Novocastrian: Heath Killen

It's my absolute pleasure to first introduce Heath Killen, a self-taught graphic designer, illustrator and writer. I remember first seeing Heath's work due to his affiliation with the Renew Newcastle project as I was immediately drawn to his unique mix of colour, collage and type for his poster productions. I was thrilled to see his most recent work for Tantrum Theatre's production of Nick Enright's Blackrock which is about to begin its season.

Below are just some of the examples of his work and his insightful answers to my questionnaire. I really hope you enjoy this feature. I certainly learnt some new names and websites to discover through Heath's inspiration. And I will have to head to Bar Beach Bowlo and check out the view.

Illustration, identity design and poster design
for the National Creative Non-Fiction Conference.

Condensed CV:

I studied for a few years at Sydney College of the Arts, but for the most part I'm a self taught graphic designer currently freelancing and living in Newcastle, Australia. I've been freelancing for five years but I'm now looking for a full-time studio position, either here in Australia or somewhere around Europe.

What has been your most memorable project?

The Tantrum Theatre 2010 campaign, which I completed towards the end of last year. Great organization, great people, and fantastic clients who were very open to new ideas and directions.

Tim Neve had been the Tantrum Theatre designer since day one but he moved on in early 2009, so I'm the second designer to have worked for them. The job itself required illustration and design for a years worth of productions, and I set myself the challenge of creating a consistent look for the year. A huge amount of work that was immensely enjoyable and satisfying. I think I managed to stay true to Tim's original vision while also taking it to new places.

I've also really enjoyed working for singer Amy Vee, who's a good friend and a great client. I'm quite proud of the Sleeping Dogs Lie artwork.

A selection of artwork and poster design
for Tantrum Theatre's 2010 season.

What would be your dream project?

I'd love to be the exclusive designer for a record label, in the tradition of Peter Saville & Factory Records or Kim Hiorthøy & Rune Grammofon. I think those type of long-term creative partnerships yield amazing work. I'd also love to design and illustrate a DVD package for The Criterion Collection.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Honestly, I think the fact that I've managed to survive five years of freelancing is quite an achievement! Especially considering the fact that I've learnt nearly everything I know about design and business along the way. I've made countless mistakes, and it's a struggle at times, but every successful project has been all the more rewarding because of that. I feel as though I've learnt a great deal in this time, not just about design and business, but about myself.

What is your most treasured possession?

Completely boring but it's probably my computer. I couldn't make a living without it - and it's where all my music is! I don't really seem to get attached to objects for too long. I think the oldest thing I've kept around is a waiter's friend that my dad gave me years ago.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Berocca. Emails. RSS. Breakfast. Coffee. That's the typical start to any day. What happens next depends on what I'm working on. I could be sitting in front of Photoshop all day and sending off PDFs to clients. I could be at home illustrating and scanning. I might be out at a second-hand bookstore looking for collage material or textures. And of course there are those days when I'm spending endless hours exploring the internet and wondering where to find more work!

I've also been writing a lot lately, for my own blog and a series of articles for the Powerhouse Museum, so lately a lot of my time has been spent researching, interviewing and writing.

Illustration, photography, typography and layout
for Amy Vee's EP Sleeping Dogs Lie

What is your most valuable pearl of wisdom gained since starting your business?

Probably to measure and value my time better. I still don't have this down to perfection but in the past I've put large amounts of time into work that I haven't been paid for. I think I'll always put a little bit more time and thought into my work than I end up invoicing for, but these days I try and be more diligent in keeping track of my time and charging accordingly. I love the work, but I have to make a living out of it.

Where do you derive creative inspiration?

There are dozens of designers and artists I admire, so I get a lot of inspiration from within the industry as well as other disciplines. I also draw a lot of inspiration from music, film, books, conversations and daydreaming. A lot of my work is collage based, so powerful or unusual images that capture my interest will inspire me.

Inspiration comes from experimenting too. Often I'll see an idea or a technique that will interest me, and I'll use that as a jumping off point for experimentation. I like to leave myself open to accidents and mistakes, and I find those random, chance effects really inspiring because I start look at the work from a different angle.

Illustration, typography and design
for the 24th issue of music magazine Cyclic Defrost.

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you most inspired by at the moment?

