Tabitha Emma – 7 design questions interview

Designer – Tabitha Emma Patterson
Website – tabithaemma.com
Blog – tabithaemma.blogspot.com
Twitter – @tabithaemma

1. How much time do you dedicate to learning design every day?
I don’t think I ever stop learning. I recently completed my diploma in Graphic design, and I learnt a lot doing the course. But I’m always eager to learn new techniques. I recently taught myself how to use a gocco printer. I spend a lot of money on books and equipment so I can learn new things and gain more skills. Because, as a designer, you constantly need to adapt and learn.

2. What other designers do you have contact with on a regular basis?
I’m part of a website and zine project called Forth Thread with my designer friend Stuart Smythe, who I keep in contact with regularly, not to mention all my internet designer friends.

3. Who are the top 2-3 designers that you respect and why?
I admire Paul Rand, I realize he is dead, but he was a highly dedicated designer and I admire his passion, skills and knowledge. I am also a big fan of Australian designer Timba Smits, he is very talented and gives so much to his work. I admire people who give it there all and are passionate about what they do.

4. What’s your favorite website or design you ever made and why?
This video. It was my first project using after effects, and it was an awful lot of work, and I learnt so much in the process. It is also a great summary of my style and work. I’d really like to do more video/animation work.

5. Have you ever been published in a book or magazine? What books or magazines?
I have had my illustration work published in Peppermint magazine, Total Girl magazine and the 2009 Semi-Permanent Book. I have also had my textile work published in a book called “I love Handicraft”.

6. What’s your favorite color in hexadecimal? How often do you find yourself leaning towards it with design projects?
Its hard to pin point the exact colour, as I like to use a lot of texture and layer up colours. But the closest would be #8fcfac and #dcd0b9. I think I use a lot of creams and grungy colours, I go through colour phases a lot where I get obsessed with a colour and then move on to another.

7. What’s your most recent project we can look at?
Well I am currently working on a project for Finders Keepers market, but that is yet to be released, so you can check out this blog re-design I did this.

I have just been doing odd freelance jobs at the moment, but I’m on the look out for full time work. So if anyone knows a Sydney company looking for a junior designer, give me a shout!