian design?
I think Australian design is really doing some great things. The work coming out of some places is continually just outstanding.
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The best part would be getting to do a fun job with creative freedom. Worst part would be the long hours; I guess that comes with the job though.
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
The big challenge will be for Australia to keep up with the current design trends while maintaining a unique identity of its own. I think Australia has a really distinct style it brings to the design world, it will be interesting to see whether it can continue to uphold this culture in an industry that is forever developing.
What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I play guitar. It’s nice way to relax and clear my head.
What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
The Gin Palace. Not for its functionality. Just for the gin.
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
yourstru.ly
swisslegacy.com
insound.com
cracked.com
etsy.com
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Built to Spill – Keep it Like a Secret. It’s really good.
If I was a font, I’d be...?
Wingdings.
I was on work experience in high school at a production agency. I remember being palmed from department to department till I ended up in the design sector. After sorting tonnes of filing for a couple of days a designer there took me through some of his work and showed me the process of design for the first time. I actually remember thinking at that moment ‘this is actually what I want to do’. Who said work experience teaches you nothing?
How creative were you as a youngster?
I had some wild ideas when I was young. Playschool gave me a pretty warped sense of what was actually possible when you were 6 years old. I used to spend days crafting elaborate structures out of cardboard boxes or making detailed plans of how to build an underground tunnel in my backyard. They never turned out how I imagined them to be. Especially the tunnel.
Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
My mum taught art for a while, she has always encouraged my work. Dad is colour blind and still remains unsure of exactly what a designer even really is. Even still, he does remain supportive.
What sort of education and training have you had?
I taught myself the suite when I was still in school which earned me a scholarship to QANTM after I graduated. The course really helped build my creative side and gave me a new perspective on the world of design.
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Anyone at the time. I was keen to just get given a chance back then. All I knew was I wanted a studio position. Looking back now, I don’t think I could have been happier with what I ended up with.
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first project in a professional capacity was to create a promotional poster for a clients marketing campaign. It actually turned out really well for a first piece of work. Apparently the client still uses it today so I can’t complain about that.
What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
The adobe suite is by far my most preferred. Such a great set of applications. The greatest advancement would defiantly be the easier work flow that technology
What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and is there any that you would like to explore?
I’ve worked with mainly just print and digital mediums. I would love to do more digital, perhaps something interactive?
Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Print will always need to exist in some form. Digital is has grown massively in popularity over the years however print of some form will always be required.
Whose work do you really admire and why?
I have always really admired the work Sydney based agency Mathematics puts out. But on a global scale I can’t look past the works of Stefan Sagmiester. That guy is on another planet when it comes to design.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
My first boss, he gave me the opportunity to get into the industry and taught me so much about the creative process.
How would you describe your work?
Clean, balanced and consistent.
What are your plans for the future?
Hone my skills and see where design can take me.
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A company with solid ideas that can help greater develop me as a designer.
What is your opinion of Australian design?
I think Australian design is really doing some great things. The work coming out of some places is continually just outstanding.
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The best part would be getting to do a fun job with creative freedom. Worst part would be the long hours; I guess that comes with the job though.
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
The big challenge will be for Australia to keep up with the current design trends while maintaining a unique identity of its own. I think Australia has a really distinct style it brings to the design world, it will be interesting to see whether it can continue to uphold this culture in an industry that is forever developing.
What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I play guitar. It’s nice way to relax and clear my head.
What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
The Gin Palace. Not for its functionality. Just for the gin.
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
yourstru.ly
swisslegacy.com
insound.com
cracked.com
etsy.com
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Built to Spill – Keep it Like a Secret. It’s really good.
If I was a font, I’d be...?
Wingdings.
watch
Shpongle - No Turn Unstoned
James is listening to...
