DESIGN PROCESS (60 hours)

May 28, 2015
3 min read

Credit: Photographed by Roslyn Grossman

I'm here with Katie Webber, RSPCA Queensland's one and only in-house graphic designer.

I want to investigate how RSPCA's creative, account management and production services are delivered to clients and key stakeholders and understand what makes the studio tick when it comes to inspiration, work and design.

Katie, I hear designers like cake. Do you like cake and if so which kind?

Yes! I like ice-cream cake! 1) Can you tell us a little about RSPCA - how is the in-house marketing/design business structured? What services do you offer? I work within the marketing department, currently I am the only Graphic Designer at RSPCA Queensland- which makes it a little hard some days!

2) What does a typical work day at RSPCA entail?

First coffee (I do not recommend the RSPCA cafe), I would then check my emails, chat to Kara to see what design project needs prioritising for the day. Depending on the day I assist Emma with social media, taking photos, mocking up memes for Facebook. I also can't go home without visiting the adoption centre downstairs.

Credit: Image supplied coutesy of Katie Webber

3) Can you define your the RSPCA’s ethos? Does this impact on how you choose to work on a particular brief?

The RSPCA has quite a relaxed style guide, this can be quite frustrating at times. I try to keep all my designs consistent, clean and corporate. That way you can't go wrong.

5) How do you deal with difficult clients/ stake holders?

I am quite lucky with my role, as Kara controls what work comes to me so I generally don't have to deal with clients. But the best way I deal with a difficult client is to take everything personal out of the situation and just get the design delivered.

6) Can you please give us a little insight into your creative process? Is there a formula you use when first starting on new work?

I usually deconstruct my thoughts into my sketch book, writing down any words or ideas that come to mind. I find behance is a great site to source fresh design.

7) What are some daily office rituals and/ or systems you employ to enhance your productivity?

I walk away from the screen when I start to feel frustrated.

Credit: Images photographed by Roslyn Grossman. Katie with Willow the pup.

8) Do you have any strategies for working under pressure and meeting deadlines?

Talking to myself! I tell myself that the project will get done, and tomorrow it will all be over.

9) Who or what are your biggest inspirations? Who are your mentors? Who do you lookup to in the design world?

Scandinavian design, my recent trip to Germany - in particular Berlin. Frank Gehry & Frida Kahlo.

10) Can you list up to 5 resources across any media that you or the marketing depatment turn to regularly for creative inspiration?

Behance, Magazines for layout design, Galleries & Museums

11) What is your favourite part of your job? What do you dislike about your job?

Working for a non-profit organisation, The RSPCA aren't trying to sell you something like many other design and advertising studios. Knowing that I have helped in someway to support the livelihood of the animals.

12) What has been a project highlight for you so far?

Living with Wildlife - a government funded campaign.