Tag Archive for: Design

At the top of our game

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Salt elevated Apex Facades’ business profile, enabling their brand to tower above their competitors.

Rigged up and ready for anything

We certainly rose to the challenge when we were handed the reins to create a digital interactive corporate profile from the ground up!

At Salt, we strive to work collaboratively with our clients. We also have a responsibility to use our design expertise to lead a project and push the envelope in terms of design and maximising content value.

For this project, we created a theme which was carried through every aspect of the document – from content research and writing, to copywriting playful headlines, to creating an edgy design and including our client’s awesome photography!

From our very first conversation with Apex Facades, we knew we were in for a fun and exciting ride! We loved their energy and passion for the business which elevated our expectations for this project to an even higher level.

Rising to the challenge

We set to work researching the business, their achievements, industry and competitors. From the insights gained, we began shaping the direction for the profile, taking on board our client’s vision, observations, likes and dislikes; and most importantly defining and showcasing the ‘why’ of the business.

While our clients were out scaling facades, we were refining the draft content they provided, wordsmithing pun-intended headings and preparing the text ready for the next step in our process – the design phase…

Elevating their brand profile

We visually-linked the profile theme by utilising dramatic photography, strong directional design devices and angles using a high-contrast colour palette. Our design absolutely represented Apex’s brand personality – innovative, daring and proactive!

After nailing the design brief, it was time to incorporate the interactive element which would provide readers with multiple ‘small bites’ of information. This feature also enabled us to effectively manage a large amount of content while keeping the PDF file size relatively small and suitable for emailing.

Apex pride themselves as innovation specialists, so we were especially keen to use interactive features to showcase their approach, and to engage and impress potential clients.

The sky’s the limit

Our client soars at heights we can only dream about! Telling their story from a photographic perspective was a powerful tool and certainly provided the hero element in our design.

We shared with the Apex team the value of strong photography and why investing in taking photos of the highest quality from the get-go truly makes an impactful difference to the finished result. From our insights, our client was able to provide us with such an amazing, quality library of images that we were spoilt for choice!

We are using our phone cameras more often to capture candid moments, then quickly posting these to social platforms. Although technology has come a long way, it’s important to recognise that these images are not always suitable for the variety of mediums and materials we design. For example, while a photo may be fine for your brochure, it’s too small to scale-up to suit a wall mural.

Reflecting on a job well done

At the completion of a project, there’s an amazing feeling of satisfaction we get when we’ve achieved a result that we’re proud of – brilliant design with strong brand messaging. This project was a great example of delivering the total package. And the best reward – our client was even happier with the result!

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

 

Meet Hannah :: Senior Designer

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Hannah Donaldson

So much of our Salty brilliance stems from Hannah’s drive to achieve great things for our clients. Her passion for great design is at the heart of everything she creates!

Hannah is methodical in her processes, which results in a calibre of design production that has our print suppliers in awe. Her eye for detail is second-to-none.

When it comes to the new and exciting design directions Hannah is no follower – she’s our trend-setter! Yet it’s her considered approach which truly illustrates Hannah’s creative maturity. Brand development, corporate literature, product packaging, even the simplest social media post – all benefit from Han’s focus on achieving visual gorgeousness which meets the brief spot on! And Hannah’s personal style exudes her confidence, capability and genuine love for design and client service.

Hannah is such an authentic, trusting and caring soul. She’s the glue that binds our creative team!

Tasty morsels about Hannah…

  • Hannah is the studio’s dedicated sports fanatic!
  • Hannah is a tea lover and expert biccie dunker – an early morning cuppa tea on Nan’s farm was a perfect start to the day!
  • Hannah enjoys outdoor adventures, taking her dog to the beach and heading out on the jet ski.
  • Hannah loves all things creative including interior design, and can’t get enough of Donna Guyler, Studio McGee and Joanna Gaines.

