We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Todd Watts ("TW").

Todd is a multidisciplinary communication designer from Melbourne, Australia. Todd has completed a bachelor in communication design and developed skills across a multitude of disciplines including graphic design, animation, papercraft, brand communications, social media advertising and UI/UX. He is currently completing an internship with SNASK design Agency is Stockholm, Sweden, works as a graphic designer and animator at YellDesign in Melbourne and co-runs the design practice Milk and Cookies.

Todd Watts Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Todd Watts.

Designer Interview of Todd Watts:

DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

TW : Growing up, I watched my father work as a songwriter. Often helping him I learnt about type, balance and basic commercial art practice. At the time I had no interest in becoming a designer, I didn’t even know that was a career. I studied and performed music and went in and out of various careers until finally I came full circle back into design.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

TW : I’m currently a graphic designer and animator at Yelldesign and one half of the design practice Milk + Cookies.

DI: What is "design" for you?

TW : Visual communication that balances between unconventional advertising and minimalistic elegance to convey a message in the quickest, easiest form.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

TW : Branding communication that combines created craft and hand-made elements.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

TW : I love the branding work for ‘Froda’ created by SNASK. They created a living visual identity that was bold, colourful and extremely unique. https://www.behance.net/gallery/44583983/Froda

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

TW : A logo and brand guidelines for an electrical company called ‘Four Aces Technologies’.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

TW : I love working with paper or materials and stop motion animation. Its an unexpected combination that when combined makes for a very appealing creation.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

TW : Usually very early mornings and very late at night.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

TW : The concept is key for me. It needs to scream its purpose immediately.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

TW : In no particular order; stress, anxiety, joy, excitement amazement, and exhaustion.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

TW : Relief. Haha!

DI: What makes a design successful?

TW : If its easily understood or creates meaningful conversation.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

TW : Purpose is most important in design. If it has no purpose then whats the point.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

TW : Other designers, films, art, travel and design play.

DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

TW : I love combining minimal design with hand-crafted design executions. I think these two elements create an appealing design solution.

DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

TW : I live in Melbourne, Australia. The artistic culture of Melbourne is profound. Its a great place to be creative and theres a lot of talented competition. Design in Australia is very different to the rest of the world. From my perspective design in Australia is noticed, a new cafe, a new logo. Design in the US or Europe is expected.

DI: How do you work with companies?

TW : Unconventional design solutions executed with a high level of professionalism.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

TW : Find someone with a great work ethic. Someone who is passionate and who isn't afraid to express their opinion.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

TW : I usually start with heavy research followed by sketching and brainstorming then various creative experimentation involving paint, drawing and collages. Finally I begin digital trials and the process starts again.

DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

TW : Multiple wide screen monitors, my calendar, my MiGoals working pads, a good ink pen and my Wacom tablet.

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

TW : Working at a content creation and animation agency is lots of fun, everyday is new and exciting. My day usually starts at 6.30, I get up early for breakfast, a coffee and a morning jog then I head to the office to check my daily tasks and look over various design blogs. Our day begins with a morning meeting to discuss the day and our progress. My roles at YellDesign include concept development, paper-crafting, animation and client liaison. After work I either stay at the studio to explore ideas or meet with Milk + Cookies to discuss our clients and various projects.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

TW : Ask questions, be confident and remember that just because you wear a suit and tie doesn't make you a professional.

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

TW : Its an exciting life, in my experience its always new and never boring. Always exciting seeing some of your work in the flesh, on a billboard or on a business window.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

TW : Multiple calendars and note pads help. I have to plan out my weeks and days in advance whenever possible.

DI: What was your most important job experience?

TW : Interning at SNASK agency in Stockholm, Sweden.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

TW : I love to test myself, traveling while working is a great way to do this so I'm interested in working or interning abroad.

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

TW : Both, I feel that working as a team produces better results.

DI: How can people contact you?

TW : Visit my website - www.toddwatts.com.au