The line up for The Design Conference this year is killer (as usual)! Kris Sowersby, Maria Montes, Mitch Paone and Meg Donohoe from DIA; the list goes on! There's also a heap of complimentary breakout sessions (mini-workshops), the option to sit down and have an exclusive dinner with all the speakers (no biggie), and the ADRboys Matt & Flyn are back again to host the Q&A sessions (yasss!). To warm up for the epic 2 day conference in May we had a quick 10 Q's with Keynote Speaker Chris Doyle from Christopher Doyle & Co about the future of design, dressing as Tina Turner, and staying motivated!
What are you passionate about besides your work?
Music, Film and Bread.
How would you describe your work and your influences?
I would hope our work would be described as idea-based and communication lead. We aim to have original, relevant ideas, executed with consideration and care. Our influences are broad. Everything from 1960's British design through to Neil Kellerhouse.
If you could pick one and one word only to describe your work, what would it be?
Thoughtful.
What is your vision for the future of design?
Outwardly, that we all continue to help people communicate and make things simpler, smarter, more beautiful and more fun. Inwardly, that we all stop ripping each other off and climbing over each over on social media to chase fame.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to face during your career journey?
Setting up a business.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Running a business. And finding the appropriate amount of time to think.
What is the best piece of advice you have heard, which you would like to pass on to others?
Design is about other people.
Where do you find your inspiration?
The same places everyone does. Online, in print, galleries in the very old and the very new.
What originally influenced you to pursue design?
I failed to get into art school and design was an unplanned back up. So it was all unintentional really.
Do you have a life motto which you live by?
Give everything away.
What are some of the methods you employ to staying motivated and enthused on the daily?
I try to consume as much design as I can, without drowning and I try to eat well and exercise. The hope that there is an amazing idea or visual on the horizon is all the motivation I need.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt getting to where you are today?
That many heads are better than one. Always. With the right combination of people, of course.
What was your first job?
I was a designer in a studio in Canberra called Green.
What self-imposed rules do you employ when embarking on a creative project?
Never start with style. We need to have an idea, or something to say, before we figure out how to say it.
What is something which most people do not know about you?
I dressed as Tina Turner for a primary school performance of Simply The Best.
What do you think are some of the most exciting things currently happening in the industry?
I love how expressive design is becoming. Braulio Amado’s work kills me. So artistic and care free. I am also enjoying how brave some of the bigger brands are getting. People are being treated as intelligent and discerning. It allows for more exciting work.
How do you keep your ideas fresh?
With great difficulty. We all check each others work to make sure it’s moving forward and it’s interesting and as good as it can be.
What's your thoughts on creative block, and in your opinion do you think it exists?
Yes, it absolutely exists. It happens for me on almost every job.
What is your favourite creative medium and why?
Pencil and paper. It’s quick, clean and raw.
Get more Chris Doyle insights & wisdom at #tdcbne18. Jump on it ASAP and get 25% off tickets (yippee!). Early bird closes March 23rd or until sold out. For tickets and to check out all the other legendary #tdcbne18 speakers this year, jump onto The Design Conference website: thedesignconference.com.au
