Now and Then — Richard Kuoch
Written by Annie McCulloch, Portfolio Recruitment
Now and Then is a series where we catch up with designers who’ve been recently placed, via Portfolio Recruitment. We get their thoughts and feedback about their new roles and their work. Our latest Now and Then is with Richard Kuoch, of Spruik.
Richard, thanks for being involved in our Now and Then series. You started at Spruik mid-2018, how has the last half a year been for you? It all happened so quickly!
Time definitely flies! My last half a year at Spruik has been awesome. Being part of a small team means I get to wear multiple hats for a variety of different projects. From product photographer, making packaging mockups to printer trouble-shooter, it definitely keeps me on my toes! One of the biggest shifts is transitioning into a more digital role. I’ve always had a social media presence for my illustration and personal projects but transitioning those skills to running social media accounts for clients has been a huge learning curve.
What new lessons have you learnt so far in regards to the way Spruik work compared to other fantastic studios you’ve worked in?
No idea is a dumb idea! Being involved in the creative process earlier on means I get to explore ideas at a earlier stage. Not all ideas are bangers, but those ideas tend to lead onto other successful ones.
You’re an awesome illustrator as well as a graphic designer, how often have you been able to bring your illustration skills into your day to day graphic design work?
I use my illustration mindset daily for doing scamps, storyboards, visualisations etc. I still find pencil and paper the best way to get an idea across the line. I love that I’m able to cross over my various skills I’ve picked up along the way and work them into my daily workflow. A good example is the Spruik Christmas animation. That started in our boardroom where we were brainstorming ideas for our Christmas card. Instead of doing a traditional printed card, I scribbled some ideas for an animated ‘card’ and our Christmas animation was born. We had great feedback and was a great way to wrap up 2018 and launch into 2019.
Who are your creative heroes?
I could list loads! But top of my list is TADO – One of my favourite Illustrator duos based in the UK. Their work is so happy and vibrant. It brings out the inner child in me.
Do you have any advice for younger designers in the NZ creative industry, any tips you followed that have helped you with your career?
Keep an open mind and try not to pigeon hole your career. Nothing I have learnt along the way has gone to waste.