Quick-bites

Favourite colour: Blue
Favourite food:Passionfruit gelato
Favourite sport: NBA, Motor Racing, Rugby League
Favourite escape: Countryside with a view to the ocean
Cat or dog person: Dog

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

Meet Daile :: Director, Salt Design

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Meet Daile! The face, founder and Director of Salt Design. She’s the glue that holds us all together.

Daile has almost 30 years experience working in the Brisbane design and printing industries.

Daile mentors, guides and directs the creative output of the Salt Design team to ensure the delivery of contemporary, high quality, cost-efficient solutions. She combines her understanding of the requirements of corporate reporting with her knowledge of typography, creative design and production techniques.

Daile’s affable nature and ability to translate even the most complex design briefs into real-world solutions makes her an invaluable asset when engaging with our clients.

Daile’s work has won a number of design and print awards including National Print Awards; Public Sector Management Annual Report Awards; and Printing Industry Craftsmanship Awards.

Tasty morsels about Daile . . .

  • Daile named the studio based on her love of all things salty and in homage to her childhood experiences living on Stradbroke Island.
  • Daile is a self-confessed animal tragic!
  • Daile’s dream is to set up a luxury B&B farm-stay which will also be home to many, many animals including dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, pigs, cows and an alpaca!

Quick-bites

Favourite colour: Fluro lime green
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite sport: Cricket!
Favourite escape: Any where I can hear the sea! (definitely Straddie!)
Cat or dog person: BOTH!

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

 

Meet Daile Drevins - Director, Salt Design

Untitled. {The Design Conference}

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We attended this year’s event showcasing designers and graphic artists from Australia and around the world – two days of being fully immersed in design thinking. Held at the Powerhouse, the Design Conference was attended by over 500 delegates (local, national and international designers, industry peers, students and people who just love design!)

Design has the ability to extend, express and engage. It can communicate beyond perceived boundaries – geographically, culturally, politically and ethically.

It was a sensory delight seeing these designers’ works and hearing their journeys (both personal insights and career highlights). With the theme to this year’s event being “Life changing moments”, each speaker presented their own perspective on how they do what they do, and more importantly WHY they do what they do. As both personal and professional yardsticks, we found ourselves inwardly exclaiming “yes!” “me too!” and “oh wow!” many times! We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet other designers, discuss design topics in depth, be creatively inspired and awed by the achievements of such stand-out creatives!

  • It’s cool to be a kiwi and wear jandals on stage
  • Dyslexia is no obstacle to great design
  • Design can be a powerful driver to effecting change in humanity
  • Beautiful normal is a wonderful state of being!
  • Typefaces can be exceptional in themselves – when incorporated into brilliant design – the result AMAZING!
  • By guided by your own passion. It’s not a competition.

Each speaker was insightful and empowering in their own way.

Absolute standouts were…

It is so important to be challenged and inspired by learning from others.
And TDC provided us with such a brilliant opportunity to do this.

So when can we purchase tickets for next year’s event?

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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Design Conference – Day 2

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After an awesome first day of TDC – Day 2 was set up to be a hard act to follow! But it did not disappoint – as our newest Salty Designer discovered . . .

As this is the first conference I have attended since transitioning from a student to fully-fledged design professional . . . I felt like I was listening a little differently than what I had done in the past. As a student attending these events I would listen with stars in my eyes and my imagination running wild when I’d hear the speakers talk about ‘the real world’. Now that I’m in it, I listen with just as much enthusiasm, but it’s just different. I can relate a little more to the speakers now – which is awesome!

I believe each time I attend these events my perspective will evolve as I gather more experiences along the way (which is pretty exciting!).

I didn’t feel I specifically connected to any one speaker – instead, I took from each one what I needed. This was exactly the way to go, after all – as designers we will flourish when we let our lives flow.

