“You draw a design on paper. But to see your work in metal, in an object you can hold. You’ve seen how many people it has taken to build it. It’s no small effort.”
— NATASHA MUHL
Tell us all about your journey.
My first job as a graphic designer came about during my third year studying at NM TAFE in Perth. One of my classmates left early to pursue her design career at a small, family-owned print shop in Balcatta, and they had an opening for a part-time junior. While the business was focused on the technical side of print rather than design, the experience was invaluable, and I learned a great deal while studying at NM TAFE. Even now, more than ten years later, I reflect on those building blocks fondly.
I've been working as a coin designer at The Perth Mint for almost 13 years now. While I studied corporate and web design at Central TAFE, I've always been an enthusiastic illustrator, and I spent much of my free time developing my skills in that area. While I never planned on becoming a professional illustrator, life has taken me in unexpected directions. Having branding skills has proven useful in my work at the Mint, particularly when it comes to packaging design. I still enjoy the occasional freelance project and exhibiting my work.
To students studying graphic design at NM TAFE right now, I'd offer this advice:
take advantage of the fantastic teachers at TAFE!
Attend class in person and ask questions about anything and everything. Even if they don't know the answer, they can likely point you in the right direction. If you're getting ready to graduate, keep an open mind about opportunities that come your way. There's always something to learn from every experience.
A good designer is someone who stays relevant in their field. I work in a highly specialized industry, and I never expected to draw so many kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras. There aren't many other places where those specific skills come in handy! A good graphic designer is also someone who is always learning and honing their craft. Collaboration and teamwork are also essential to design work. It may not be the most exciting aspect, but communication is key to creating something that truly works.
Post-pandemic Perth needs to focus more on sustainability. COVID forced us all to retreat into our homes, and within weeks, the Earth began to heal itself. We could all work towards adjusting our working methods and materials to better care for our environment.
As scary as AI may be for the creative industry, I think it will be a fantastic tool that we'll adapt to and find innovative ways to use. I'm seeing my industry work on reducing plastic use, and the ideas for creatively problem-solving this issue have been fascinating.
Learning the languages of other industries and communicating your own ideas in a way others can understand, even if they aren't graphic designers themselves, is an essential skill. In my work, I collaborate with a variety of suppliers, from print and web to engineering, marketing agencies, retailers, photographers, and jewelers, to name just a few.
All photos and video are courtesy of The Perth Mint
