TDK Awards '16 winner, Joel Mechielsen, tells us about developing James Street’s RESORT 2016 identity with a bunch of rad creative directors from The FS Group, his move to Sydney soon, and the occasional weekday surf.
When did you fall in love with design and how did you get started?
I was a Property Analyst at the time, working for a team of commercial agents selling some pretty massive CBD buildings. I found myself getting more excited about the property brochures than I was about the sales and dollar signs. It was one of those moments where I thought to myself “Hey, I think I like graphic design?” I quit my job and started studying a few months later.
What was your plan for graduating and what actually happened?
Having just finished my 3rd semester of an Advanced Diploma with one final semester to go, I get a call for a temp job. I had three weeks holiday before going back to college and they had a three week contract. Perfect! I took the gig. One job turned into two jobs which turned into three jobs and I never went back to college. I figured I already had a diploma… I think it turned out to be the right decision.
Who are your top five design crushes right now?
Right now I’m vibing on:
1. Leta Sobierajski
2. Spassky Fischer
3. La Tigre
4. Laura Karasinski
5. Savvy Studio
What has been your highlight since you started out?
Developing James Street’s RESORT 2016 identity. It was a dream. I worked with an amazing team of Creative Directors from The FS Group which made it even more memorable.
I had three weeks holiday before going back to college and they had a three week contract. One job turned into two jobs which turned into three jobs and I never went back to college. I figured I already had a diploma… I think it turned out to be the right decision.
What advice would you give students starting out?
Run your own race and constantly remind yourself that you're making progress each day.
Whats on the cards professionally and personally in the next 12 months?
I’m on the hunt for a Junior Design role in Sydney. In the meantime I’ll continue freelancing and enjoying the perks of self-employment i.e. lots of coffee catch ups and the occasional weekday surf :)
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