The Design Conference 2016

 

The Design Conference 2016

 

 

Erin Smith

Erin Smith was one of the first presenters. She’s an artist from Ipswich who loves drinking glasses of milk! I admired Erin, for regardless the amount of knock-backs she received, she never was knocked down by her experiences. She also took a massive leap to study in New York city, where she studied two different art courses. Erin contacted artists she admired in the City, asking to meet for coffee and then became friends with them! I find networking in Brisbane intimidating enough!

I went along to Erin’s art exhibition held after the event to see her painting in real-life. It was a totally different experience to having seen them on screen – the textures and colours were just beautiful.

The Design Conference 2016

 

Nicole Phillips

I knew Nicole would be a highlight of Day 2! She’s a local typographer/designer who I’ve often seen at events but never actually met . . . something I definitely hope to do after hearing her presentation!

Nicole is one designer I found myself relating to now that I am in the industry and working with clients. Nicole explained how she worked her butt off to the point of burning out! At which point she realised just how important it is to have your own personal creative outlets as often client work just can’t cut it.

This is so true. I feel we are always being told this, but for a lot of us its not until we live it, that we do anything about it. Nicole encouraged the audience to ‘invest if yourself’ in order to create ‘crops of awesome work!’

The Design Conference 2016

 

Matt and Tim from Sons & Co

Matt and Tim from Sons & Co. are web designers from New Zealand (or as they put it – “from the island off the coast of Australia!”). These guys had the whole audience in fits of laughter. Their presentation was natural and comforting as they delved into telling tales of client work. They too have their own creative outlet – printing t-shirt designs which they approach well-known artist to contribute for. The boys have no branding, no business card, no social media and no website – they are the ‘website guys’ with no website . . . Go figure!
(Check out Sons and Co.’s work featured above at Boundary Breaks website and Crane Brothers website)

The Design Conference 2016

 

Todd Francis

The last presenter for the day was Todd Francis, an artist and illustrator from the States. Listening to Todd explain his art (which was mainly on skateboards) got me appreciating this style of illustration more than I have before. To be honest, his style is nothing like me, I’m more florals and happiness and Todd is more San Fran pigeons and dark humour. Todd told of the ups and downs life has brought him. It seemed like his outlet to illustrate assisted him in finding his way. Musicians have music, writers have writing and Todd has illustration… which made me think – what do I have? I really must work that out . . . watch this space!

As the event wrapped up, I felt inspired – but in a different way to what I’m used to. No longer was I trying to be just like the presenters. Instead, I listened to their experiences and took from them what I hope and believe will help me along my design journey. As I said before – watch this space!

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

Learning the right way to be a Wayfinder

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AGDA Afterhours – Conversations with Despina Macris – 27 April

On Wednesday night our newest Salty team member (Gemma!), listened intently as Despina Macris, Managing Co-Director of Dotdash, presented a snippet of what it is like to be a Wayfinder.

Despina held the attention of the AGDA community as she described Dotdash’s creative process, the variety of professions which are employed to work together and the incredible projects her team has worked on. By the end of her presentation, it seemed everyone in the room wanted to adapt their Graphic Design career to become a Wayfinder!

Having a ‘scaffolding education’
To produce wayfinding systems that work well and stand the test of time, a range of professions must work to together; such as Visual communicators, Interior designers, Architects, Industrial designers and Urban planners to name a few. Despina pressed the importance of having a ‘scaffolding education’, which is reflected in the qualifications the team at Dotdash boasts.

Finding your way around Brisbane
Despina described a wayfinding system that I see on a daily basis, and am sure most Brisbanites would recognise – you know the yellow pedestrian street signs plotted around Brisbane’s inner city? This is a Dotdash award winning project! It is a Multilingual Pedestrian Wayfinding and Signage system produced for the Brisbane City Council. Have you ever noticed there are five different languages on each sign! FIVE! It’s a typographic nightmare, but necessary to help locals and tourists navigate their way around our beautiful city. All Dotdash had to begin with was the already standing street poles, the rest was up to them. With design precision Dotdash produced a system that is clean and understandable at a glance.

