Name: Luke Taaffe
1. Where did you study graphic design?
I Studied Graphic Design at Hornsby TAFE from 98 to 2000
2. What made you to want to be a graphic designer/ artist?
I was creative as a kid and the interest developed as I grew older into my teens. I narrowed Graphic Design down out of a few key areas of creativity to make a living when I finished the HSC so I undertook the test to get in. These days I juggle my time between fine art, graphic design and fashion.
3. How long have you been doing graphic design for?
Around 8-10 yrs Graphic Design experience.
4. How did you get your first job in design and where was it at?
I travelled after I finished my course and found it really hard to get a job in the industry when I came back. This was frustrating so I started my own freelance company which slowly but surely generated a good income where I could work from home, surf and paint. I still freelance through this business but also work at Hotsprings now as a graphic artist in fashion. They own many well known labels like Maui & Sons, Milk & Honey.
5. On your web site it says you like to create your art and designs on old boxes and pre loved materials what made you design in such an interesting form?
Painting on canvas became so boring and wood seemed fun to work with. I like making things and the wooden boxes became a natural progression from this approach. I find a lot of my base materials so they usually have a weathered and aged texture which is perfect for my art.
6. A lot of your artworks and designs are drawn and painted by hand and has a more organic feel, do you think that some designers these days are relying too much on computers rather than the old school way of hand produced works?
I was always taught at TAFE that the computer is just a tool which it is. Computers are a vital part of the industry and relevant for production etc. Being able to connect the computer with your drawing ability gives you an edge that other designers may not have. In fashion where I do a lot of surf graphics, being able to draw is a must. Companies want unique concepts that can only be created by hand.
7. What is your main influence in design and your art works?
Main influences are the ocean and waves, vibrant colours, other artists, environment and the struggling relationship between man/woman and earth.
8. What are the most interesting job/ clients you have worked on?
My most interesting jobs are the most fun jobs and that would be for Rhythm Garments (an innovative surf label) and Carter Skimboards. I have worked on so many different jobs it’s hard to recall them all from Development Sites to Pet Minding Services. You take the good with the bad when you start then slowly find your market /niche where you enjoy your work.
9. What is your design process when given a brief and do you use the same inspiration for every job?
Every job is different and should be treated like this. I research as much as I can initially then work with the pencil on those key areas and early concepts. A diary helps so you can paste in clippings, ideas rough drawing etc you can look back at. Using the computer is a process further down the line.
10. Have you ever done graphic design work in other countries? And if so where and when?
Unfortunately I haven’t worked with overseas designers or studios. Clothing I have done on the other hand has been sold all around the world though surfshops and I have sold art to people around the globe.
11. What has been the biggest highlight in your career yet?
Biggest highlight is waking up each day knowing that I enjoy what I do. So many people hate their jobs and I am fortunate I am not one of them. Art & Design all the way bro!
12. Finally do you have any words of wisdom for young graphic designers on how to get started in the world of design?
Be patient and don’t get ahead of yourself. Fine tune your craft and look for jobs that best suit your best abilities. There are so many areas to work in so do as much research as you can to find the right direction then go for it… As they say all good things comes to those who wait! One last thing….NETWORK! Talk to as many people as you can to get your name out there. A lot of jobs go to people who know someone who know someone so network.
All the best.
Regards, Luke Taaffe
Age: 30yrs Old
Home town? Wamberal NSW
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