You completed your full-time studies at the end of 2017. Can you tell us what your final year’s project was about and what you focussed on?
To end my time in my Diploma of Digital Media (Advanced) I decided to do a rebrand for Auckland’s favourite event, the Auckland Night Markets, I feel the event needs a better visual language to reintroduce a new concept and to expose the event to international visitors. My goal was to find a tone of voice that would stay fresh and relevant for years.
The Auckland Night Markets are always held under a mall or in parking lots, so I moved towards grunge style by playing with concrete textures and layout. The texture that I am using resembles the stars at night which makes a connection between the venue and time. The most crucial part of this was keeping consistency with each piece while having it appeal to wide range of target audiences.
How has what you’ve recently been working on influenced your design process, and what momentum does it bring to your practice?
This recent project has served as baby steps for me to engage with target audiences through digital work. For instance, I developed the skill to put together a website. Moreover, learning about experience design inspires me to understand how important the interaction element is in order to make complex things easy to use.
What were some of your most exciting discoveries?
Nowadays, digital natives no longer appreciate the traditional medium. My solution for this is to create an idea where technology cannot replace real materials. I discovered that print design feels much more fun with a little bit of interaction. This is an anti-mainstream way to engage the target audiences and allows them to play with tactile objects. I get really excited about creating die cuts and mock ups. It improves my crafting skill and gave me a space to experiment with printing. Now I have a few secrets of how to cut and print with different materials to achieve a variety of textures, colours and folds.
And also some of the challenges along the way?
My biggest struggle during the course was picking the right direction. This happened to me quite often, for example, I picked one idea that I thought was good however what happened was it actually lead me to a nightmare.
What did you love doing most?
I started to realise that maybe I am a good photographer. I never knew this would be a skill that would grow. Furthermore, I also love creating line art style illustrations.
Where do you go to find inspiration (websites, resources, designers, etc)?
Mostly Pinterest, Behance, and Instagram, I followed a range of designers with a consistent portfolio style, but what is really interesting is that I found this designer from Instagram, her name is Leta Sobierajski. I have been studying her from the way she approaches design through her silly personality. She taught me not to take myself too seriously, and to break the design stream with art through photography.
Why did you choose to study at your design school, and what do you feel you can take away now that you’ve completed your course?
I am an international student and left my high school early then immediately joined Yoobee School of Design. I like a smaller class size because it is really easy to stay connected with others. I believe that Yoobee is an awesome school for everyone. In terms of the courses they teach, I really learned a lot about prepress and technical skills that help me to be more efficient with my creative process.
Where to next for you? What does 2018 hold?
I will be looking after a graphic design role, I imagine myself surrounded by a creative silly team in a small fun design studio. Other than that, I also see myself growing into a stronger designer and becoming the person who willing to take the next step to a higher level.