How to move millions from A to B everyday
For everyone who has hopped on a form of transport in Sydney, you would have definitely been directed by the next project Despina spoke about. Dotdash worked with Transport for New South Wales to design the Multi Modal Wayfinding System. On a daily basis millions of people rely on this beautifully designed wayfinding system and train signage to navigate around the HUGE city! Maybe that’s why I don’t get lost when visiting Sydney!

Good design takes time
One of the longest running projects the team has worked on was Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, which was 7 years in the making. Despina explained how important it was to get the wayfinding exactly right − especially to enable patients and family to find their way in a short space of time.

Wayfinding design plays a part in all our lives, to make our life easier – sometimes without us even realising. Imagine a world without this form of design – it would be a pretty confusing place.

AGDA Queensland holds these free, short and sweet speaker events monthly. Keep an eye on their Facebook for upcoming events and follow on Instagram.

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

 

To view a previous presentation by Despina visit The Society for Experiential Graphic Design Chicago 2015.
Wayfinding images credited to Dotdash. Event image taken by AGDA Queensland.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worth your salt // Part 4 – Industry experience

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Following on from our post about Applying for a design position and Crafting on your resume + portfolio, we’d like to inspire those who perhaps don’t fit the industry experience criteria.

So the advertised position requires minimum of three years industry experience! Unfortunately, that means if you’re a graduate or you currently work in IT but dream of one day being a graphic designer – we can’t consider you for the position.

However. . .
Rather than scream “how can I gain experience if no one will give me a job?”, why not write an application as someone to be considered for the position you can fill.

Admit the obvious – you lack experience, all you have in your portfolio is assessment pieces. Instead, find a way to prove visually that you have potential and could be considered for a junior or graduate position, should the opportunity arise.

The latest GSM Magazine by BJBall Papers offers some advice for aspiring designers looking to break into the industry:

  • Mentoring – Find a mentor and get involved with the design … resources for inspiration and mental support.
  • Design is a business – It’s not about doing what ‘you want’, you’re not designing for yourself – you are designing for your client.
  • You are your own brand – Own it! Sell it!

A couple more to inspire you

At Salt, it’s important for us to find the right designer to join our team. Equally important though is supporting the many keen, passionate creative minds yearning to work in this industry.
We certainly don’t claim to know it all – but we hope these posts help.

Keep in touch and let us know your ideas, feedback and when you score that dream job!

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

 

Images from our Pinterest boards // Go the extra mile // Excellence // You’ve got this

The changing workplace

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Sometimes it’s the obvious which appears a revelation when presented from a new perspective. Like understanding (and actually accepting) that work is but one element of our complicated lives. For most of us it’s a pretty big part – and often one which impacts on other areas of our life and the lives of those around us. Equally we must accept that work can be effected by the other areas of our lives in both good and bad ways . . .

This was the central theme to a presentation Salt attended yesterday to mark the launch of 2015 Mental Health Week.

In many workplaces it is considered ‘unprofessional’ to let our personal lives effect our performance at work – but can we really be expected to leave our worries, hassles, loves, anxieties, highs and lows at the door each work day? Potentially this misguided expectation can compound emotional issues to a point where we may struggle to cope and perform our job.

The challenge to acknowledge, respect and accept that mental health issues may at times affect a person’s ability at work. We would recognise this if someone arrived at work with a broken arm! So why are we expected to ‘suck it up’ ‘get on with the job’ and leave our personal issues at the door?

David Cooke, the first non-asian Managing Director of Konica Minolta (Australia) provided an insight into how he has approached this issue and changed the workplace culture of his organisation. He explained how through even the smallest of gestures we can encourage, empower and support our staff. And by doing so we can enrich their working lives and improve the efficiency and productivity of an entire organisation.

If we can identify a computer not working correctly and take steps to repair it – we need to enact a process to support and assist any member of our team if they are not functioning at their best. The awareness of mental health as a medical issue is increasing. However we appear to still struggle with accepting and dealing with it in the workplace as practically as we would if it was a broken arm or a head-cold. If we value ourselves and our staff, workplace culture needs to evolve to one which is more understanding, supportive and accepting.

