23 Questions!

Not many people can claim that their first gig was with fashionable design label Chanel, yet Neha can. Which, naturally, had many of our more fashion conscious staff a buzz with excitement. Meet our latest A-List'er, Neha.

What sparked your passion for design?
Growing up it was iconic brands and their advertisements, glossy fashion magazines and Tony Hart (who showed me how fun and simple it was to be creative!)

How creative were you as a youngster?
As a youngster I was a dreamer and a creative. I enjoyed making things with play-dough and building blocks, learning new things and experimenting with all sorts of materials. Having grown up in Kenya without the luxuries of kids' TV, I learnt to keep myself entertained by making art.

Do you come from a creative family?
There’s not a single creative in my family, I think I was the only one brave enough to break the mould. Mum’s a great cook and dad’s got some killer dance moves, so suppose there’s maybe an element of creativity there!

Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
I always had the support from the family to do what I was passionate about, though my father to this day still isn’t quite sure what I do. I’m pretty sure he thinks as a designer I spend my days painting...

What sort of education and training have you had?
4 years studying Industrial Design and Technology (BA) at Brunel University (London) where I studied and specialised in a range of design modules and gained a solid understanding of both creative and technical facets of the industry, with a 3-month training internship at Chanel.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
After landing an internship at Chanel I was keen to work for a luxury/fashion brand, where I would be able to combine my interests along with my training experience. The experience at Chanel combined design, beauty and fashion and inspired my passion for commercial design, so I was looking for a similar role, while also looking for somewhere I could continue to learn and develop as a designer. My 3-month internship ended up being my first 12-month job in the real world, I was pretty lucky to get what I wanted.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
The first project I worked on from initial concept through to final product was while I was at Chanel. I designed a window display for department stores across the UK, along with the promotional material. Looking back it still looks great, thank goodness when designing for Chanel, it’s guaranteed to be timelessly chic – so no embarrassment there!

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? Adobe CS4 – I prefer to design in Photoshop and Illustrator, while using InDesign for layout work, nonetheless they’re all great to use. As for the greatest advancement in technology, I would have to say the iPhone. Before that I’d have said the internet...but the iPhone's got it all!

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
With the ongoing ‘green’ trend and advancements in technology, print may risk being eliminated in future generations, but for now, I think it’s here to stay. I love nothing more than buying glossy design and fashion publications, an e-magazine just doesn’t have the same qualities of richness and luxury. It’s also more rewarding being able to hold a finished piece of work, as opposed to looking at it on screen. On the flip side of things, with growing capabilities of technology, it excites me to think how and what we’ll be designing in the future.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
There is no individual whose work I admire - I admire and like to draw inspiration from a variety of sources, whether it be graphic artists, product designer, fashion designers and even music. Whether it’s an internationally renowned designer or a street artist, the same applies to fashion; sometimes I’m more inspired by street style as opposed to what’s seen on the catwalk. I love how different areas of design lend themselves to each other, I find myself gathering inspiration from diverse sources, for example the catwalks are a great place to see the use of shapes, colours and texture for future trends which I apply to other areas of design.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? I couldn’t pick one person, I’ve been fortunate to work with so many talented and inspirational designers, who I’ve learnt a lot from. Whether it’s been an art director or a junior, I’m always learning and being inspired by the work of others around me.

How would you describe your work?
Having a product design background, function usually comes before form in order to not compromise on good design. I’d therefore describe my work as slick, clean and original with strong elements of. My strong understanding of the design process, coupled with an awareness of forthcoming seasonal trends and colours, means that my work is on trend and always current.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to work within the fashion industry as a graphic designer, a place where I can continue to combine my interest in fashion and design, while creating captivating and stimulating design solutions. I’d like to see myself as an art director, visualising new fashion campaigns and directing fashion shoots, if all fails I’d like to run away and become a cowgirl. I’d also like to continue travelling to new places, drawing inspirations from new cultures, architecture, design styles and lifestyles, but for now I’ll stick to exploring what Melbourne and Australian design has to offer.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
I’d like to work in a place where design is fun, a place where I can be inspired and challenged every day. A place where creative freedom is encouraged and a positive attitude is embraced....Friday evening after work drinkies would be a bonus!

What is your opinion of Australian design?
I’ve not been in Australia for too long, but am already hugely impressed by the variation in design exposed to me every day, whether it the graphic design, street graffiti, fashion and architecture. There are elements of unique and experimental design all over the city, making it an inspirational place to live.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
I’m yet to discover the worst thing, but by far the best thing about being a designer in Australia is the fact that you’re surrounded by a creative and inspirational environment, where experimental design is favoured and appreciated, a journey through the city can inspire you buy something new every day, a truly individual and unique place.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Fashion, travelling and photography - if I can do all 3 at the same time it’s a bonus!

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
I’ve only been here a short while, so haven’t yet made my way around all the bars in Melbourne, but for now my favourite would have to be the Match Bar & Grill, for its cool, stylish and laid back vibe. Its use of lighting and mixture of wood tones and leather make it cosy and comfortable, while remaining stylish without being pretentious. Elements of graffiti and art make it that bit more unique and individual to Melbourne, compared to other bars I’ve visited to so far...

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
www.thedieline.com
www.bloglovin.com
www.designmuseum.org
www.lookbook.nu
www.google.com

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Vampire Weekend - its brilliant!

If I was a font, I’d be...?
Clarendon: useful and versatile, elegant and classy. I always maintain my composure; I am professional, competent, and upstanding. As well as describing me, I feel the font reflects my design style: clear, objective and timeless, while remaining contemporary.


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