23 questions!

Ratheesh's taste in design is as exquisite as his taste in cars: sleek and slick, and never OTT. Initially inspired by the trusty old Zippo, Ratheesh has carried on to study and understand the mechanics of things, and do the creating himself. Meet the designer you need to meet.

1. What sparked your passion for design?
A Zippo lighter.

2. How creative were you as a youngster?
I made my own superhero costume.

3. Do you come from a creative family? Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
No. Yes.

4. What sort of education and training have you had?
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and Master of Arts (Advertising).

5. Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Saatchi & Saatchi.

6. Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
It was a flash intro for a corporate presentation. Nothing spectacular but I still feel good about it.

7. What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years?
Dreamweaver. I think the whole Web 2.0 phenomenon was the biggest thing to happen in the last 5 years.

8. What are the various mediums that you’ve worked with and are there any that you would like to explore?
DM, Print and online. Wonder how the whole mobile thing works.

9. Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
No.

10. Whose work do you really admire and why?
Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy, Wieden+Kennedy, Crispin Porter+Bogusky. Their thoughts are simple, their ideas are intelligent and their work is inspiring.

11. Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you?
My friend Makesh…I believe in his philosophy: growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional.

12. What has been your greatest achievement so far?
The company website at my last job.

13. How would you describe your work?
CSS - clean, sleek, subtle.

14. What are your plans for the future?
Aston Martin DB9.

15. What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A digital ad agency.

16. What is your opinion of Australian design?
Mostly 'sleek' but sometimes 'loud'.

17. What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
I think the best part is the place, and the worst part is the location.

18. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future?
Pass.

19. What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Writing.

20. What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
Croft Institute.

21. If I was a font, I’d be...?
Helvetica 57 Condensed.

22. What are your top 5 websites at the moment?

http://www.alistapart.com/
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/
http://www.apple.com
http://www.noupe.com
http://thirteeninteractive.com

23. What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Pink Floyd, The Division Bell and Air, Moon Safari. YES and YES!!

Do you need an A-List Artisan like Ratheesh in your studio? Would you like to know more? Contact Charlie NOW.