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In graphic design, Marian Bantjes says, throwing your individuality into a project is heresy. In a recent talk given at TED, Bantjes describes how she has built her career doing just that. Describing how she has brought her signature illustrative style to commercial storefronts and personalized valentines messages, she also discusses her ambition to challenge the lack of visual wealth in adult literature. A refreshing and humble talk Marian, thank you.
London based Illustrator and Creative Facilitator Emily Wilkinson, works with visual concepts, language and narrative to provide an empathy with information through an interdisciplinary practice, within which she places an emphasis on catalyzing creativity and education for positive change. With an MA in Design Futures from Goldsmiths and previous experience working as a designer at Futerra Sustainability Communications, Emily is currently working as an Associate of Reos Partners. We spoke to Emily this month to uncover more about her everyday motivations, creative practice and responses to designing futures.
Notes on Design: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
Emily: I’m currently working as an Illustrator and Facilitator, although within those areas of interest I also design, art-direct, design, write and research. I originally trained and worked as a graphic designer which was a valuable starting point, but I wanted to be more interdisciplinary and work face-to-face with people rather than be stuck behind a screen. Studying again last year helped me to define what I’m really passionate about; the way that we are all creative and how everyday creativity in education and society ultimately makes for a better world. My first love was illustration and image-making, which combined with new interests in writing and facilitation continues to shape my practice.
Notes on Design: How did your career start?
Emily: I originally trained as a Graphic Designer at Cardiff School of Art and Design. Following that I worked in a Welsh studio as a junior designer. Following that I made the move to London, to work as a designer for sustainability communications agency Futerra. Designing for Futerra was a great learning experience; I loved working in sustainability and worked with some very inspiring and energetic people. Read the rest of this entry »
With a uniquely playful and colourful approach to both two and three dimensional work, London based Illustrator and Set Maker Hattie Newman has spent her first two graduate years working for an array of high profile clients, including; AMV BBDO, Cadbury, Sony, Fedrigoni UK, Grafik Magazine, The Guardian, Macmillan Publishers, Make A Wish Foundation, Royal Mail and Universal Records. Notes on Design caught up with Hattie this month for a quick glimpse into her world.
Notes on Design: Can you give us a brief insight into who you are and what you do?
Hattie: I am an illustrator and set maker working in London. My background includes a first class degree in Illustration from UWE, Bristol and a breadth of projects for a range of clients. Combining my two and three dimensional imaginations, I enjoy making work inspired by all things charming and strange.
Notes on Design: So, how did your career start?
Hattie: I am originally from the quiet countryside of West Devon, but I studied my degree in Illustration at Bristol UWE. Read the rest of this entry »
Born and raised on a Suffolk farm in East England, Richard Sanderson moved to Bristol to study Illustration. After graduating last year he moved to London to embark on his career in the UK capital. Since then he’s worked with, amongst others, YCN, Zizzi’s, The Ride Journal, The Newspaper Club & Form Fifty Five and exhibited in London, Bristol, Amsterdam and Glasgow. We spoke to Richard this week to find out how his graduate year is unfolding.
Notes on Design: So, how did your career start?
Richard: I’ve been drawing all my life and thanks to the positive encouragement from my family it’s never stopped! After an unhappy experience doing Art A-Level, I reveled in my Foundation course at Suffolk College, Ipswich. All the freedom and encouragement to experiment, particularly in the screen printing, illustration and design modules, really put me on the right path. I ended up going to Bristol UWE (University of the West of England) to study a degree in BA (Hons) Illustration, where I met a wide variety of different people carrying out different practices. Read the rest of this entry »
