Graduate Profiles

Samantha Holmes

Graphic Design Pathway

I am currently a designer at Brandish Advertising predominantly working in print. This involves working with clients to figure out what they would like done for their business, whether it be re-branding, advertising to create public awareness of their services or online web based solutions. Clients that I have worked with include CSML (ITM400), Montana Catering, Perry Foundation, Crestline Interiors, Sudano (Home-style Desserts), Waikato Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton City Council (the new Waterworld brand) and People Publishing (Magazines – Weekend, Auckland City Central and Explore Australia). The work varies from corporate literature such as brochures, booklets, pamphlets and stationery to promotional and 'Point of Sale' projects such as newspaper and magazine adverts, billboards, store signage and packaging. The work that I most enjoy is the Weekend magazine in which the girls in the design department work together to complete each season.

Since I have begun working at Brandish, some of the highlights have been getting to meet people in a range of different businesses around Hamilton and Auckland, and creating artwork and advertising media to suit their request. I have also been lucky enough to go to events like the NZ Breakers basketball games and the Tua v Cameron Fight of the Century as Brandish sponsors these. The most recent highlight, for me, was winning the Metro Magazine Best of Auckland Awards Cover design competition. I was given the brief on a Thursday. I came up with a few concepts over night, went in to work on the Saturday after stopping off at the lotto shop for a bit of research and developed the scratchy idea from there. I thought it would be a good idea to have something that the reader could interact with. Something more than just aesthetics. A week after submitting the idea I received a phone call from the editor of Metro Mag. There were a few complications with the cost of the design as they needed to print five layers to create the effect so they worked closely with the printers to complete the job. I had a bit of a sing and dance around the office and we all went out for lunch to celebrate. The boss bought a few hundred copies to send out to clients. Obviously I am quite stoked with this accomplishment. Winning this competition has given me the chance to move up in the industry and be recognised for what I love to do.

Studying at Wintec was a great experience for me as I got to work with and around people who had the same interests as me. The friendly environment and enthusiastic tutors helped to build up a decent portfolio over the three years of study. This portfolio helped me to get the job with Brandish just a few days after my last semester finished. I feel so lucky to be where I am today and it is all thanks to the support of my family, friends and of course the teachers who put up with my constant questioning. Thanks guys!