a-list / owen :: production :: bne
owen :: production :: bne
Jeffrey Grad is the person who inspired me to pick up a mouse and I’m still grateful...
What sparked your passion for design?
I’ve always been a creative person, but the first time I saw a demonstration poster being created in Photoshop I was hooked.
How creative were you as a youngster?
I was more focused on music as a youngster but always enjoyed creating art and doing photography.
Do you come from a creative family?
My sisters and I all studied music but that’s about as far as it goes.
Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
I didn’t pursue a career in design until fairly late in life so they weren’t a contributing or negative factor.
What sort of education and training have you had?
I was taught the basics of design and layout from my partner in an earlier relationship, but I’m a sponge when it comes to learning. I’ll soak it up from where ever I can find it, though these days I’d credit most of my training to www.lynda.com
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I was hoping to get a job in an advertising or design studio, but back then I was happy go get any job working in design.
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first full time design job was creating small space ads for a group of street press publications. It was an interesting job because of the wide range of clients.
What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
It’s a toss-up between Photoshop and Illustrator. Both have seen major advancements over the years but the non-destructive layers in Photoshop are hard to beat as the best advancement.
Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
No way Yosé. We still love something we can put in our pocket to take home and digest later. There is also a level of trust, found in print that can’t be replicated in digital.
Whose work do you really admire and why?
Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the creators of South Park) for taking on and exploding the biggest taboos in today’s world. In a design sense I’d have to say Andy Warhol for helping people see art in something as simple as a group of soup cans.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
Jeffrey Grad is the person who inspired me to pick up a mouse and I’m still grateful for his help and wisdom. He taught me that the graphic design industry moves at an incredible pace and you’ve got to move along with it or you’ll be quickly left behind.
How would you describe your work?
I wouldn’t say I have a particular style, but I’m a great believer that an impressive image can sell any product.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to spend a bit more time working on my web skills.
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I’d like to work in a small to average size studio with a varied range of work and a good coffee machine.
What is your opinion of Australian design?
Digital design in Australia is really kicking on, unfortunately the rest of Aus is suffering a mini recession, which means nobody is spending the money in print like they used to. As a result the standard has slipped somewhat.
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The best thing about being a designer in Australia is this beautiful country. There is plenty of inspiration in our lifestyle and landscape. The worst thing is our isolation from the rest of the world.
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
The loss of jobs and money to far cheaper quotes coming from the Asian continent.
What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I’m a hobby photographer and only wish I could spend a lot more on lenses.
What is the best designed bar in Brisbane?
It depends on what mood I’m in, but when the football (League or Union) is on I love the layout of the Normanby. I also love the extreme opulence of Cloudland.
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
Seek.com
News.com
Lynda.com
denzomag.com
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Adele – 21. One of the best albums I’ve ever bought.
If I was a font, I’d be...?
Gill Sans. Clean and simple with restrained style. A little ugly when I get fat.
I’ve always been a creative person, but the first time I saw a demonstration poster being created in Photoshop I was hooked.
How creative were you as a youngster?
I was more focused on music as a youngster but always enjoyed creating art and doing photography.
Do you come from a creative family?
My sisters and I all studied music but that’s about as far as it goes.
Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
I didn’t pursue a career in design until fairly late in life so they weren’t a contributing or negative factor.
What sort of education and training have you had?
I was taught the basics of design and layout from my partner in an earlier relationship, but I’m a sponge when it comes to learning. I’ll soak it up from where ever I can find it, though these days I’d credit most of my training to www.lynda.com
Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I was hoping to get a job in an advertising or design studio, but back then I was happy go get any job working in design.
Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
My first full time design job was creating small space ads for a group of street press publications. It was an interesting job because of the wide range of clients.
What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
It’s a toss-up between Photoshop and Illustrator. Both have seen major advancements over the years but the non-destructive layers in Photoshop are hard to beat as the best advancement.
Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
No way Yosé. We still love something we can put in our pocket to take home and digest later. There is also a level of trust, found in print that can’t be replicated in digital.
Whose work do you really admire and why?
Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the creators of South Park) for taking on and exploding the biggest taboos in today’s world. In a design sense I’d have to say Andy Warhol for helping people see art in something as simple as a group of soup cans.
Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
Jeffrey Grad is the person who inspired me to pick up a mouse and I’m still grateful for his help and wisdom. He taught me that the graphic design industry moves at an incredible pace and you’ve got to move along with it or you’ll be quickly left behind.
How would you describe your work?
I wouldn’t say I have a particular style, but I’m a great believer that an impressive image can sell any product.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to spend a bit more time working on my web skills.
What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I’d like to work in a small to average size studio with a varied range of work and a good coffee machine.
What is your opinion of Australian design?
Digital design in Australia is really kicking on, unfortunately the rest of Aus is suffering a mini recession, which means nobody is spending the money in print like they used to. As a result the standard has slipped somewhat.
What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
The best thing about being a designer in Australia is this beautiful country. There is plenty of inspiration in our lifestyle and landscape. The worst thing is our isolation from the rest of the world.
In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
The loss of jobs and money to far cheaper quotes coming from the Asian continent.
What is your creative outlet outside of design?
I’m a hobby photographer and only wish I could spend a lot more on lenses.
What is the best designed bar in Brisbane?
It depends on what mood I’m in, but when the football (League or Union) is on I love the layout of the Normanby. I also love the extreme opulence of Cloudland.
What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
Seek.com
News.com
Lynda.com
denzomag.com
What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Adele – 21. One of the best albums I’ve ever bought.
If I was a font, I’d be...?
Gill Sans. Clean and simple with restrained style. A little ugly when I get fat.
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