Salt Design special interests: These blogs will be an expression of our creativity, a place to share our ideas, show-off projects, ‘sigh’ with inspiration – and have some fun along the way!

International Women’s Day 2019 – #BalanceforBetter

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The concept of ‘balance’ is core to achieving gender equality. We acknowledge that right now in our society there is an imbalance. But how do we change this? What can we do to achieve the goal of a more balanced, fair and equitable role for all women in society – in business and in our communities?

Perhaps understanding the principles of balance in design, and applying these same principles to our lives, could provide us with a guide to how we can progress toward achieving Balance for Better.

A balanced composition feels right. It feels stable and aesthetically pleasing. While some of its elements might be focal points and attract your eye, no one area of the composition draws your eye so much that you can’t see the other areas.1

We need to recognise each other for our unique capabilities. We can provide a safe, open and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are. We can also provide support and direction when held is needed. And we must reward individuals equally on merit.

Balancing a composition involves arranging both positive elements and negative space in such a way that no one area of the design overpowers other areas.1

Let’s recognise and celebrate our differences. Let’s relish in our uniqueness. Let’s understand that personalty is an individual characteristic that’s not gender-related. Let’s appreciate not only our difference in gender – but the differences that come with age, culture and experience.

Everything works together and fits together in a seamless whole. The individual parts contribute to their sum but don’t try to become the sum.1

When we collaborate and share ideas, the result is so much richer! Being equal should not be interpreted as ‘being the same’. Let’s embrace our differences and relish in the possibilities of coming together to be a better humanity. [Now join hands and let’s sing “Kumbaya!”]

It’s a huge topic and a massive task to change attitudes that have been entrenched in our society for many generations. We are a small studio of five individuals. But we still can have an effect…

  • We can be aware, we can share our ideas and opinions openly.
  • We can provide a safe, open and inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are.
  • We can celebrate creativity and innovation and praise a job well done!
  • We can conduct ourselves in both business and our personal lives in a fair and equitable manner.
  • AND we can make positive changes that take us closer toward achieving a balance for better.

All of this is possible – regardless of gender.

 

salt-shaker-signoffBecause everything is better with a sprinkle of salt!
SALT.Shaker

 

Reference 1. Smashing Magazine

Who run the world! Girls!

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Creativity comes from within – whether you’re male or female. And thankfully, design and print are industries where men and women can, and do, work together to collaborate, create and develop great designs and print!

At Salt we are living proof of this. And we believe it’s definitely something worth celebrating – being passionate, creative (female) designers.

In recognition of this, we’ve just signed up to a new network called the Femeconomy – which celebrates the achievements of businesses that are predominantly run by women. It’s a great venture aimed at raising awareness and highlighting the sometimes gender inequalities (real or perceived) that occurs in businesses and industry.

We’re not rushing out to burn our bras or beat our chests crying out for feminine freedoms! Nahh – we’re just very proud to work in a small business, owned and operated by a woman, who employs highly talented and creative young women!

Further links

salt-shaker-signoffBecause everything is better with a sprinkle of salt!
SALT.Shaker

 

 

World Ocean’s Day

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So where’s the connection between a design studio and World Ocean’s Day???

It’s all in the name . . . SALT.

Over thirteen years ago Salt Design began. What had been a lifelong passion to design well and to create, solve, challenge, question and produce great, beautiful effective design – needed to find a home.

To start, we had one huge question to answer – what would the studio be called?
It needed to be something catchy, memorable, slightly off-centre and unpredictable – with an ‘ahah!’ moment response.
But it also need to be something meaningful to us. A name/word which captured life’s journey thus far, encapsulated our approach to service delivery, whilst holding a subtle reference to the things most important to us.

And so ‘Salt’ became our name.

It’s a word which epitomises all that we are – ‘Salt of the earth’, ‘worth our Salt’, humble, unassuming designers who add that vital ingredient to projects which enhances flavour and taste – bringing out the best in all that we create!

Stradbroke Island
Like so many Aussies, we have many childhood memories of times spent fishing, swimming and beach-combing during many endless summers. The ocean is a special place where solace is found, calm restored and creativity revitalised. Our special place was and always will be North Stradbroke Island. We recently traveled there and saw whales, dolphins, fish and sea birds. We also took some amazing photos to share… {see below}

Recognising the value of our oceans
Fisherman lament to living with a ‘deep respect for the sea’ – they value all that it can give and to recognise all that it can take away. Sadly, we are guilty of not always giving the oceans the respect they truly deserves. Pollution, over-fishing, mining and climate change are having devastating impacts on our oceans and its creatures.

The significance of our oceans should not be overlooked, nor taken for granted. Sure, we are but humble designers – however we can make changes in our daily lives to help our oceans remain safe and the abundance of life they sustain remain plentiful for generations to come. Consider the amount of plastic and toxic cleaners we use; support a local environmental group; get involved in the next local ‘clean up day’; buy sustainable, farmed or line-caught fish and seafood; DON’T buy shell product unless you know they have been fished sustainably…
There are many ways we can help make a difference.

Additional links

Small changes may seem like a tiny drop in the ocean – but the wave of change begins with a single ripple…

‘Swimmingly yurs Dudes! (channeling our inner Nemo!)
salt-shaker-signoffBecause everything is better with a sprinkle of salt!
SALT.Shaker

 

 

Images: Turtle + GhostNetsAustralia // What goes in the ocean goes in you // Albatross by Chris Jordan // Coral Brooch 1 and 2 (recycled debris)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lest we forget
ANZAC Day

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Lest we take for granted how fortunate we are to live in this great southern land.

Each year, as ANZAC Day approaches, we are reminded how we should remember the fallen. Those who fought courageously for our countries – Australia and New Zealand. Upon reflection, perhaps we can also use this commemoration to remember what we have and how lucky it is to live in countries where we can feel safe and able to live the lives we choose to live.

At Salt, we’re drawn to visually beautiful things – awesome design, brilliant typography, brilliant new styles and trends in all areas of design. So we would like to take this opportunity to recognise and be grateful for the freedoms we are provided to create and inspire, to achieve and strive for new and beautiful designs.

Design ‘across the ditch’
We are inspired by the freshness and ingenuity happening in all areas of New Zealand design. The nation’s approach to life, respect of nature and ‘genuine’ personality are being translated into many design disciplines including graphic, environmental, interior, fashion, industrial and architectural. Whether it is the natural beauty of the landscape, the purity of New Zealand’s oceans or the remoteness of the country – there’s definitely something about kiwi design!

Our Great Southern Land
Not to get too swept away by the talents of our nearest neighbour – we’ve got some pretty clever and crafty folk here in our own back yard! The ability to step beyond the norm, willingness to stand out from the crowd and true blue Aussie resourcefulness are the qualities of young designers leading the way here in Oz .

So here’s to great design, to our ability to express ourselves creatively and stand proud as Aussie and New Zealand artisans.
We truly are grateful – for who we are, for what we have and for what we can create!

Lest we forget.

salt-shaker-signoffBecause everything is better with a sprinkle of salt!
SALT.Shaker

 

All images and biographies below are from the creative’s website – be sure to check them out!
You can also see their work on our Pinterest board!

Aussies // Edith Rewa, Brooke Holm, Brown Paper Lemon, Olivia York.
Kiwis // Fancy (featuring Design by Makebardo + The Neighbourhood Studio), Hello Polly, Inject Design, Klim Type Foundry, Think Packaging.