She applies her design expertise to the business she runs with her partner and writing and illustrating children’s books.
#saecrew
– student edition –
NAME: Roo Guthrie
CAMPUS: Byron Bay
DISCIPLINE: Bachelor of Graphic Design
What do you most enjoy about student life at SAE?
Being part of a like-minded and supportive creative community.
What are your plans for when you graduate?
To make great design! I hope to find full-time work within the Northern Rivers (New South Wales) area with a company that shares my socially and environmentally conscious values. Also, I will be producing children’s books for a niche market.
Who inspires you?
I’ve been inspired by the work of Stefan Sagmeister & Jessica Walsh. They think big, have fun with the design outcome, and like to create a strong emotional connection with their audience.
What do you enjoy most about Design?
I love being able to craft beautiful things that convey emotion and really empathise with my target audience.
What is your favourite software?
Do I have to choose one? I love my Adobe programs and have a formidable toolkit to make beautiful things!
What projects have you worked on?
I’ve enjoyed consolidating the technical skills for magazine layout as I’ve been producing an online magazine previously using very basic Adobe InDesign skills. I’ve also enjoyed working on rebranding food packaging and branding for children’s products. The Digital Illustration project introduced me to the production of artwork using photoshop. I’ve been an artist all of my life using watercolour and line so it blew my mind to be able to produce my artwork digitally. The piece I had the most fun creating was for “The Owl & The Pussycat” poem.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to SAE?
It will change your life, improve your self-esteem, self belief and skillset – Just do it!
What is Orientation and the first day of SAE like?
Orientation was excellent, it was great to meet like-minded creatives. The first day was like I was stepping into my new world and found my tribe. It gave me a lot of hope for my future.
Do you have any helpful tips to share with fellow students?
Stress can be good as it helps you to push yourself and grow. Look after your health so that you have energy and clarity to succeed. Work on yourself, know yourself so that you understand what makes you truly happy.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am co-founder of a leading vegan app and online magazine – I Feel Good.
What have you accomplished that you are most proud of?
I have been an entrepreneur for 25 years and have built successful businesses with my partner. Letting go of that to pursue my passion for art and design was challenging in many ways, but I’m proud of where I am now as my skills and confidence have gone to the next level. It has been very hard work, but I’ve enjoyed having to dig deep and grow from the experience.
Who are 3 people you would invite to dinner, dead or alive?
I do love to share great food with people, but I don’t think I’d need to invite people to dinner, I am a huge podcast consumer and feel like I am able to get up close to masters of all fields, leaders, and brilliant minds through this medium. I’m an information sponge and love to learn.
