Sarah Royce is a young, Melbourne-based graphic design graduate. Her career background in media communications and event styling often entailed working with the design team. This gave her the opportunity to express herself creatively, and also gave her a heightened sense for understanding clients and their project briefs.
Sarah has an evolving minimal approach with emphasis on bold colors and elementary design choices that promote functionality and concise product development.
We talk to Sarah about her new career change in graphic design and her aspirations.
Tell us what inspired you to graphic design? I’ve always drawn and had a vivid imagination. During my law degree days, I’d spend more time designing the layout of my notes and drawing pictures all over them rather than reading them. My career background working in creative companies amongst graphic/event/interior designers and florists made me realize my creative talent could be more than just a hobby and that I had a natural eye for style and copy writing, which is helpful when creating brand identities. I’ve always designed for friends on the side – it was just a matter of finally backing myself to pursue my passion further.
How do you stay creative, and what/who are your inspirations? I’ve grown up by the beach and take inspiration from surf culture – the people, fashion, ocean, wetsuit colours and surfboard wax – I love it all and think it has definitely had a revival the past few years. I love ‘old’ music – circa 1970-90s – and the alternate worlds that are created by the likes of Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks, Neil Young or Led Zeppelin spinning around on a record player – there’s something fulfilling about listening to a full album on a vinyl. I’ve also grown up in a house filled with interior magazines from my mum, and take inspiration from lifestyle and fashion colour palettes. I think pretty much everything is an opportunity to feel inspired – nature, movies, travel, cultures!
How would you describe your aesthetic? My aesthetic can vary depending on whether it’s a client brief vs my own personal artwork where I can be a bit more playful. Hand generated illustration is probably a key aspect of my designs, as well as an edge of subtle playfulness or rebellion – whether through colour palettes, copywriting or illustration. It’s a constant struggle to refrain from overdesigning when my head is sometimes bursting with ideas, but simplicity always shines through and that’s become a key part of my ethos.
Do you have a designer’s work that you most admire? There’s too many! I’m a fan of the overall 1950s Swiss Style era with the likes of Armin Hoffman and the incredible impact of typography; Australian artist, Del Kathryn Barton, and her crazy imagination; and Frida Kahlo and everything she represents.
What would you like to achieve before the end of this year? I hope to just continue getting my name out in the industry, collaborating, creating quality work, and hopefully meet some amazing designers and studios.
SARAH ROYCE’S CHECKLIST
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM CREATIVE COLLABORATIVE ENDEAVOR? I’m an admirer of the overall brand identity of fashion labels such as Zulu & Zephyr and Lack of Colour. It would be a dream to collaborate with RVCA Artists Network Program or labels such as Billabong. While we’re at it, magazine’s such as Kinfolk – print is still alive!
NAME YOUR POISON: I’m a vodka girl, but these days I’m drinking more kombucha and less alcohol.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Radio Mexico, St Kilda (I also love their branding design).
IF YOU WERE TO DANCE LIKE NOBODY’S WATCHING, WHAT WOULD BE THE SONG OF CHOICE? “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IN YOUR STUDIO? Music!
BEST ADVICE: Be kind. Take risks.
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES: Social media is definitely a love/hate relationship.
@yoli_and_otis
@c__l__o
@thedesignkids
@velvetcoke
Australian abstract artist Boe Sapun is the founder and curator of Ecume Gallery. The Melbourne-based gallery represents both local, international, established, and emerging contemporary art. The idea of having great art accessible to a broad audience prompted the online gallery showcasing her own work, as well as a diverse range and ever-growing list of talented contributing artists. Boe’s passion is in discovering creative minds and understanding the finer nuances of their character which influence their process, inspiration, and art. Follow Boe Sapun and Écume Gallery on Instagram and Facebook.
