Please could you describe what you do in a sentence and why. 

Visual Communicator lecturer, Graphic Designer and Illustrator hoping to inspire the bright minded youths of today.

 

When did the creative bug bite?

I have always been a creative person who is totally inspired by all forms of meticulous design. 

 

Did you always want to do, what you currently do?

Actually, no. Before I left school, I wanted to be a radiographer, which is so different to what I do today. I took a gap year after school as a Rotary Exchange Student to Australia, where I was inspired by Aboriginal artwork, set design for various brands and signwriting, I then decided to enroll for the graphic design course at Nelson Mandela University (then Port Elizabeth Technikon).

 

What is the best thing about your work?

I love to inspire the youth of today. I enjoy working on research and design projects where I am able to show my students the practical processes involved from conceptualization of an idea to the completed, designed product.

 

Explain the concept/inspiration behind your favorite project 

This is a difficult question to answer as I have worked on so many favorite campaigns.

I’m often inspired by typography, various patterns, shapes and textures and what initially began as a rather colorfully designed campaign, transpired into something that worked well in one, single color. The brand Kwezi, a hand-crafted African children’s clothing brand evolved. The Kwezi products empower community development as many of the hand-crafted products are produced locally, and I wanted this authenticity to appear in the corporate identity. This was a project I enjoyed immensely, particularly exploring different techniques and paper textures for the corporate identity, which all formed part of the branding journey.

I also enjoy illustrating, particularly South African birds, fauna and flora. I am hoping to expand my illustrations into textile design soon and begin a children’s book series on African myths and legends.

 

What is the motto you live by?

Seek new solutions to change old habits.

 

What makes you happy?

Beautifully crafted typography, nature, discovering that“aah” moment.

 

Where do you currently live and work?

I live in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape and currently lecture at Nelson Mandela University in Media and Communication.

 

Describe how you got to your current position?

I spent 13 years in the advertising industry as a graphic designer and creative director, and managed to do some part time design lecturing at Nelson Mandela University. I so enjoyed imparting knowledge to our very talented creative young minds, that I decided to continue with that on a daily basis.

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Explain/Describe your Creative Process

Research, research and more research. I try and read up as much as I can about the brand or competitive brands, then formulate a mental picture of what consumers want. I usually plan my ideas on paper, test them amongst peers and then execute them. 

 

Could you please list some of your biggest achievements? 

• Presented a paper at the Eighth International Conference on Design Principles and Practices in Vancouver, Canada in 2014. Research based on the relevance of understanding the basic design principles in design education.

• I will be presenting at the 13thInternational Conference on Design Principles and Practices at the University of Saint Petersburg in Russia in March 2019. My paper is entitled the ‘Brandsense or nonsense of experiential activations in brandscapes: a systematic approach to multi-sensory engagement in space and place.’

• In 2012, I received Bronze: International Epica Award (Advertising) for a campaign for Aggreko, in collaboration with Boomtown Strategic Brand Agency; 

• International recognition for VWSA HIV/AIDS Workplace programme, Multi-media presentation in 2005 

• Bronze award at the SAPPI Printer of the year ceremony in 2005 in association with Valmac Printers.

 

What are your thoughts on the Afrikan Creative Industry? 

We are living in exciting times and most importantly, on a continent that is ready to share creative talent with the rest of the world. African talent is a force to be reckoned with!

 

How do you think the Afrikan Creative industry is moving forward? 

We, as Afrikan creatives, are not afraid to experiment with styles, techniques and textures that are unique to our heritage. Creatives need to continue exploring. Live my motto: seek new solutions to change old habits.

 

Do you think that Afrikan Creatives have a lot to offer in terms of the Global Creative Market?

I think our creative talent should continue telling our unique stories that evoke emotional connections on all levels with the rest of the world.

 

How are you contributing to the Afrikan Creative Industry?

As a lecturer and designer, I feel that I can inspire today’s creative talent. Hopefully I have been successful in doing that, and I will continue to do so.

 

Are there any Afrikan Creatives that influence your work? If so, please name and state why they influence you as a creative. 

Illustrator, Maggie de Vos – particularly, her intelligent use of wit. Advertising needs to be humorous as we have so much doom and gloom around us. For people to take note, we need to tell a story that is entertaining and memorable and I feel she is successfully implementing this in her work. This inspires me. 

 

Has social media made an influence on the success of your work? If so how? 

Social media needs to be managed very carefully and I much prefer working through my Instagram platform.

 

19. How can people connect with you if they would like to?

Instagram:renniedesign

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/tarryn-stone-rennie-45404048 Profile URL