Q&A Madison Chan
DIA’s Australian Visual Communication Design Graduate of the Year 2021
DIA: Tell us what you are currently working on?
MC: I’m starting a new job next year, so I’ve decided to take a break before then. However, I can’t resist a good side hustle! I’m currently working on my small candle business, Mad For You Collection. At the beginning of the pandemic, I began making concrete candles designed to be upcycled into plant pots. I’ve spent the last few months expanding the range. It’s been a lot of fun to do in my spare time and a great way to get me away from the screen.
DIA: How do you approach multi-disciplinary thinking in your designs?
MC: Firstly, it’s essential to keep an open mind when looking into new perspectives. Secondly, finding and listening to credible experts to help you empathise and understand their field.
This was the case with learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education in Australia and the debate on Genetically Modified Foods. The more I looked into it, the more I could see the complexity of the issues – like how Bananas are genetically modified to have increased Vitamin A to fight Vitamin A deficiency in children in Uganda. On the other side, large biotech companies can patent the GM seeds, which enables them to control the use and distribution of those seeds, leading to corporate monopolisation. What I came in knowing had shifted entirely by the end. For me, when it comes to multi-disciplinary thinking, you need to be ready to unlearn what you already know.
• Greenie by Madison Chan
DIA: How has design in your field been impacted during/ post-pandemic? How can a pandemic inform design?
MC: As a visual communicator, I continued the physical work on my laptop without question. However, sitting inside all day was not so inspiring. I struggled not being able to talk to my friends face-to-face, and I missed the ability to brainstorm and bounce ideas off each other. I can’t explain it, but it is not the same as on Zoom. Working from home did have its benefits. There are no distractions when honing in on a project, a nice sleep in, and seeing my family more. Like most workplaces, working from home has become more accepted. The pandemic has shown the power of technology and that in the worst-case scenario, visual design work is still possible 100% digital.
DIA: What’s in your future? What’s next?
MC: Next year, I am starting a new job as a Creative Designer at Performic Mercerbell. This will be a new design space for me working in Advertising and Marketing. After that, I have no idea! But I’m excited to see where design takes me.
DIA: Your dream project?
MC: For D&AD I designed the app, BlackOut with my friend Rachel Holt. Its focus is on a sustainable digital lifestyle. It would be my dream to work on this project, see it be built and come to life.
DIA: What’s your favourite Pantone colour?
MC: At the moment – Jack Railton-Woodcock and Huei Yin Wong’s ‘Bleached Coral’ P115-1 U. Subtle and elegant but highly disturbing at the same time.
DIA: How has the DIA Graduate of The Year Award helped support your motivations for nurturing and ‘evolving your future career?
MC: The most extensive validation any designer could receive! This award has boosted my confidence and motivated me to think about what I want to do with my career. How can I grow from here? Where do I fit in, in this industry? I do not have any of the answers, but I feel confident to explore them.