“Travel.”

— TIM MEAKINS

Tim is an artist and designer. Working across sculpture, painting, print, animation and publishing, he employs a visual grammar drawn from the history (and present) of computer graphics/operating systems and cartoons to create intensely energetic propositions around the ever-mutating forms, limits, plasticity, optical register and possibilities of digital and analogue states-of-being.

(We can’t confirm nor deny that Tim designed the official TAFE DESIGN ALUMNI logo, as it was so long ago and possibly back when it was the Central Design Alumni. In true keeping with ‘designers making great visual artist’, Salvador Dalí designed the Chumpa Chups logo in 1969.)

Graphic designer to Visual Artist — How did happen?

I have worked in a bunch of places! Some experiences, super positive and some not so fun, but really found love and career in Visual Art. I currently freelance and and make art full time. The TAFE course sparked a love for creation and encouraged me to create strange things, really wouldn't be in the position I am without that experience. Also met some of my best friends along the way!

I got my first job after graduating by responding to a callout looking for a Junior Designer (cannot remember what format this callout was). The job was really not for me but learned a-lot! Moved on to bigger and better things!

Advice for those wanting to follow your path?

Enjoy this moment, become invested in yourself and find a hobby outside of design. And have fun!

Take more risks

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

Such a hard question! Be a real person who exists in the world, always listen and enjoy what you are doing!

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

We need to be focusing on new technologies and introducing students to potential pathways that can feed off design.

And to future proof the design course at TAFE?

This sounds weird but I think it's really important to have people skills, I have found making personal connections has benefited me massively.

Visit his website