Five tips from a designer

Our design team is a great example of our company value, a culture of thriving. They are constantly working hard to bring exciting projects like The New Zealand Human Right Commission and the innovative MC Centre to life. With such a wealth of knowledge and experience in this team, we thought it would be a good time to tap one of the team members for an insight into what they think it takes to be a successful designer.

 

To do this, we sat down with our production design lead, Luke Walker, and asked him what his five tips are to being a successful designer. Here is what he had to say:

1) Everyone has ideas 

 

Be open to suggestions and be careful not to predetermine any design outcomes too early. 

 

 

2) Creative energy

 

Everyone has their own means of refreshing their creative energy, but for me, driving does it. It allows the lizard brain to be occupied by the act of not dying on the road, leaving the problem solver brain with nothing to do and room to think.

 

 

3) Getting the balance right

 

Creative energy needs to be balanced with a methodical work attitude. Product development can sometimes take a moment of creativity, followed by months of hard—often tedious—work. A balance must be found, as an idea alone is nothing. 

 

 

4) Prioritising ideas

 

Moving into a designers role will mean you will likely get bombarded with ideas from all sides. It is good to listen, but keep in mind that all these ideas take time to investigate. Try not to overcommit, focus on a few key project targets. If an idea has merit, investigate during a creative session, and table it with the appropriate person at the appropriate time.

 

 

5) Be chill

 

Things won’t always go your way, pick your battles.