23 Questions!

A fascination with cover art leading to a career as a Graphic Designer? All makes perfect sense to us. We're pleased to be able to share with you some insights from our newest A-List, Kon.

What sparked your passion for design?
The cover art and typography on vinyl records, music magazines, and the amazing feeling I got when I first read "up-tight" The Velvet Underground story (designed by Neville Brody) it was in stark black and white, the whole book just put you in a mood.

How creative were you as a youngster?
Drawing was my escape and love as a youngster, ballpoint pens and textas were my medium of choice.

Do you come from a creative family?
As a young woman mum made wonderful rugs on a loom in the most amazing colours and designs. Dad introduced me to drawing and my sister became a fine artist.

Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
I'm not sure they ever quite understood. They are very old school, they came from a time when slate and chalk was still used in school, pencils and paper were a luxury. Can you imagine?

What sort of education and training have you had?
I am pretty much an autodidact, although I did study Graphic Design at High School, I also studied for an Advanced Diploma in Multimedia and Electronic Design at Vic Uni, I've also completed units in Graphic Design at RMIT.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
I wanted to work as a designer in the music industry, there is always something exciting happening. I admired Rinzen and P.A.M from way back, so I harboured desires of joining a creative collective or a dynamic duo that could work on a variety of projects.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
I illustrated and designed the cover of a local fanzine for free, I drew the whole thing with a nib and ink in one night, no sketches just straight to paper. I'm amazed I executed something like that with such confidence.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? Photoshop and Illustrator are my staples, amazing tools. I'm still chuffed that I can carry 4GB in my pocket.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Photography didn't eliminate painting, it pushed it in other directions. Print will always be around, it's tactile, personal, and you can't beat large-scale works.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
There are so many designers to admire, I think I mentioned Rinzen before, I've always loved Big Active and We Buy Your Kids from Sydney are awesome, Mogollon's personal work is delightful. I also deeply admire Tadanori Yokoo and Keiichi Tanaami for their boldness of colour, originality and longevity.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? Everybody I've ever worked with has inspired me in some way, whether it's their originality, work ethic, humour, curiosity and dedication. It is great to work with other designers, it keeps me inspired and learning neat tricks to add to one's repertoire is always a bonus.

How would you describe your work?
Versatile, colourful and contemporary.

What are your plans for the future?
I hope to freelance for a little while to gain more experience with other studios and designers, I am also on the lookout for the perfect studio that produces great work. Eventually I would like to have my own practice to do what I like in a way I like.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I would like to work for a studio that fosters a great creative environment that inspires original and excellent work.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
Australian design can stand up and compete with any design from around the world. The recognition and success of people like Deanne Cheuk, P.A.M and Rinzen overseas is inspiring. Act locally...

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Australia is a young country with energy, ideas and a can do attitude. We are so far from the rest of the world though.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?The development of our own distinct Australian design culture that can compete and collaborate on a world stage.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Screenprinting, Illustrating and um.... more design...

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
Cookie is a nice space, the fittings and wallpaper give it an air of quirky sophistication. Madame Brussels makes great use of an old jardiniere and faux grass, I always have a great time there.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.mogollon-ny.com
www.shift.jp.org
www.graphic-exchange.com
ffffound.com
missingtoof.com

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
I'm stuck for a good CD at the moment so I keep playing the crazy tunes on offer at Mogollon FM.

If I was a font, I’d be...?
A quirky free font from dafont that needs extra special kerning.


Do you need an A-List Artisan like Kon in your studio? Would you like to know more? Contact Mathew NOW!