This is part of an article published by the designassembly.org.nz, as they speak to Ruby Ross-Hayes, who recently graduated from the Visual Communication Design at Wellington School of Design Ngā Pae Māhutonga, Massey University.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself

Kia ora, I’m Ruby. I recently graduated from Toi Rauwhārangi with a Bachelor of Design with Honours, majoring in Visual Communication Design. I have always considered myself a creative person, gravitating towards hobbies that incorporate making things, such as sewing, making jewellery, knitting and book binding. I was born and raised on Waiheke Island before moving to Te Whanganui-a-Tara to study. Growing up surrounded by nature has given me a strong love for the environment and I spent many of my high school years in various sustainability-related endeavours.

I’m really drawn to creative problem solving and the way design can communicate complex ideas in clear and engaging ways. Throughout my studies, I developed a strong interest in typography, editorial design and branding, and have enjoyed building my skills across these areas. I love the details of design and how small decisions build up to create a bigger picture. I also enjoy incorporating tactile and hands-on elements into my work, particularly as we move further into a digital age. In recent years, this has taken the form of printmaking and bookbinding.

Who (or what) inspired you to pick design as a career path?

I have always enjoyed making things, so pursuing a creative career was something I had definitely considered. However, the person who most inspired my decision to study design was my Year 13 DVC teacher, Demelza Round.

During my final year at Waiheke High School, Ms Round encouraged me to explore different areas of design not usually offered at my school, helping me create a personalised fashion/textile design subject during her free periods and my unscheduled class time.

Her trust in my abilities and willingness to support my creative interests allowed me to spend a lot of time doing design-related work that year, and I realised that it was by far the most enjoyable work I was doing. I was happy to lock in and put the time in to create things I was proud of. That experience played a significant role in my decision to pursue design in tertiary education.

Read the full article at designassembly.org.nz >>

Some of Ruby’s design work below: