Design-on-Design chat to NZ designer Jamie McLellan about his international design career working with the likes of Makio Hasuike and Co. in Milan, Neil Pride in Hong Kong, and Tom Dixon in London.
Interview by Matt Harcourt
Can you tell us a bit about your design background including your reason/s for wanting to be a designer and your education?
I always loved drawing and building things. Not a particularly unique story for a designer I know. I do remember consciously deciding when I was about 15 to do something fun for a living. I studied at Wellington School Of Design. Worked for Fisher & Paykel for a couple of years before heading overseas to Milan. Worked in Milan for Makio Hasuike & Co. Left Milan to work in Hong Kong for windsurfing company Neil Pryde. Left Hong Kong for London where I ended up working for Tom Dixon.
What are some key events that have contributed greatly to your current success as a designer?
I don't know if I'm successful yet.. I've still got quite a few things I want to do before I consider myself anywhere near being a success.
How did you go about getting the job as Senior Designer with Tom Dixon?
When I arrived in London I walked / tubed / bused all over the city carpet bombing the place with customised letters of interest and links to my website. Did some freelance work for Tom which led to me being employed full time to work on his branded products. I think he has a soft spot for kiwis.
Can you tell us about a typical day working with Tom Dixon - What design process was used?
Everyday was different and I think this, coupled with a lot of creative responsibility was what made working for Tom the dream job. There was no typical day. It could range from spot welding bits of scrap wire downstairs in the studio basement to hand carrying these spot welded creations through the streets of New Dehli to setting up for presentation of the manufactured pieces in Milan.
How have you found returning to a small market like NZ and setting up your own studio? What challenges have you had? What has been easier than you thought?
Returning home has been great. As well as being close to family, I am loving spending as much time as possible in the ocean. Setting up on my own in New Zealand I have found my approach to design and the kinds of projects I am interested in to be slightly unique which is a pleasant surprise. I can't deny that it has been a steep learning curve figuring out how to run a business.
What have you learned in the last few years of experience as a designer that you wish you learned at uni?
I wish I had paid more attention in my history classes. This would have saved me a lot of wasted time heading down dead ends. Fortunately I have been lucky to have friends and mentors over the years who have helped up-skill me, not just in design history, but in architecture, music, art etc.
And the final question, could you please list five reasons why you may be considered a successful designer?
Like I said earlier, I don't consider myself to be successful yet. Check back in a few years…
Thank you Jamie for sharing your inspirational story. It is nice to hear that it is possible to have an international career in design.
For more info about Jamie check out his website at www.jamiemclellan.com
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