Interview with graphic designer Heath Killen
Heath Killen’s a graphic designer and illustrator from Newcastle in NSW, Australia. He describes his work as visual communication with purpose and poetry… I just love that!! I really admire Heath’s iconic and minimal style. Having worked for clients across the globe, he has a diverse folio and has been featured on numerous design websites. Heath has been featured in the 2009 Semi Permanent book and the Design Week magazine.To read more about Heath, check out his website… Made by HK.
How have you got to where you are today?
I had an interest in art and design from a very young age, but didn’t consider it as a career till after high school. I spent many years travelling and working different jobs, but eventually met a group of people who were producing zines and collage art.
The idea of self-publishing and getting your work out there by any means possible definitely switched a light on for me. That and the idea of being able to re-contextualise culture. Essentially the work I started doing at that time then lead me on the path to art school, and I more or less started freelancing after that.
In a few words, describe yourself…
Curious. Easy-going. Funny. Passionate. Open minded.
What are you spending your time on at the moment?
A lot of my recent work has had a digital focus. iPhone apps. Websites. Social media. While print is still my passion, I’m really enjoying exploring the potential of digital and interactive design. I’m also working on a self-promotional piece, which will be printed, although I haven’t settled on a format yet.
Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?
Not really — nothing beyond a morning coffee and making my desk as clean an uncluttered as possible.
It helps to have the right selection of music to start the day, and if possible I like to get a little bit of sun before I knuckle down too. If I’m really having trouble getting started, I find that working on small, quick tasks will get me motivated.
Ultimately, I just need to be able to think clearly and work freely.
What or who inspires you?
Almost everything inspires me. Recently I’ve been drawing a lot of inspiration from nature, history and esoterica.
Like most people in this industry I’m turned on by visual ideas, but these days I’m looking for inspiration outside of design. Music is a big point of inspiration for me too. I’m always listening to something while I work and it helps set a tone.
What are you most proud of?
Being able to survive nearly six years off freelancing. Not giving up when times have been tough.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A big-name Hollywood filmmaker.
