“Focus on learning how design works: colour, shape, font, imagery, hierarchy, alignment, tone of voice. The rest will follow.”

— NATHAN MILLARD

Tell us a little about your experiences since. Where have you worked? Where do you work now?

After TAFE I worked as an Art Director and conceptual designer, with a main focus on advertising. Currently I am a Lead Teacher at Shillington Education teaching graphic design.

How did you get your first graphic design job?

Cold call email.

What advice would you give to Graphic Design students studying at NM TAFE right now?

Focus on the basics. Learn the programs; forming strong concepts will come later in your career. If you can form a concept and work it in with your design, fantastic. But focus on learning how design works: colour, shape, font, imagery, hierarchy, alignment, tone of voice. The rest will follow.

What is post-pandemic Perth design in need of most?

I'm unsure; I'm an interstate designer. In general, I take more of a 'global' approach, literally. Because if the pandemic has done anything, it has allowed industries to work from anywhere. You can live in Perth but work in Singapore or London — anywhere. Which is fantastic, especially for design in Perth, where the big industry is mining and construction. A lot of the design work is going to be in mining and construction, which may not be the most stimulating design work. However, being able to design for any company in any part of the world opens up the scope of work that is now accessible to Perth designers.

What do you think are the most important qualities in a graphic designer?

In a more junior role, I would say: be willing, be open, ask questions, read books, and fill your Instagram with design accounts. Analyse why good design is good design. And always be accurate.

In a more senior design role, I would say: be part of the conversation, spot problems early, manage expectations, speak clearly.

Please list some awesome new developments happening right now in the design industry.

I would say, focus on digital. Concentrate on design thinking. Learn fundamentals early and build in conceptual thinking. Then, extend to how we can apply creative thinking inside and outside of design—maybe this extends to UX.

I feel like future-proofing design means focusing on why design matters. Design thinking - how does graphic design apply to business beyond just providing a logo? I feel like future designers need to be curators, thinkers, and a little bit of a strategist.