Useful links
Human Rights
Open Minds
Queensland Mental Health Commission

Pictured // Our information pack including neon piggy banks!

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

Worth your salt // Part 3 – Designing your portfolio

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Following on from our previous posts about Applying for a design position and Getting started on your resume, we’d like to inspire you to be creative and informative with your portfolio.

Seeing is not believing

Your portfolio is the single most important introduction to who you are and what you are capable of.

It’s not just a showcase of pretty pictures – every piece is the result of a process. Explaining your experience during that process is most important element to a prospective employer.

We don’t necessarily want to hear about the client and what they do – unless of course, they were a contributing factor to the result. If they were difficult to work with, set in their ways, insistent with a particular colour or image – explain how you worked with that challenge.

Explain how you created each piece.

  • What design software did you use?
  • Why did you choose a specific font or colour?
  • What was the client brief?
  • How long did you have to develop the design?
  • What was the budget?
  • Was it printed – if so how?

If it’s a branding project – we’d love to see your workings. Tell us the story of how you developed the logo, selected colours, the research you carried out. Include design concepts that worked and perhaps some that did not – along with an explanation of why they were not accepted or why your creative direction changed.

Don’t be afraid to explain who else was involved in a production. Was it professionally written by a copywriter? Were you directed by another creative? Did you brief another designer on part of the production? How did you work with a printer to achieve the particular result?

It’s all part of the story which unfortunately we don’t know unless you tell us.

So our words of wisdom are to consider what to include in your portfolio not for how the finished product looks – but for the story behind it. How it showcases your creativity and ability as a designer.

Give your portfolio the edge // handy links

Our next post in this series is on Industry experience – applying for a position when you don’t quite meet the experience level…

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

 

Images // Book Binding // Talent // Font Pairing like a Pro // Creative book covers

 

Worth your salt // Part 2 – Crafting your resume

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Following on from our post about Applying for a design position, we’ve listed a few handy tips on crafting your resume!

Reading between the lines

Often it’s what we don’t read or see that speaks volumes in an application.

If there is a gap of time in your work experience or a quick succession of positions – explain this time. Don’t leave it open to interpretation. Explain what you did during that time …

  • did you volunteer at an animal shelter?
  • help a sick friend? or
  • just sit on the couch watching multiple episodes of GOT or Ellen?

Spell check!

Even after you have spell checked – read everything you have written out loud. Be certain it makes sense and reads well. Ask a friend or see if the cat is free to listen to you present your portfolio!

Also be sure you’re addressing the right person at the right place. (Yes we received an application letter which was addressed to another studio!)

Understanding the company you are applying to may also inspire you to develop a different approach for your presentation – everything tastes better with a sprinkle of Salt!

Getting it write // handy links

  • Check out grammarly – Grammarly helps you to write better by finding and correcting up to 10× more mistakes than your word processor.
  • Type it Write – A lovely pocket sized guide to preparing your documents professionally.
  • Hub Spot Blogs – Think Grammar Doesn’t Matter? It Could Be Holding You Back From a Promotion.

Our next post in this series will focus on your Designing your portfolio and how to best represent your work.

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

 

Images // Type it Write // Grammar quote

 

The value of paper + print // Brisbane Event

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This week we attended a breakfast event in Brisbane, as part of an industry-wide campaign providing knowledge and resources to help print & design businesses promote paper and print to our clients and potential clients.

The presentation confirmed what we believe – that the printed word is a critical part of multi-channel communications. And that print on paper is innovative – inks, paper ranges, embedded technological devices – it is most definitely NOT the ‘poor cousin’ that many in the social and digital spaces are trying to convince us!

During her presentation, Kellie Northwood (Executive Director of Two Sides Australia (TSA) Limited) detailed how print and design companies can make better use of paper and print.

