Brand Design
Carefully Crafted Communication
I think of design as a craft, and graphic design, as carefully crafted communication. My job is to communicate your message effectively through a visual lens, combining text and image.
Collaboration and Attention to Detail
One-on-one collaboration with clients is my No.1 priority. I work alongside you as much as you need during the design process, arriving at an end product you are proud of and can own as yours. With experience both in London and Auckland within agencies and architectural practices, I have been involved in a wide range of projects. I work with clients from large corporates and SMEs, to sole traders across differing business sectors.
As you browse examples of my work you will notice a variety of aesthetics - simply because each brief is unique and demands a unique response. If there is any permeance of 'style', it is a consistent finesse and attention to detail. Good designers are known for obsessing over detail, and I'm no exception - half of excellence is simply a love for detail. It's the little stuff that makes all the difference.
Fine Arts Background
My Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Auckland focused on printmaking and sculpture and continues to influence my approach to design. Printmaking involves many techniques including the mixing of printers CMYK ink, which has deepened my understanding and love of colour relationships. Studying sculpture developed spatial and material awareness, working with wood and more recently No.8 wire. These disciplines contribute to the critical thinking and broad range I bring to finding good design solutions, often incorporating typography, while satisfying my desire to work with my hands.
Mentoring
I currently enjoy mentoring young design students through the ArtsLab programme at the Depot Art Space, helping develop their portfolios. I have previously taught part-time at AUT with students in their last year of study, mentoring them through their final self-directed projects.
Testimonial - Erwin Van Asbeck
Depot ArtSpace runs a mentoring programme for creatives and Jill is one of our key mentors. We are extremely grateful for her invaluable insights and professional feedback for the emerging creatives on our ArtsLab programme. We want to acknowledge her wonderful ongoing contribution, giving back and supporting the creative sector in Aotearoa to thrive.
Erwin van Asbeck, Creative Engagement and Development. ArtsLab.
I have a love of sailing that goes back to childhood, and had the experience not so long ago of being able to skull the family yacht the ‘Odtaa’ through becalmed waters to slide quietly into an anchorage late at night, after a brisk afternoon sail.
I have consistently been a commuter cyclist, but more recently I’ve discovered how liberating it is to travel long distances by bike. I have now covered the length of New Zealand, following the Tour Aotearoa route from Cape Reinga to Bluff, and I’m looking forward to discovering more of New Zealand under pedal power.
These two pursuits go together – bringing the satisfaction of arriving at a destination under your own steam, working with and embracing the elements.
Godwin Design Dinghies - by Julian Godwin
The concept of the flare bow dinghy was developed during the 1960's by my late father Julian. They are for the traditional connoisseur who delights in a shapely and useful plywood dinghy. Dinghies range in size from 1.82 to 3.65m and are tried and proven in all kinds of sea conditions over fifty years. Designed primarily for easy rowing – especially when heavily laden – the dinghies can be used with outboard motors, with some having centreboard casings and mast steps set up for sailing. Plans are available for several models, please click the dinghy plan button to be directed to the dinghy page.
