Brisbane graphic designer Jack Loel considers the conceptual developments of his work to be equally as important as the aesthetics. Loel was recently featured in the “Advice From Your Mother” exhibition at Love Love Studio, and has worked on projects for Brisbane City Marketing, Bunnings Warehouse and QCA. With an informative and innovate visual approach, Loel successfully presents complex but concise ideas through direct and engaging graphic design. I had the delightful opportunity to ask him a few questions about his practice, thoughts on design and potential inspirations; basically get inside that creative head of his. Enjoy!

Describe yourself in five words.
Excited, curious, selective, observent and a little bit realistic.

Tell us about your process and practice.
It's only recently that I have really become comfortable with my practice. Through my design process I try to involve lots of different people, discussing things and getting feedback.

Pencil and paper or mouse and computer?
I like to think I use both, pencil and paper first, then mouse and computer.

You’ve explored the visual interpretation of music in your typographical project “Explosions”. Does music influence all of your work (and if not what does)?
Music is a massive inspiration, I always listen to music when I'm working. Other inspirations are not wanting to be bored, friends, curiosity and current events.

You mentioned in the description for “Mum, Help Me” that parental advice isn’t always that helpful. What is the best advice (design related) you’ve ever been given and what is the worst?
I think the best piece of advice is that everything must be meaningful, and the worst, which actually isn't that bad was "don't be a c**t".

What is good design?
I'm not sure if I know yet, I think it's important for design to be relevant, engaging and responsible. I think basing design on aesthetics is problematic, the research and concept is just as important. There should always be a balance.

Do you follow any specific design blogs, artists or graphic designers?
For inspiration, bench.li, visuelle.uk, many stuff, Friends With You, I follow some type foundries, some of my favourites are Klim Type, Commercial Type and Colophon.

Finish this sentence (in a single word): If I wasn’t a designer I would be...
An origami artist!

Thank you for talking to us! Where is the best place we can find your work?
On my website: www.jackloel.com or my tumblr www.jcklwl.tumblr.com