A big congrats to Cassie Stevens (@SoggySavoy), one of our 30 TDK Awards winners' for 2019. Monash University graduate from Melbourne, their work was chosen by Jeremy Wortsman from The Jacky Winter Group (@jackywinter) in Melbourne: "Hard to go past the deep well of Australiana that Cassie has mined for her work, definitely hits the mark for me! Cassie is definitely taking a fearless approach to her folio - both in terms of subject matter, but also how she is exploring a wide variety of mediums in addition to traditional illustration. From her sculptures to wall art, there’s a unifying and imperfect aesthetic that is really captivating. It’s obviously hitting the mark for others as well, as her commissioned work shows as well. Definitely going to keep an eye on this home-grown talent." We asked Cassie to answer a few questions for next years TDK Awards hopefuls.
What do you wish you’d known now when you started your design course?
Design is so diverse, it's not all lifeless brochures and generic logos! So don't choose design as a cop-out way to support your side hustle in illustration - Illustration can be a full-time hustle if you pull ya head in.
What originally lead you in to design, and how has that changed - what do you want to do/are doing now?
I had my mind set on doing a course in fashion design with a scholarship placed in my palm.
So Monash Communication Design was my fifth choice but I liked their vibe after I had an interview with them.
However I didn't have a high enough entry score from high school to be accepted, so I chose the pathway through Monash College doing Art and Design.
Now that I have two pieces of paper to say that I'm qualified, I'd love to stick down a full-time job as a designer in a small studio.
Any hot tips for getting ahead at uni?
Trust your gut and go against the flow.
What do you love about the design scene in your city and what companies are on your dream list to work or collaborate with?
I'm from a small town that's just over an hour's drive to Melbourne, so the design scene around here is outdated and small but I've been so lucky to meet some great artists down here that continue to guide and inspire me all along the way.
It would be sick to scribble up a few things for Big M, Volleys, Chiko, and Vegemite because they are such iconic brands in Australia.
I'd also love to combine my love for art and music with Triple J and MTV.
Life is like Melbourne's weather. It can be sunny one moment, and storming the next.
Where do you see your career in 5 years?
Life is like Melbourne's weather. It can be sunny one moment, and storming the next.
There's no way to know what will happen in 5 years, so I just hope I'm around good people and doing what I enjoy.
2019 for you in a sentence
Welcome the unexpected.
Where to find Cassie Stevens online.
Website: cassstevens.com
Instagram: @SoggySavoy
