In today's world, design is gaining popularity for it’s ability to innovate and shape culture, from the sleek interfaces of our smartphones to the sustainable architecture of our cities. Design permeates every aspect of modern life.
With advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity, design is poised to play an even more prominent role in shaping the future of our world.
Some influential designers include Paul Rand and Milton Glaser who have left an indelible mark with their iconic logos and visual communication strategies. Shaping how we perceive and interact with brands and information.
Figures like Philippe Starck and Tom Dixon have redefined spaces with their innovative approaches, blending functionality with artistic expression to create environments that captivate the senses.
Visionaries such as William Morris and Elsa Schiaparelli have pushed the boundaries of texture, pattern, and colour, transforming fabric into art.
RMIT's Art and Design subjects are known for being the number one university go-to in Australia. RMIT students explore a diverse array of design courses, from Communication Design to Interior Design and Textile Design.
I talked to Brooklyn Collins, a second-year RMIT student studying interior design, by delving into her experiences and insights within the field. Brooklyn shares her perspective on what it means to be creative and offers insights into her unique approach to the art of design.
Q. What influenced your decision to pursue interior design as a field of study? Was there a specific person or experience that inspired you?
A. I “Have always had a thorough passion for art and textiles which as I further developed through high school I began applying to my interest in interior architecture. I’ve personally been a hands-on, creative learner and was intrigued with unconventional textile manipulation and techniques that stimulated thought and construction investigation.
Inspiration for me stems from many different aspects. I enjoy analysing the human body and how it interacts with different elements of space and communicates the unique human experience.”
Q. Could you guide us through your design process, starting from initial sketches and culminating in the final rendering?
A. “I find it best to cement a prompt to keep me centred on a theme of a project that I can then expand on through the development process. I like visualising my ideas with mind maps and rough sketches to get the initial convoluted ideas into a physical representation that I can break down and examine. I consider the intended audience as well as the employment of my ideas into the world I have constructed it for.” I consider mediums, techniques, and concepts during the composition of projects and remain centred on my key prompt and purpose."
Q. How would you define the essence of designing in the context of the 21st century, using your insights and understanding?
A. “To me, the design that considers the public's interaction and use of space is an important intention behind every productive, interactive, and progressive design. Acknowledgement of the complex individual and shared human experience is what builds today's structures, art, and presentations that complement the evolving world and social scaffolding yet comment on and challenge what we are and will become. I choose to pursue forms of design as a tool to understand and support the growth of the world we interact within."
Q. Is there a particular interior designer or company that serves as a major source of motivation for your work?
A. “Work produced by the British designer Tom Dixon has always caught my eye and provoked unique design intent for my application or interpretation of projects. I have admired his avoidance of harsh industrialisation whilst adhering to his key minimalist theme, clearly present in his inspirational “S-Chair” design. I too have a passion for natural representations in my art and architectural applications but was stimulated by Dixon’s convergence of soft lines and unique ideas presented in a conservative and restrained manner.”
Jade Stern, a third-year communication design student talked about her relationship with design. Jade shares her views on being creative in the 21st century and sharing her insights into her design process.
When questioned about her choice of studying at RMIT and her interest in entering the communication design. Jade explained, “RMIT is known for its design and technology courses, and coincidentally, my aunty and grandma went to RMIT as well, so I am unintentionally continuing the legacy.”
She elaborated by saying “My reason for wanting to go into the design world is that it's diverse. I can produce a wide range of work instead of doing the same thing over and over again but in a different font”.
Q: In your words can you explain what communication design is?
A: “Communication design is all about using visuals and design techniques to get a message across without relying on words. It's cool because it makes messages more memorable and spreads them faster than just using words alone.”
Q: Where do you typically find inspiration for your design projects?
A: “I get inspired by music, comics, pop culture, and experiences in the past. Plus, I'm always scrolling through Pinterest, Tumblr, and other social media for even more inspiration.”
Q: Can you share some insights into your design process and how you bring your ideas to life?
A: “Ideas just pop into my head, or I enjoy putting together mood boards and mind maps to brainstorm ideas and designs. Jotting down a plan with words or doodles helps me bring those ideas to life. I'll just casually get ideas in my brain in the middle of work, or doing something random, no questions asked.”
Q: In your opinion, what does it mean to be creative?
A: “To me, creativity is all about having the power to inspire and uplift others with messages that go beyond boring words. My work can speak to people on a personal level or just entertain them. I'm constantly inspired by other artists' work too—it's like a big creative cycle. Without creativity, we'd be missing out on so much—music, movies, art, comics—the world would be dull. So, I think music and any sort of creative medium is just very important.”
Jane also said that aspiring designers "to be open about learning new things or things that you think you already know… because you don’t and don't compare your work to others. “
Located within the Brunswick Campus resides Adina Camissar, a second-year student of Textile Design. I had the chance to discuss her design process, her views on fashion design in the 21st century, and her aspirations for the future.
Adina wanted to enter the fashion design world because her “aspirations leaned towards a science or medical degree. However, my family encouraged me to pursue my lifelong passion for design." Shortly after Adina explained that she “doesn’t remember why I originally wanted to enter the design world, but I do know that designing is something I enjoy and love so why not make it a career.”
Q. "How would you explain what textile design is to someone who hasn't studied it?"
A: “Textile design is the design behind fashion design. Fashion designers design the shape and form of garments while Textile designers design the fabric materials and print or surface textures that others turn into finished products. We're kind of like the unseen shadows behind fashion designers, car designs, interior design etc”.
Q. What influenced your decision to pursue textile design as a field of study? Was there a specific person or experience that inspired you?
A. “I always wanted to be a fashion designer since I was little. When I was applying to uni and checking out course descriptions. I stumbled upon Textile Design, saw the description, and went 'This is what I truly want to do'.”
Q. In your opinion, what does it mean to be creative?
A. “For me creativity is any type of creative creation brought to life, it could be making origami, drawing, painting, sewing, needlework, or digital art.” “Any method or expression of myself into the physical world.”
Q. Can you share some insights into your design process and how you bring your ideas to life?
A. “I use several methods and processes for creating work. I tend to go with childish concepts such as soft toys or even my favourite animation style or concepts brought up in what I watched last night. Then do a very rough/light sketch on paper, and using the paper for reference add line art, colour, and patterns digitally until I'm happy with the final product. “
Looking ahead, it's evident that the world
of design is in capable hands, these designers demonstrate their abilities to their tutors and peers alike. With each piece they produce they're not just displaying their skills, they're showcasing their unique identities as designers, leaving an unmistakable mark on the field.
Watch out for these rising talents, they're eager to make waves in the industry.
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