Chester Lidden
Diploma of Graphic Design - TAFE NSW Wollongong
What was your process for creating the work – from the visual design to the animation?
For me, the creation of the project was all built around motion. As a designer, I spend a lot of time creating static images, logos and whatnot. So I jumped at the opportunity to create something with motion and weight. That was the core of what I was trying to do. I started with sketches and tried to create rhythm and a sense of changing speeds and of heavy and light objects. After Effects is an incredible tool for such things as you can always make changes and fine-tune motion until it is exactly right!
Is there any special meaning or intent behind the work?
I'm not gonna sit here and say there was any special meaning behind the design. I was just trying to push myself with software I wasn't comfortable with and make something fun that was pleasing to look at. I saw it as a chance to have some fun and make something different from our other subjects.
How do you feel about the increasing use of technology to create art?
I think the answers to these types of questions can be rather tainted by both a general fear of progress and losing what once was. We've lost a lot of the incredible, older practices of graphic design and we've lost both those skills and an appreciation for those skills. But we also have to understand that what we currently have is allowing for just as much incredible design as what came before, so it's a change, not so much a loss.
Have you enjoyed working with Augmented Reality, and is it something you’d like to continue working with?
Working with AR has been really fun because I knew nothing about it before we started. Will AR be the future of design? Probably not, unless the process of interaction is streamlined, but I would definitely like to work more with it as it grows.
What is your favourite thing about the Wollongong area?
I'm not a big fan of cities but Wollongong really surprised me, especially around the TAFE area with how green it was. It never felt clumped together and it made it a much nicer place to drive to and from and to spend time in.
What are your hopes and plans for the coming years now that you have graduated?
My plans for this year are to create my own graphic design company.
I'm currently building up my skills and taking on clients as a freelancer while I set up the business. I'm also working with a team on our third season of an audio drama.
Where would you like people to look to find out more about you and your work?
Well, I'm in the process of setting up my Design business so for now I'd say check out Dark Tides wherever you listen to podcasts if you like comedy and mystery!
ARt a Play Exhibition on now until the end of June 2022.
