Tess Stokes is a fresh graduate from Academy of Design/La Trobe University, and was voted in our 16 for 2016 by The Hungry Workshop. We chat Paul Rand, not being a cow, five design crushes and future plans of London and Berlin.
What are some of your earliest creative memories and what lead you into design?
Studying Visual Communication in high school – I always looked forward to new briefs, I loved being challenged as well as expressing ideas in a visual and creative way. After discovering AgIdeas back in 2010 It was a very surreal and powerful experience, I left knowing what I wanted the spend the rest of my life doing.
Who are your top five design crushes right now?
Where do you think design is heading in the next five years and how will you adapt?
Advances in technology are becoming so accessible and I think digital design is going to be the way of the future – Interactive design in particular. Also the fact that even today people are doing what we can do for less money with the help of Adobe programs and inspiration sites, it’s a very fragile topic. I think the role of the computer has decreased creative and artistic abilities. I love this quote from Paul Rand: "It is important to use your hands. This is what distinguishes you from a cow or a computer operator." The use of hands gives work a raw and personal finish which I really admire. To me digital design will never give the same satisfaction as the tactility and the experience of books, catalogues, invitations and all things print. I will adapt through keeping up with new technologies and programs but also respecting and exercising traditional methods and techniques.
What has been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?
To keep away from the internet for inspiration and to find it within our daily lives. Failure is a good thing. Keeping a balanced lifestyle between work and play. Make what you love and not what you think other people will love. To think without pressure.
Whats the big goal in the next five years?
Interning in Europe and later on, (being bold) opening my own studio.
What was your plan for graduating and what actually happened?
I just recently graduated (2015) my plan is to freelance, work on side projects (book about serial killers) and intern – Berlin or London are the dream. Let’s hope it all goes to plan....
Where to find Tess Stokes online.
Instagram: @tesstokes
