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

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

Vitamin Sea! A visit to Fraser Island

Often we are asked – so why is your studio called Salt? It originates from our love of the sea. It’s our ‘special place’ fulfilled with many years of memories – fishing, swimming, summer holidays on Straddie and relaxing on Fraser Island.

We have just come back from a short escape and wanted to share some pics. Spectacular and boundless natural beauty and abundant wildlife including whales, turtles, dolphins, eagles and dingoes. Sadly not as many fish as we had hoped – maybe next time!

Plan your own getaway!

 

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

 

Happy International Print day!!!

We love print – and today is the day we celebrate this amazing medium for communication!
Here is a collection of recent print productions we are proud to call our own ‘works of art’!

Want to know more about the value of print?

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

Who run the world! Girls!

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

 

 

Musings from our recent Salty overseas adventure

Hello my old friends – you haven’t aged a bit! Perhaps the most significant moment during my trip to Paris was the day I reacquainted myself with some old and dear friends – the Impressionists and the Fauvists!

What a revelation it was to actually view the artworks I had so intently studied in high school and at Art College. Researching their lives, studying their styles, recreating their masterpieces in an effort to better understand their passion and, for that matter, my passion for creative expression.

To be able to walk right up to paintings by Paul Cezanne, Degas, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse Lautrec and Monet (just to name a few!) was a dream come true!

To closely study each paint stroke and then step back to view each masterpiece in full and realise this was not a coffee table book or poster – but the real thing! Pinch me please!!!!

Thank you Paris for reconnecting me with old familiar friends. The years may have passed – but they all looked better now than I could have ever remembered!

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

 

World Ocean’s Day

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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Patrick’s Day
Inspiration

Oh to be sure to be sure – it’s a Grand Green Day! (and we don’t mean the band!)

Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up a few favourite pieces to make you green with envy this St Patrick’s Day! {p.s you’ll find even more beauties on our Pinterest board!} Be sure to check them out to help you join in the celebrations!

  • Wallpaper // Salt Design – download your FREE typographic calendar.
  • Palm Canyon print // The White Bunglow Home Interiors – Print looking super lush – amazing styling & photo by Villa Styling
  • Letter P // Alphabout – We love a green pea!
  • Norick Brand Identity // Ashley Jankowski – Gold foiling and oh so much green, on this branding project!
  • Multicolour Garland // DD Brand – Peacock inspired coloured tassels make the perfect decoration! {or even to brighten up your workspace!}
  • Urchin table centrepiece // Lana Caves Stylist – A beautiful centrepiece for our studio this St Pat’s Day!
  • Clover crown // Oh Happy Day – This stunning DIY paper crown might make you even luckier this year!
  • Clover straws // Martha Stewart – Decorate your drinks with these DIY straw toppers.
  • Clover green and blush earrings // Emily Green – We love Emily’s hand-made jewellery designs and would have these earrings any day!
  • Colorplan Emerald & Lockwood Green // BJBall Papers – Featured at the entrance of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Design by Matthew Guzowski and Amanda Teer from Australian Museum.
  • You Sham Rock Cookies // Tell Love & Party – Love the editable glitter on these delicious looking cookies! Some great ideas on Sara’ blog!
  • Printable Leprechaun Mini-Cupcake Toppers // Oh Happy Day – She’s done it again! Fun printables and DIY for your sweet treats!
  • Summer Lovin’ Palms Gift Wrap // Colour and Chaos – We’re a huge fan of Jodi’s vibrant designs and passion for colour, including this revisible gift wrap!
  • Seeker, Double-Sided Wrap // Emma Kate Co. – You might know of Emma through her beautiful hand lettering, but she also creates amazing gift wrap patterns
  • Green Macrame plant hanger // Scout Gathers – A passion for weaving knots into modern macrame pieces, we love this hand-made, dip-dyed plant hanger.

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

 

Happy Australia Day mate!

G’day! While it’s been a very rainy day here in Brisbane today, we’re all hoping {fingers crossed!!} the weather will clear up for our long weekend to celebrate Australia Day.

So… the countdown to backyard cricket, a barbie with friends, fish ‘n’ chips at the beach and dressing up is on! How will you celebrate Australia Day this year?

We’re collected a few of our favourite Salty summer essentials below to inspire you {and don’t forget to pray for sunshine!!}

1. Beach Umbrella – Acapulco // 2. Pineapple Ice Trays // 3. Cancer Council Ultra Sunscreen SPF 50+ // 4. Vegemite //
5. The Beach People // 6. Sunny Spot Beach Towel // 7. Dotti Summer Trilby // 8. Inflatable Flamingo //
9. Jungle Fever Love Rug // 10. Slim Metallic Copper Havaianas {must have thongs!}

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