23 Questions!

After a few years away, Keryn has recently returned to the Artisan fold. We're excited to have her back and wanted to take a moment to share with you an insight into a great A-Lister!

What sparked your passion for design?
My favourite subjects at school were art and English. I studied graphic design because I thought it would be arty but I could still get a good job.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I loved reading, drawing and making things, like sewing doll's clothes.

Do you come from a creative family?
Not really, my mum worked in a newsagent and my dad is a plumber.

Were they supportive of your desire to be a designer?
Yes, although neither of them went to uni.

What sort of education and training have you had?
An unfinished graphic design degree, 15 years working in design, print and pre-press, an Ass. Dip. in Professional Writing, a Grad. Dip. in Graphic Design, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and the last three years proofreading in a corporate design studio.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
Vogue or Smash Hits magazine. Then I found out they were based in Sydney.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
Can't remember, it was probably a dodgy business card at Snap Printing.

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? Indesign and Illustrator. The iphone.

Is digital technology going to eliminate the need for print?
Never. I don't want to read books onscreen, much as I love my mac.

Whose work do you really admire and why?
Henri Matisse, for his philosophy and use of colour, Andy Warhol, for his genius self promotion and wackiness, and Yayoi Kusama, for her amazing infinity rooms.

Who has been the greatest person that you've ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? RMIT design lecturer Stephen Banham, and my TAFE drawing teacher Don Stewart inspired me with their passion.

How would you describe your work?
Colorful, quirky and free of typos.

What are your plans for the future?
I'm starting a Visual Art Diploma in 2010 and I want to teach part time in graphics or professional writing. And keep my hand in with some freelance design and proofreading.

What is your opinion of Australian design?
I think our design is good, and it's a pity so many people think UK or European designers are better.

What is the best/worst thing about being a designer in Australia?
I think it's hard to find clients who are willing to do something different.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian design industry has to face in the near future? To break out of the mould and do something unique.

What is your creative outlet outside of design?
Art, photography and fashion.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
Love the Carlton Hotel with it's stuffed peacocks and Franco Cozzo wallpaper and fittings.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
gofugyourself.celebuzz.com
www.mysticmedusa.com
www.nytimes.com
facebook
icanhascheezburger.com

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
Vanessa Paradis – Divine Idylle and Mazzy Star – She hangs brightly.

If I was a font, I’d be...? Maybe Gill Sans. Modern, clean and functional.


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