23 Questions!

You may well be looking at the picture of Ashlee above and be thinking "geez, she really does look familiar... I wonder where I've seen her before?" I wonder, indeed! Hopefully, it'll all come back to you in a click of a second and then you can continue reading on an appreciating a bit of background on what makes this talented graduate... ahem... 'click!'

What sparked your passion for design?
It started when I was younger, I loved looking through magazines, taking photos and drawing, I noticed that I had a passion for design when I started getting excited by a nice looking menu or business card.

How creative were you as a youngster?
When I was little I always found myself asking mum to tell me what to draw. I loved art class and I was one of three girls in my design tech class at school, I also love to cook and like being creative with ingredients and presentation.

Do you come from a creative family?
Not really, my mum was a nurse and my dad is in the construction business but I have taken things from both of them that contribute to my creative style.

Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
100%, they have both always been very supportive; they have always said that the most important thing in life is to do something you love.

What sort of education and training have you had?
At school my favourite subjects were visual communication and design and food technology that’s where I was able to be creative and express myself through my work. I then completed an Advanced Diploma in Advertising and Marketing at Swinburne University, throughout the course I was able to complete industry projects working with clients such as Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, Suzuki, Betfair and The Big Issue.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Vogue, I think it’s because I grew up looking at it and just thought it was the ultimate, everything was so glamorous, the fashion, fonts and photo-shoots. It combines my interests all together fashion, food, travel and design.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
I completed a freelance job for a new beauty salon which involved creating the whole concept, I had to design the business card, menu and gift certificate so it was exciting coming up with an idea from nothing. I am glad that I had the opportunity to express myself with no limits.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? I enjoy Adobe Photoshop I think it’s one of those things where you can be playing around and lose track of time because there is always something more you can do, the greatest technological advancement would have to be the iPod I just think iPod’s are taking over the world every second person has one and now there is the iPad and who knows what’s next.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
I definitely think the demand for print will decrease but it’s not the same sitting on the couch with a hot chocolate and a blanket looking at a computer screen, there are times where a magazine or the paper is far more satisfying.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
I can’t say one person whose work I admire because my inspiration has not been from one individual or a company it has come from things that I have admired in life. However I recently found myself with my jaw on the ground watching the movie Avatar by James Cameron I then watched a documentary on the making and was blown away, he was able to design a whole world using his imagination.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? I completed the MADC mentorship program in 2008 and I got to work with different creative’s from different agencies and industries from EXIT films to Publicis Mojo, I learnt so much from all of them whether it is tips on working in a team or how to put together a directors treatment.

How would you describe your work?
Bright, modern, clean, colourful, creative

What are your plans for the future?
To work with a company that teaches me and allows me to grow as a designer.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
One that is fresh and exciting with new creative ideas for the future

What is your opinion of Australian design?
I would say in places such as Sydney and Melbourne design is edgy and unique from bars to fashion boutiques to graffitied laneways there is something creative everywhere you look.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
Being a designer isn’t just a career it’s a lifestyle, your surroundings become your inspiration, the worst thing is that it can be limiting as far as how long you can be in the industry as it is a predominantly young profession and agencies are always looking for a fresh face with new ideas so it’s hard to be cutting edge at 50.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
It would have to be technology advances, the things that computers can now do means there is less for us humans to do.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Cooking, Altering clothes and styling, Make-up and Music

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I Love Rooftop Bar in Swanston St, you get a fantastic view and there’s chilled music. I think it’s perfect on a nice balmy night.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.google.com
www.facebook.com
www.bom.gov.au
www.villagecinemas.com.au
www.youtube.com

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
I haven’t physically bought a CD in years so on itunes I most recently downloaded Unclubbed, it’s stripped back acoustic covers of classic dance songs, I love it and can listen to it any time of day.

If I was a font, I’d be...? Century Gothic, I love it’s simplicity.


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