Interview with Todd Watts
Todd is a multidisciplinary communication designer from Melbourne, Australia. Todd has completed a bachelor in communication design and developed skills across a multitude of disciplines including…
Design Legend Interview
24 April 2017
I learnt the foundation of my design knowledge from my father, a sign-writer. He taught me about form, balance and type. I performed in many bands and subsequently began working in music marketing and PR. I studied at Billy Blue college of Design in Melbourne and began working soon after.
Its exciting but mysterious all at the same time. I love realising my design concepts, releasing it to the world and then watching how its perceived.
Initially I didn't realise it was a job. I knew I didn't want to work in my fathers profession until I realised I was naturally good at it. Then more and more I was pulled into design work until it became a career.
At the moment I do a lot of branding communications and animation. I love to combine hand-craft with branding and I'd love to do more of that work.
Being brave. Make a stand, believe in something and shout it out.
I believe good design is easily understood and not exclusive. All good design has a 'smile in the mind' moment where people realise its purpose.
Good design is good business, no matter what business you're in. Its all about clever communication - 'this is my message, whats the simplest way to communicate it'.
I love the work of SNASK, Beci Orpin and Jack Vanzet to name a few.
With confidence.
Designer Interview
24 April 2017
Growing up, I watched my father work as a songwriter. Often helping him I learnt about type, balance and basic commercial art practice. At the time I had no interest in becoming a designer, I didn’t even know that was a career. I studied and performed music and went in and out of various careers until finally I came full circle back into design.
I’m currently a graphic designer and animator at Yelldesign and one half of the design practice Milk + Cookies.
Visual communication that balances between unconventional advertising and minimalistic elegance to convey a message in the quickest, easiest form.
Branding communication that combines created craft and hand-made elements.
I love the branding work for ‘Froda’ created by SNASK. They created a living visual identity that was bold, colourful and extremely unique.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/44583983/Froda
https://www.behance.net/gallery/44583983/Froda
A logo and brand guidelines for an electrical company called ‘Four Aces Technologies’.
I love working with paper or materials and stop motion animation. Its an unexpected combination that when combined makes for a very appealing creation.
Usually very early mornings and very late at night.
The concept is key for me. It needs to scream its purpose immediately.
In no particular order; stress, anxiety, joy, excitement amazement, and exhaustion.
Relief. Haha!
If its easily understood or creates meaningful conversation.
Purpose is most important in design. If it has no purpose then whats the point.
Other designers, films, art, travel and design play.
I love combining minimal design with hand-crafted design executions. I think these two elements create an appealing design solution.
I live in Melbourne, Australia. The artistic culture of Melbourne is profound. Its a great place to be creative and theres a lot of talented competition. Design in Australia is very different to the rest of the world. From my perspective design in Australia is noticed, a new cafe, a new logo. Design in the US or Europe is expected.
Unconventional design solutions executed with a high level of professionalism.
Find someone with a great work ethic. Someone who is passionate and who isn't afraid to express their opinion.
I usually start with heavy research followed by sketching and brainstorming then various creative experimentation involving paint, drawing and collages. Finally I begin digital trials and the process starts again.
Multiple wide screen monitors, my calendar, my MiGoals working pads, a good ink pen and my Wacom tablet.
Working at a content creation and animation agency is lots of fun, everyday is new and exciting. My day usually starts at 6.30, I get up early for breakfast, a coffee and a morning jog then I head to the office to check my daily tasks and look over various design blogs. Our day begins with a morning meeting to discuss the day and our progress. My roles at YellDesign include concept development, paper-crafting, animation and client liaison. After work I either stay at the studio to explore ideas or meet with Milk + Cookies to discuss our clients and various projects.
Ask questions, be confident and remember that just because you wear a suit and tie doesn't make you a professional.
Its an exciting life, in my experience its always new and never boring. Always exciting seeing some of your work in the flesh, on a billboard or on a business window.
Multiple calendars and note pads help. I have to plan out my weeks and days in advance whenever possible.
Interning at SNASK agency in Stockholm, Sweden.
I love to test myself, traveling while working is a great way to do this so I'm interested in working or interning abroad.
Both, I feel that working as a team produces better results.
Visit my website - www.toddwatts.com.au