Attendees were provided with the results of qualitative research into marketing efficacy, brand recall, return on investment and sustainability. Research that confirms the power of print in today’s diverse communications environment.

Supported by research, data, and case studies highlighting the effectiveness of print – we need to promote the strengths of print. The creative effects and return on investment that can be achieved through paper and print cannot be replicated solely by electronic communications.

At the conclusion of the presentation we received a copy of The Industry Report – a 72-page toolkit that we can use to educate our clients about the success and relevance of print as a critical part of multi-channel communications. Certainly a compelling read . . .

Proof that print rocks!

Experience the power of the bookbook – IKEA

Direct Mail targets your kitty

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

Images: Speech bubbles // Goodie bag materials

Worth your salt // Part 1 – applying for a design position

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Thanks to the wondrous powers of social media – we’ve hired ourselves a new creative to join our seasoned professionals! Narrowing down the design candidates to join our Salt team proved to be an enlightening learning opportunity.

Over the next few blog posts we’ll be reviewing a few key ways to improve your resume and portfolio, because as fellow designers we know it’s sometimes harder than it seems to show others just how creative we can be!

What we encountered

When applying for a position as a designer, it’s an opportunity to showcase your creativity and skills. Every form of communication will be viewed and critiqued – from your email applying for the position all the way through to presenting your portfolio.

Even how you write an email to apply for a position will be judged. So writing “Heya…” may feel cool and casual to you – it doesn’t instill confidence and may cloud an employer’s perception of you. This may seem straightforward – but apparently it’s rocket science to some!

Part 1 – Your resume & getting started

Sure – You’re passionate about design, You’re a team player, You have an attention to detail, You love challenges, You can work to deadlines – but doesn’t everyone?

As a candidate for a design position, try thinking of more creative and innovative ways to express your confidence. Just what is it that makes you different/more creative/more passionate?

Be creative with your resume. Try presenting it like an annual report, journal or a magazine interview. You can still include all of the relevant historical information – AND you can include examples of your work, your opinions, experiences in life – all the things that make you, you.

Give your resume the edge // handy links

  • Purple Goat – We agree with Purple Goat – there are plenty of hints and tips out there for designers, but we too were also shocked at how some experienced designers presented themselves. They provide a good summary of tips on their blog.
  • Creative Bloq – 20 brilliantly creative resumés
  • Australia Internships Blog – for tips on crafting an amazing cover letter!

Our next post in this series will be Part Two – Crafting your resume and how to best represent your work.

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

 

Images // Creative Bloq – Brilliantly creative resumes // The Style Files – Creativity takes courage

Typism Conference 2015

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The way we do the things we do
This week Salt had the amazing opportunity to attend the second annual “Typism” conference which was devoted solely to a topic close to our hearts {think our 2015 “Drop Caps” Salt Calendar} – TYPE!

The format
The format for the day was very simple – seven speakers each presenting a 45-minute review of who, what and why. The introduction to each speaker were brilliant visual presentations in themselves! And the speaker’s design capabilities shone even in their presentations.

The venue
The Conference was held at Event Cinemas at Robina on the Gold Coast. What a great venue for over 250 attendees! Comfy seats, easy-to-see speakers, brilliant visual presentations on a HUGE screen AND a speed-shopping opportunity at lunchtime!

The speakers
Jessica Cruickshank, Jamie Clarke, Luke Lucas, Carla Hackett, Barry Spencer, Dave Foster, Jasmine Dowling.

When we grow up we want to be just like Carla Hackett and Jess Cruikshank {the internet versions of course!}

It was great to hear how each speaker was in their own way challenged and motivated by the same creative drive as our own. Their experiences and the professional career paths were as varied as the many typefaces (and fonts) that we saw on the day!

