Hello! My Name is Natasha Killeen
Hi, I’m Natasha. I’m in my late twenties working in branding, marketing and communications management. I have a habit of collecting design books and magazines, product packaging, fabric and printed paper “for design research”, but it’s getting in the way of living a minimalist lifestyle!
North East Provedores | Logo & Packaging Design
Originating from Latin, the word provedore means ‘to provide’. This regional business from North East Victoria sources a range of products from organic farmers and boutiqueartisans, providing consumers with a range of ethically-focused consumables. The logodesign and packaging takes inspiration from traditional stenciled hessian sacks, a compassimplying ‘discovery’, and nostalgic vintage illustrations.
XYZ Architects | Logo Design
This logo was created to evoke the alignment between construction, geometry and architecture, with a subtle connection to the ‘building blocks’ of commercial and residential design. The green colour palette hints at the environmental ethos of the company, whilst the black and white versions offer simple and strong branding options.
Natasha’s Personal Branding & Identity
Stanton & Killeen Wines | Advertising Campaign
Australian fortified wine is a unique and time intensive product, a message sometimes misunderstood by customers. This advertisement was created to be informal yet informative and to play on the high-priced nature of a competing alcoholic product, whiskey. The key message was to promote the quality and good value of this wine. A reduced colour palette and atmospheric lighting ensures simple yet effective design.
What or who inspired you to be a designer?
Like many children, art class was my favourite subject at school. However, after Year 12 I fell out of the routine of being creative and didn’t pick it up again until I enrolled in TGDS eight years later. I became frustrated with not having the correct skill set at work and a quick Google search and phone call to Simone got me on the path to design once more.
What are you up to in the design world at the moment?
I’m using my skills at work to create marketing material, advertising, infographics and editing original files in the Adobe suite. It has made a huge difference moving on from using Microsoft Word for every piece of collateral. I’m also using my new skills when communicating with contracted graphic designers, and I feel much more confident in managing these projects.
What is your favourite part of the design process?
The initial research phase and idea generation gets me the most excited.
You were really into all sorts of design disciplines at TGDS, branding, campaigning and even packaging. Have you a fav?
It’s hard to choose a favourite but I really enjoyed logo design and layout design.
What did you love about studying design?
Recently, I was asked ‘why would [I] study design and what is the point of it’? Design – be it natural or created – is in our lives every moment of the day. It helps us navigate the world and place value on things and experiences that are important to us.
Even if someone thinks they don’t need design or aren’t consumers, they don’t realise that the ‘Slow Down, Kangaroos Ahead’ sign was created by a designer (like the animal illustration in Module 8) and effectively communicates a message. Or when you go to the supermarket, you might choose your favourite cheese or carton of milk based on the packaging and how the brand conveys its key message or benefit (Module 10). Or reading your favourite magazine or online blog was more enjoyable because of the considered layout and great imagery (Modules 6 and 9).
Good design can make our lives better without knowing it and I think TGDS did a great job in teaching that.
What’s your dream design job? Don’t hold back!
If in my dream job I could magically have unlimited talent, it would be as an illustrator (old school pen and paper) where I could listen to podcasts, drink tea and zone out with drawing all day. I’m also very happy in my current job, but I would love to have more advanced skills and get into videography and web design.
What would you say to someone about to embark on his or her own journey in design?
Start with the end in mind and do what you have to do to get it done.
Thanks Natasha