Female Leader Conversations Ebook feature, Salt Design Director, Daile Drevins said,
“Look inward before searching outward. It’s important to understand what you want, your passion and your strengths. Only then, can you really see what’s around you.”
About
- Daile still feels the buzz when a client loves a design – just like her first day on the job
- Spent 15 years as a graphic designer before starting her business
- Holds the position of Industry Representative on the Griffith College – Design, Communication & Criminology Program Advisory Committee
- Her advice is to get regular skin checks!
Daile Drevins started Salt Design 15 years ago. Over her 25+ year career spanning corporate and government sectors, Daile has stayed abreast of industry trends. Her combined expertise and passion for contemporary design ensure she’s a sought-after advisor to tertiary education institutions and industry.
Daile’s individual design work has received several industry accolades including the National Print Awards, Public Sector Management Annual Report Awards and Queensland Printing Industry Craftsmanship Awards (PICAs).
DESIGN TRENDS
What is emerging?
As with many industries, technology has become an intrinsic influencer of design trends. With technology we find design trends are changing faster than ever before. This poses challenges to create designs which retain their relevance and purpose after a trend has moved on.
My involvement with Griffith College is to focus less on ‘what’s hot’ and more on which industry trends will influence the areas of design being taught. This will enable the next generation of industry professionals to be employable, innovative and resourceful.
I strongly believe our industry leaders and design business owners have a responsibility to educate and mentor new designers. To do so benefits both our industry and the impact good design has.
TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
How has this influenced the design industry?
Designers have become both freed and bound by technology. It is vital for professional designers to rely first on their creativity, and not depend on technology to direct them.
We have an abundance of inspiration and education available online (Instagram, Pinterest, Blogs, YouTube). A global village of ideas and inspiration at our fingertips!
However, there is also potential for how we design to be restricted by the technology we use. As desktop ‘design’ applications become more available – how do we justify our services? How do we validate the investment for professional design over ‘what they can do themselves’? The answer – our creative abilities. Our understanding of form and function. Our passion for good, effective design.
Communication has sometimes been poorer because of technology. We rely so heavily on email to connect. While it is an extremely useful method, so much can be lost or misconstrued. Face-to-face relationships are still important.
DESIGN INSPIRATION
Where do you find it?
For business inspiration I’m subscribed to a wide variety of online resources and blogs. I also regularly catch-up with like-minded business owners and mentors.
I am a member of a local chapter of Zonta International which I find both empowering and uplifting to share time with such proactive, driven and strong female professionals.
Being a member of Femeconomy has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to share ideas, discuss issues and learn other perspectives.
For creative inspiration (I love Instagram!). My Salt design team are also a great resource for finding out what’s on trend. Our production meetings regularly spin off-course to discussions about a brilliant brand someone has seen, or an upcoming design event, or even a typographic nightmare someone found online! Oh yes – inspiration stems just as easily from a totally horrific design solution as one that is so amazingly beautiful you can hardly breathe!!!
PERSONAL CHALLENGE
How have personal challenges changed your career path?
It’s a personal one, but it was a challenge from which I found strength and direction which I draw upon every single day. At 21, I was diagnosed with melanoma. It was removed and as an indestructible 21-year-old I believed I was cured and got on with life.
At 35, the melanoma came back – this time as a tumour in my left lung. Throughout the roller-coaster of surgery and treatment, I kept telling myself I had too much yet to do. I also realised what an amazing team of love and support I had around me. When I was given the all-clear again, I decided it was time to take some (calculated) chances and start my own business. Heavens! How hard could it be? That was 15 years ago. I’m still here and business is great!
THE FEMALE LEADER CONVERSATIONS EBOOK FEATURES 13 PEOPLE FROM FEMECONOMY’S COMMUNITY. ENJOY READING THEIR THOUGHT LEADERSHIP:
