We've said it before and we'll say it again - here at Artisan Recruitment, we've got the best creative candidates in town, and there's nothing we like better than shining a light on their talents so the rest of the world can see how awesome they are! Today we're going to sit down with Jarrod, a highly skilled and hardworking Graphic Designer and Finishing Artist, and find out a little bit more about what makes his creativity tick.
What sparked your interest in graphic design?
As a kid I was always drawing, so mum and dad bought me a set of derwents when I was in primary school and I haven't looked back! That progressed through high school where I had a great art and design teacher, and at that point you're starting to think about what you want to spend your life doing so a career in design seemed like a natural fit.
How do you think creativity is changing the world around us?
Creativity is a brilliant problem solving tool. Creative thinkers tend to look at all sorts of problems - social, political, environmental — with a different perspective and sensibility. Design is often confined to aesthetics but the concept of design and creativity can be applied to many different functions in society, from solving housing issues to stimulating the economy. Recessions tend to spark new and interesting businesses and industries driven by creative thinkers and doers prepared to take risks. Portugal and Spain are great examples of that.
Who are some of your favourite local artists and designers?
I read an article on Ken Done the other week. Super interesting life. Stephen Ormandy. Jeffrey Smart. Brett Whiteley. My brother Ben Jones and Jason Galea - they have a great studio and shop called No One Special and do a lot of different things - painting and illustration, installation, music video clips, record covers.
What are some of the online resources you use for inspiration?
There's a stationery store in London called Present & Correct - they have a great blog of just interesting, curious things. Dezeen. Instagram. Design Files is always a great spot to see what's happening.
What's your preferred social media site, and why?
Instagram. It seems like a real 'creatives' platform - lots and lots of great people sharing interesting things.
What is a typical day for you?
As much as I've tried to become one of those morning people that's sweated it out in a spin class, knocked back a wheatgrass shot, posted something inspirational on instagram and then surprised my co-workers with homemade gluten free muffins, I just haven't been able to make it a habit. So instead I'll cut myself some slack, be at the desk by 8:30, make a cup of tea, go through emails, read over my to do list and get rolling on projects. Working for myself means I have a good amount of flexibility to work day or night so if the weather's nice I'll try and get away from the desk, go and get a coffee etc. It's great for creativity, too. I find if I get up from the computer and get a coffee or potter in the garden I'm instantly hit with ideas or solutions for problems. When my wife gets home we try to go for a walk before dinner. I find I'm pretty productive at night, so sometimes I might do a little bit of work after dinner, then we'll settle in for some TV.
How does living and working in Melbourne influence your work?
Melbourne is a real design city and it's also a global city. There's a real mix of influences and styles - very European / Scandinavian / Japanese. That diversity is influential and so I think on a whole Melbourne design is quite global - a lot of Melbourne cafes, restaurants, bars and brands could work in New York, Barcelona, London, Tokyo... Aesop is a great example of that. They've applied clear design thinking to everything they do, and to me Aesop has a very distinct 'Melbourne' aesthetic but it's a brand that works everywhere. I think that we have brands and businesses prepared to take risks with design is also a big influence.
What is your favourite design or work of yours and why?
For the football world cup in Brazil I decided to create some illustrated posters for each of the three group games Australia played. Each posted was a recipe for a cocktail from the country we were playing, with illustrated ingredients and match details. It was just a good, fun project and an excuse to stay up late to watch the World Cup.
Do you have any advice for people who want to follow in your career footsteps?
Travel. Get as much experience as you can with different designers, in different environments and studios, then use that experience to shape the type of career that you want. Travel. Try working client side - it's a fantastic experience and gives you the opportunity to develop different skills outside of the design environment. Don't try to be anybody else - find your own style and have confidence what you do. Travel.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Work hard and stay humble.
What do you like about being an Artisan candidate?
The Artisan team are super friendly and supportive, always checking in for a chat and keeping me busy with different projects. I would also say Artisan are great at identifying candidates for jobs - every job that I've been posted on has been a great fit in terms of skill set and environment.
Why would you recommend Artisan to a fellow creative?
I think as above - over the years I've met with the guys to talk about my plans and goals, and they're always incredibly receptive and supportive of those goals and delivered with great projects, so I have no doubt any creative thinking about working with Artisan would experience the same level of care and engagement in their career.
Thanks for letting us poke about in your brilliant brain, Jarrod! If you're an Artisan candidate and you'd like to be featured in an A-List profile, feel free to contact Jess for more info. If you're not an Artisan candidate yet, what are you waiting for? Sign up with us today!