“There will be more opportunities for small design studios and freelance designers to make their mark on the graphic design landscape in Perth than ever before…”
— JOANNE TAPODI
Joanne has recently ‘given back’ to NM TAFE in a huge way, offering a full ten week, term long teaching program, sharing her skills wrangling Square Space to our Diploma Graphic Design students. We were extremely grateful for this injection of professionalism in our teaching and learning program and highlights the vital role our alumni play in ensuring the next generation of students remain current and competitive in the ever changing world of web.
How did you first get into design?
I always knew I wanted to do something creative, growing up I was always drawing and when I was in high school I decided that I wanted to be a graphic designer.
What project are you most proud of?
Hmm this is a tough one, I have completed so many different types of projects over the years (this officially makes me sound old, haha). My first issue of Scoop Magazine as Creative Director was a huge achievement for me.
Another massive highlight would be when SquareSpace asked me to host a number of online educational events to international audiences. I continue to collaborate with them directly on a range of projects, including website designs for high profile individuals.
My proudest moments though are when I have completed a branding project for a client that really appreciates my personal approach and I know I have helped their business grow. Working with small business owners is very rewarding when you get to be such a big part of the beginning stages of their business venture and help them develop their brand for the future..
Advice for TAFE’s current students?
Learning doesn't stop after you leave TAFE, you need to continue to evolve and grow. I am still learning myself. I also found that I learnt a great deal from my first job as a graphic designer within a boutique studio, learning from those around me was a huge benefit and I would always recommend that graduates seek employment in a graphic design studio or agency before deciding to go it alone.
How do you feel the industry has changed over the years and how do you feel designers will be working in the near future?
The recent changes to the economy have affected many areas of business, including graphic design. There has been a large surge in people starting their own small business ventures. Small businesses are on the rise, and are majority of my clientele.
I believe clients are shying away from the big ad agency approach and are gravitating towards boutique providers that can deliver things from a more personalised approach, these smaller operators are favouring collaborations with other independent creatives (like copywriters, photographers, web developers) to provide the client with the complete package of services that they need.
Of course collaborations are nothing new, although I feel it is much more common nowadays, perhaps it has to do with the huge impact of social media and how it has made communication so much easier. It is now easier than ever to reach out to creative communities, find the resources you are after and build meaningful relationships with other creatives. That being said I believe that there will be more opportunities for small design studios and freelance designers to make their mark on the graphic design landscape in Perth than ever before.
In terms of finding your first job after graduating, what worked best for you?
Within my last year of TAFE I contacted a lot of graphic design studios and agencies across Perth to get my name out there. Whether it was for work experience opportunities or feedback on my portfolio. I did my best to connect with other designers and businesses. I eventually got my first job via a seek application process.