Lessons learnt

  • As designers we have a responsibility not just to reproduce text – but to appreciate and execute type in such a way that enhances its impact and interpretation. We should consider ourselves the monks of this new millennia. If we don’t design type well – who will??
  • A typeface is made up of fonts (not the other way around)
  • We all have moments of self doubt. How we respond to them is key to where they may take us.
  • It’s not a case of “Do what you love” but rather “Love what you do”. Discovering a passion for type can result in an entirely new career path or simply provide reassurance that we are already in the right job.
  • To become a well-rounded human being one must pursue another hobby totally different to a passion for type. For us it’s interior design, shoes, cats and our families!
  • Don’t be intimidated by what you can’t do … “Say yes then shit yourself later!” {thanks Jess Cruikshank!}
  • A little OCD is a good thing (Dave Foster estimated he spent 2,500 hours to design one of his fonts! Now that’s dedication!!!)
  • Even creative people need a process. We may want to be free and easy to design from the heart. But unless we have a process by which to realise our ideas the result may not be what we had first envisaged.
  • Pants are optional (only for those freelancers fortunate to work from home)
  • Must try frozen grapes!

Congratulations
Congratulations to Dominique Falla who organised this splendid event! The diversity of speakers was testament to Dominique’s personal passion for type and her desire to provide a forum to share, educate, connect and inspire with fellow ‘type-geeks’. So Dominique – when’s the next conference???

What now . . .
Already our focus on kerning and font styles has been heightened this week. Now we’re yearning for classes, pinning new ‘hand-drawn type’ boards and ‘gram-ing’ all things typographical.

We’re also off to find a new hobby . . . perhaps a trip to the beach is in order this weekend!

salt-shaker-signoffBecause everything is better with a sprinkle of salt!
SALT.Shaker
Feature image and guest speakers by Typism.

Typism Conference Goodie Bag featuring: Thank you. Group // TypographHer // Type Worship // Mi Goals // Everyday Cre8ive // brandless. // Mail Chimp // Aurelie Maron // Maverik Studio // Monotype

Jess Cruickshank Typism Presentation // Love her home studio and design process!

Dave Foster Typism Presentation // And this is a picture of an Owl!

 

Our humble beginnings

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How do you come up with a catchy memorable quirky name for a new design studio?

This is the very question I was confronted with almost 10 years ago when I decided to start up Salt Design.

So – why Salt?

Firstly, salt is a flavour enhancer. It’s used in cooking to bring out other flavours. Ever wondered why salted caramel taste so good? The sweetness of the caramel is actually amplified by the salt. In a similar way I saw how design can bring out the best in our client’s business, to accentuate their appeal to their own customers.

On another level, I believe we are the ‘salt of the earth’. We’re humble people who just love what we do and love doing it well – providing good service and quality design to our clients.

Another reason for choosing ‘salt’ is a very personal one. For my entire life I have loved and lived for the sea. Swimming, fishing, diving – it’s my special place. Over the past 10 years Salt has become my ‘other’ special place where I have come to share a love for design with others (both staff and clients). It’s where I have gained a sense of pride and sense of self. As much as the sea epitomises who I am – Salt now represents what a team of dedicated, passionate people like everyone at Salt can achieve!

And lastly, I should probably mention that when there’s tequila and lime on hand – I’m a tad over-zealous with the saltshaker!

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

Image :: Stradbroke Island

Hello!

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Design. Typography. Paper. Colour. Kerning. Ligatures. Photography. Illustration. Digital Print. Spot UV. Diecut. Burst Bind. Emboss . . . Do words like these get your creative tastebuds tingling? Here at Salt – it certainly does!

As a graphic design studio based in Brisbane, Australia, we offer complete graphic design and visual communication solutions.

We’re so excited to say hello and introduce our new blog – SALT.Shaker. It’s going to be our place to express our creativity, share our ideas, swap tips, show-off projects, ‘sigh’ with inspiration – and have some fun along the way!

Stay tuned to find out more about who we are, what we do – perhaps even who we do it for! Subscribe to our Blog and connect with us on Facebook and Pinterest.

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