Dave Colliver

Specialized in Art Supplies Design.

Dave Colliver

About Dave Colliver

Dave Colliver is a professional with more than 25 years’ hands on and leadership experience in a range of industries and roles (predominantly within manufacturing environments) and as a result, possesses a suite of highly diverse skills. Dave has made direct contributions to customer satisfaction, product & service quality, overall business effectiveness and revenue & market share for internationally competitive organizations.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Art Supplies Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Art Supplies
Possibilities Ballpoint Pen

Possibilities Ballpoint Pen

Art Supplies Design

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Nominate Your Work for the A' Design Award.

Sign-Up

Interview with Dave Colliver

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by how things work and been drawn to aesthetically pleasing things. It was a natural progression for me to follow this passion through my education but from there my career path took me on a very extensive apprenticeship through industrial design, sales & marketing, manufacturing, quality, production engineering, Lean & continuous improvement and business management. This has been a long but valuable education, one that left me eager to re-enter the design world and apply the lessons learned. Here are the first results.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I’m a one man band with a great number of local Australian contacts and resources that I can call on. I am keen to keep focusing on non-commissioned works where I can give attention to the areas I see most important in my chosen markets.
What is "design" for you?
Design for me has always been about using inherent forms, properties and forces to their utmost, in the simplest form possible, to achieve interesting outcomes. It’s not about making things happen – it’s about removing the barriers so they can just happen the way they are meant to, physically and emotionally.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I love designs that focus on the simple things, transforming activities we often take for granted into experiences that we can take pleasure in. Ideally there will be visual, tactile and mechanical elements with an appreciation that can grow over time and endure. I’m more into lasting cherished experiences than an instant wow factor that fades.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
It’s not one that would impress someone in a bar conversation. It was a specimen container used for collecting biological samples for medical analysis. That was nearly thirty years ago and elements of the original design are still prominent in the current product. I’m very proud of that.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
My imagination. But my observation too. I love seeing and hearing how people interact with and feel about products they want and use.
When do you feel the most creative?
As a trigger for being creative, ideas come at the strangest times and in the strangest ways but generally not when trying to force it. As a result of being creative, in the early concept stages and when the end result works well. Everything else in between is a lot of hard work though with occasional moments of joy.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Once the concept is the right fit for the market and the resolution starts I ask “what can be done with less?” and “are there any elements that can be used to perform other functions?”
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
The complete spectrum. The enjoyable moments are the ones that drive you and the frustrations that come with trial and error need perseverance and self-belief to get you through.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
It’s strange. There is a great euphoria in that ah-ha moment but then there’s also awareness that it came about as part of a process, The solution was there all along and just needed to be filtered out from the noise.
What makes a design successful?
When people really want it and you have created a chance to make someone’s day.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
It may sound strange but firstly, if it looks like it has been designed with a purpose.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I think to create something that endures in making peoples’ lives better.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I think technology is helping designers visualise and prototype more ideas faster which is great when you’re in a trial and error phase but I hope young designers also see the value in taking the time to really get a feel for a concept too. As for where design is heading. I think the great work of past designers in establishing the benefits of good design now means the consumer is more aware and will expect to have increasing input into what they get. Designers will need to interact with their chosen markets more intimately to truly understand them.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
The greatest exhibition for me would be getting this design out to the world so people can enjoy it.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, without limits. If something generates a powerful emotion, it is a source of positive inspiration.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
I tend to lean towards a minimalist style, at least in appearance. I like that designs which appear simple can have layers of interest that can continue to unfold and encourage a growing appreciation. I look at how someone uses a product over time and how their emotions may evolve.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Australia and more specifically Adelaide. Our short heritage is one of resourcefulness and a desire for simple functionality which I do value a lot. It tends to encourage a no-nonsense pragmatism. Acceptance by the local market is often a result of products working well and lasting forever. What I have gained from travels through Europe is a greater appreciation of the emotional aspects of design.
How do you work with companies?
My broad experience definitely helps here. Having a good understanding of their needs and capabilities is important. I always choose companies with an appreciation for quality and I always deal with them face to face where possible.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I tried mapping that out in specific terms once, and only once. It’s more useful to have a head full of knowledge and kit bag full of tools and possess the ability to adapt and apply the best of it as the need arises.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
My Zippo lighter with the lifetime guarantee engraved in the case, Pilippe Stark Cantilevered watch, Sony Vaio laptop, Microsoft Arc Touch mouse and le Corbusier chase lounge.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Look around you at all things and ask what is it that makes you or others feel the way they do about it. Not just products or even visual things but natural things, music, food, whatever. Find what you can take from it that can be useful in your designs to create positive emotions.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Being able to pull ideas together to create something real and tangible is something that is hard to rival. The emotional ups and downs in the process of getting there can be quite challenging.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
A pencil and paper and Solidworks for the grunt work. I also have a collection of products that inspire me close by but inspiration can come from anywhere.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
It’s a very flexible thing depending on where I’m at in the design process. There can be times when you just need to take a break to clear your head and there are also very late nights when you have ideas in your head that just need to be resolved. I think this is one of the things that differs between commissioned and non-commissioned works.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
I’ll defer to the 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration cliché. More than you think when you start the process.
What was your most important job experience?
Customer issue resolution and continuous improvement. These two roles have taught me many things to avoid in a design.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
In a general sense, non-commissioned works. I like to think of the consumer as the ultimate client.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Despite lots of experience spanning from market research through design, manufacturing, sales and marketing, I always involve others throughout the design process as early and often as possible. Overall though, I still have ultimate control.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
The first priority is getting the if.. pen to market. There are irons in the fire for future developments too. That’s enough to focus on for now.
How can people contact you?
By e-mail (dave_colliver@internode.on.net) first. I love a good face to face chat though, so if you’re ever in Adelaide, South Australia look me up.

