We interviewed the latest addition to our team just in time for the winter issue of reSource 2019–meet Alexis Goosen: the newest graphic designer working with us at our corporate headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba! Learn about Alexis’ passions, background and thoughts–we’re really excited to have her join the team!
- Tell us a little bit about what got you here – your education and your passions that brought you to be part of our graphics team?
I’ve had an interest in design for as long as I can remember! When I began my 7 year university adventure, I was originally going in the direction of architecture (though I still took art courses on the side). I eventually decided that architecture didn’t feel like the right career path for me, and I began looking into the School of Art at the University of Manitoba. At the time, I didn’t apply with the intention of majoring in graphic design, I just knew I loved art and design.
I experimented with many mediums throughout my degree, including, but not limited to: sculpture, painting, drawing, animation, illustration, photography, videography, performance art, installation art, printmaking, and of course, graphic design. In my last year of university, I became one of the first design students at my school to try out the new graphic design honours program. While I was busy completing my degree, I ended up working at a natural wellness store, where my love for natural health products grew. Source Nutraceutical gave me the opportunity to combine my love for natural health products with my passion for design!
- What do you find to be the most inspiring or interesting part about designing packaging?
I think it’s really awesome seeing my 2D creations come to life in 3D. When I worked in retail, often times if I found an interesting empty box laying around, I’d carefully take it apart to see how it was put together and keep it for future reference or inspiration. I had a growing stack of disassembled boxes and packaging while I was in school.
3. What are you passionate about besides your work?
I absolutely love interior design. Invite me on your Ikea trips, I love to help!
4. What’s the best piece of advice you have heard and repeat to others?
Don’t be too precious when it comes to your work, don’t fall in love with it. As difficult as it is to not be protective of your ideas, receiving the input of others and being open to the idea of your work evolving will only benefit you.
5. What’s your personal motto?
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
6. Who are the people who have influenced your aesthetics and your approach to design?
Wes Wilson, April Greiman and Tony Oursler. All three have influenced many projects of mine!
7. How do you get inspired?
I follow many design pages on my social media accounts, and frequently update myself with blog posts and articles. Always staying in the loop and seeing the new work that other designers are producing keeps me inspired and excited.
8. Are there any other mediums or forms of art you like to work in?
I love videography and sculpture, and often times like combining the two. Tony Oursler (an installation artist) does something very similar, he’s a big inspiration of mine. I went through a period of time in university where I was experimenting with sculpture and video interacting, and eventually had a piece in a design show, Tony definitely inspired that one. I also really enjoy drawing and illustration.
- What do you think makes you stand out from other designers?
In terms of style, the majority of my personal design work is 100% hand drawn, including the text. It gives my work a very distinct look.
- What advice would you give to someone interested in graphic design?
For students already involved in graphic design, or for those who are interested… don’t be too worried about wasting time. If there’s something that piques your interest, even just a little, try it! I think my biggest regret is not trying out ideas that I had in the past out of fear of failure or not turning out the way I wanted. Really, the worst thing that could possibly happen is that it doesn’t turn out the way you’d like. In that case, you move on with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you tried. Your best work will come after trial and error.
- Finally, if you had to describe yourself in just 3 words to someone, what words would you use?
Empathetic, straight-forward, and goofy.
