2022 Hot New Things: Jarrod Dobell, 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 Jarrod Dobell from Yoobee. You can find out more about Aotearoa NZ creative study options by visiting our design schools page.
I’m a 21 year old junior designer from Auckland. I briefly studied film, but realised my passion was in graphic design.
What did your graduating project focus on?
Our graduating project focused on creating a large scale public event from the ground up. We then created all the accompanying deliverables. This included things such as advertising way finding and merchandise.
Why did you choose to study at Yoobee?
I chose to study here because I knew I wanted to study design, and I have friends who have previously studied here and all are currently employed in their field.
What did you enjoy most about your course, or what do you feel you can take away now that you’ve completed it?
The best part of the course for me was meeting people with the same interests as me. I’ve met some of my closest friends in this course. Staff and students have been super friendly. Working on assignments with a quick turn around also allowed me to find my own aesthetic and approach to design projects.
Were there any exciting or unexpected discoveries to come out of your studies?
I’ve always been scared to work in the design world, there is so much technical information I never thought I’d be able to get my head around. But in my time studying I’ve expanded my technical thinking and am much more aware of industry standards and how to meet them.
What was your biggest challenge while studying and how did you overcome it?
Time management. We had very short deadlines, but if you look at the time you have and divide it up, there is always more than enough time to create quality work. I also look for the things I enjoy in things that don’t motivate me, like paperwork. If I find a part of the paperwork I enjoy then I feel more motivated to do it.
My design process always starts with colour, when I put together the right palette I find things fall into place. I tend to design in a straight line, I work on one aspect until it’s finished and I use that to inform the direction of anything else for that project. I might design a poster, get it perfect, and then design everything else for the event around that.
How has your ability and confidence progressed since the beginning of your studies?
My design aesthetic really helped me get through this year’s projects. I went from imitating others’ work, to landing on something that feels professional and unique to me. Going forward I hope to add more detail to my design, especially when I work with 3D software. I’m always working to add more depth and finesse to my designs. I am inspired by nostalgia, I hope that my work can brighten someone’s day. I’m not scared to use colour anymore, I think when you mix match crazy colours you get outcomes that are enticing and unique.
What’s next for you?
Now I’m hoping to work at a design studio, hopefully a young fun one.u
How can people get in touch or see more of your work?
https://www.behance.net/jarroddobell or https://www.instagram.com/jarrydobelldesign