Extended Interview with Dave Colliver

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I was fortunate enough to go through the Industrial Design course at UniSA which by all accounts was world standard. From there my career path took me on a very extensive apprenticeship through industrial design, sales & marketing, manufacturing, quality, production engineering, Lean & continuous improvement and business management. This has been a long but valuable education, one that left me eager to re-enter the design world and apply the lessons learned.
How did you become a designer?
Initially, I suppose my reasons for getting into design were quite selfish. I liked nice things and wanted to create them. Enter the real world. Years of delving into marketing and manufacturing and I now see that the benefits of design are far beyond my own desires and even those of the consumers. Now, my motivation is to create great experiences that make the world a better place in the most economical and environmentally friendly manner.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I love designs that focus on the simple things, transforming activities we often take for granted into experiences that we can take pleasure in. Ideally there will be visual, tactile and mechanical elements with an appreciation that can grow over time and endure. I’m more into lasting cherished experiences than an instant wow factor that fades.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I’m a long way from seeing myself as a design legend but I do believe young designers should learn everything possible about what consumers want and what is needed to turn that into a real and viable product. This is an ongoing process in an ever changing environment.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A great designer creates something really new in a concept, process or product. The market ultimately determines this to a point but may not see the gold that lies underneath in many cases. This is part of the value to the design community in awards, competitions and exhibitions such A’Design where these things can be dissected and communicated.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Beyond being viable, I’d say that it’s how well the outcome meets the intent. You could be out to design something that lots of people like, something a few people love, something that prompts vigorous discussion or even something that plants a seed and can grow with consumer input. There are a myriad of different purposes for design projects and the measures will be different for each one. With this in mind, some tangible and intangible goals should be set in the initial brief. These can be tested throughout the design process, in prototyping, with focus groups and ultimately with market response.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
It’s a part of human nature to progress and design is an inseparable part of that. Good designs that produce new and lasting paradigm shifts, no matter how large or small, represent ratchet steps. These ratchet steps prevents us from slipping back and wasting time, effort and resources covering old ground.
What is your day to day look like?
It will be something that aids a healthy, active and social lifestyle.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
It’s over the horizon still, I know it’s there, I can feel it drawing me in, I’ll let you know as soon as I do.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Many of the greatest products throughout history, in terms of market success, have been the result of great design, timing and exceptional marketing all of which make a strong connection with people. Even then, the companies responsible for their success often struggle to fully explain the specific reasons for it. One thing they do seem to have in common is an understanding that people want to be both individual and a part of something bigger than themselves.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Philippe Stark is one that comes to mind who has inspired me with some of his products.
What is your biggest design work?
Mostly, my Zippo lighter with the lifetime guarantee engraved in the case. It provides a pleasurable experience that engages a number of senses and emotions while meeting a basic need very well. The engraved guarantee openly celebrates the reliability and durability of the product and the focus on quality and customers. The replicated 1935 shape also gives it a little personal uniqueness.
Who is your favourite designer?
This one - so far. It’s honest in its appeal, no trick or exaggerations, and there are people who have really fallen in love with it which give me a bit of a lump in the throat.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I read a comment from Austen Angell, CEO of Modern Edge that I thought had great merit. "It's all about getting away from the old world design of ‘we're going to perform magic’… now the magic is this process of collaborating.”
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I would have been a disillusioned want-to-be designer probably. I have had many roles throughout my career and in every one I have valued my training and background in design. I think design knowledge forms a great foundation for so many things. There is a design component in creating anything new.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is about pulling emotions and ideas together to create new ways of meeting needs and desires. Design for me has always been about using inherent forms, properties and forces to their utmost, in the simplest form possible, to achieve interesting outcomes. It’s not about making things happen – it’s about removing the barriers so they can just happen the way they are meant to, physically and emotionally.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My fiancé has been very supportive during the ups and downs that come from being passionate about design and that simply must be acknowledged. The greatest encouragement has come from Sandy Walker, a former lecturer of mine from UniSA. Thanks Sandy.

Stay Updated with Latest Design News

By clicking Sign-Up, you are opting to receive promotional emails from A' Design Awards, World Design Rankings, World Design Consortium and Designers.Org You can update your preferences or unsubscribe any time.

You are now at the right step

Join Designers.org & Start Promoting Your Design Worldwide.

Create an Account