2023 Hot New Things: Lewin Waters, Creative Digital Design, Yoobee
Each summer DA profiles a selection of the top design graduates coming out of our tertiary institutions. We welcome these talented emerging professionals to our industry, learn about their passions, final projects, developing creative confidence and ambitions for the future.
Today we speak with Lewin Waters who studied Creative Digital Design at Yoobee. You can find out more about Aotearoa NZ creative study options by visiting our design schools page.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I have always loved creating things, I come from a fine arts background but I also love ‘lowbrow’ art. I’m always inspired by a range of influences from tattoo artists to country music, it’s always changing. I graduated from Elam in 2014, then went overseas, living in the US, Canada and then Italy working random jobs trying to figure out what I wanted to do until the pandemic brought me back and I finally decided to go back to study.
If you were a typeface what would you be? OR if you were a pantone colour what would you be?
I feel like it’s hard to pin down a singular colour because I’m always changing but I’d love to be Pantone 17-2435 Pink Glo, it’s so bold and unapologetic it can’t be boring.
What did your graduating project focus on?
Seeing as it was a diploma we didn’t have a graduating project as such, but my last project was creating branding for a summer film festival which was really fun. I’m loving bright colour combos at the moment and merging retro and modern aesthetics so I really made the most of that.
Why did you choose to study at Yoobee?
Seeing as I already have a degree and different experience in the real world I decided on Yoobee because they offer a diploma that focuses on physical skills which is where I felt like I needed a hand.
What did you enjoy most about your course, or what do you feel you can take away now that you’ve completed it?
During the year I upped my skills when it comes to Adobe software so I feel like my ideas translate much more fluidly now my technical skills have improved.
Were there any exciting or unexpected discoveries to come out of your studies?
I had always enjoyed working with traditional mediums in the past but this year I took the opportunity to get an Ipad and learn how to draw digitally in Procreate, which has turned out to be a really fun medium and has pushed me creatively. I’ve loved exploring different ways of using it, in particular making animated gifs.
What was your biggest challenge while studying and how did you overcome it?
I don’t feel like I had any huge challenges, I already have studied for 4 years previously for my bachelors so it all came back to me pretty easily.
Was there someone (or something) that inspired you to pick graphic design as a career path?
Not one thing in particular, I had been toying with the idea of studying design for years and it kind of seemed like all paths were leading towards this direction so here I am and I’m really excited to see where it goes.
Which piece in your portfolio are you most proud of and why?
The wine bottle rebrand I am particularly proud of because I decided at the start of the project I would push myself away from something illustration heavy which is my usual easy option, and try and play with type only. I ended up getting a lot of good feedback from that so it was nice to know I could actually do it without falling back on illustrations to get my design through.
What’s next for you?
I would love to secure a position at a design agency in the new year. There’s so much inspiring work coming out of Tāmaki Makarau at the moment I would love to be a part of.
How can people get in touch or see more of your work?
I have a website at https://lewinwaters.cargo.site/
You can also email me at lewinwaters@gmail.com