I like designers with a unique point of view and style, who still bring something different to each project. Julian House and Matt Cook at Intro.Kim Hiorthøy, Magnus Voll Mathiassen, Rune Mortensen, Martin Kvamme and a bunch of others from Norway. John Warwicker and everyone at tomato. Wallzo. Village Green. Buro Destruct. M/M Paris. Sagmeister. I think they all produce beautiful, distinctive and personal work. They innovate and aren't concerned with following trends.

I also love the The Designers Republic and all the guys that have come out of that studio like Build, Universal Everything and Sanderson Bob. Lots of other big names from the 80's who are still making incredible work today like Vaughan Oliver, Mark Farrow and Trevor Jackson.

Lots of Australian stuff too. Jonathan Zawada, We Buy Your Kids, Toko, Co-Op, Racket, Inkahoots, Pip & Co, Mark Gowing, Jenny Grigg, Kate Banazi and Sopp. I could probably go on forever. I love that a lot of Australian design incorporates art and illustration, and that Australian designers are prepared to experiment and explore so many different techniques and styles. I think we're producing some of the best design in the world right now.

I love Wolff Olins too. I think they're one of the most interesting and vital branding studios in the world. Few people stir up debate and push the boundaries in this industry the way they do.

And finally Adrian Shaughnessy. I don't think there's been anyone in the industry quite like him. An incredible designer, thinker, writer and advocate. Everything I aspire to be.

Artwork and poster design for This Is Not Art Festival.

What are some of your favourite websites or blogs?

Michael Bojkowksi's Linefeed. Australian INFront. Facing Sideways. The Theory of Nevolution. A Journey Round My Skull. Bleep Blog. Creative Review. I'm actually trying to ween myself off design blogs at the moment, but I love all these because they're about written content and discussion as opposed to just images. Those sites have their place, but I think it's vitally important to have analysis and critique.

Apart from your work, what other interests, passions, hobbies do you have?

Wine. Food. Music. Travel. History. Nature. My Wife.

How long have you been a Novocastrian?

I was born here, but I've lived in Sydney and Canberra for extended periods too.

Newcastle in a word?

Right now, I'd have to say disappointment. I love Newcastle, and I'll probably always think of it as home, but to see the local & state government and property owners let the inner city get to the state it's in is just sad and infuriating. Newcastle has so much potential, but it requires money, vision and bravery from the powers that be to achieve that potential.

Illustration for the RVLVR artists project.

What do you love and hate about living in Newcastle?

I love the coastline scenery, the cafes, and the fact that I know it so well. I hate the fact that it's in such a state of decline, and there's little progress being made to turn things around. Renew Newcastle can only achieve so much on its own.

How is Newcastle different to anywhere else?

I think it's the coastline, one of the most beautiful and scenic in the world. The fact that it hasn't been exploited too much makes it quite special too, despite a few ugly high-rises it still feels like it belongs to the general public.

Submission for national design competition

promoting the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Where are your favourite places in Newcastle / Hunter to:

+ eat

I love Goldbergs (137 Darby St, Cooks Hill, 4929 3122), I've been going there since high school. Great daily specials and still my favourite place for coffee. Of the more recent places that have popped up I'd say Bacchus (141 King St, Newcastle, 4927 1332), The Kitchen (133 Darby St, Cooks Hill, 4925 3470) and Nagisa (2/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle, 4929 4122) on the Foreshore. The service can be slow but the sushi is worth it. Lotus Espresso (50 Glebe Rd, The Junction, 4969 8133) do a great chicken BLT too.

+ drink

I don't go out drinking much anymore but either the Bar Beach Bowling & Sporting Club (Kilgour Ave, Merewether, 4929 3428) for the view and cheap beer or The Dockyard (13/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle, 4915 6558).

+ shop

Cooks Hill Books (72 Darby St, Cooks Hill, 4929 5079) and the Newcastle City Farmer's Markets (every Sunday 8am to 1pm, Broadmeadow Showgrounds, Donald St, Broadmeadow).

+ play

I'm a bit of a homebody really. I tend to travel for play. The Blue Mountains and Melbourne are favourite Australian destinations. Visited New York last year and will hopefully be in Europe in the second half of this year.

+ relax

I like taking a drive or walk around the beach but real relaxation occurs at home with a glass of wine and an amazing dinner.

What is Newcastle / Hunter’s best-kept secret?

It's disappearing, but all the amazing architecture around the place. It's either being demolished or it's decaying, but if you wander around the city and look up you'll see some pretty interesting stuff. Oh, and and Akk Asian Supermarket on Hunter Street.

Website madebyhk.com

Twitter @madebyhk