Seeing the incredible achievements of our ex students is certainly on of the very best perks of our job as Creative Industries educators. This week International graphic designer (and ex-Folio Prep student), Wade Jeffree treated our art, design and photography students to a wonderful presentation about his amazing creative journey.
After completing Folio Preparation, Wade went on to study Communication Design at Swinburne University. He then travelled to the USA where he landed a dream job with his design hero, the world renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister!
@stefansagmeister.
Wade is now a "New York-based Designer and Art Director whose practice is based upon creating long-standing collaborative partnerships built on honesty and purpose within the fields of art, culture, and commerce. He believes in a life where work and play are forever intertwined". (Reproduced from wadejeffree.com).
Wade and his partner Leta Sobierajski now run their own highly acclaimed graphic design studio from Brooklyn, New York. Selected clients include:Nike, Google, Uniqlo Japan, Refinery 29, AIGA, Bloomberg Businessweek, Digg, Riposte Magazine, Ghostly International Records, IBM, Columbia University, Kiehl’s, The New York Times, Tate Modern, DOTS, Renault, Bjarke Ingels Group, Hawthorns Group, Next Wave Art Festival (Aus), Dumbo Art Improvement District, L’oreal Melbourne Fashion Week, Le Turtle, AARK watches, Odd Pairs, The Designers Foundry and Styles Upon Styles Records.
Wade and Leta have become renowned for their Complements Project. 'Complements explores Leta and Wade’s relationship, as well as the universal strangeness of love, highlighting their individual talents that complement (and compliment!) each other. The project as a whole is sharp, creative, and light-hearted, highlighting a stunning dynamic between the real-life artist couple and their shared passion for unique design'. (Words by Kate Messinger). Five images from the Complements Project are reproduced below.
Wade’s presentation at NCAT was in turn hilarious, humble, honest and totally inspiring. The students were incredibly excited and went away thinking that with desire and hard work, their creative vision can become a reality! Folio Prep Program Leader Tracy Paterson (pictured with Wade) taught Wade Graphic Design and Photo-Imaging at Folio Preparation. She was so happy and proud to have played a small a part in his journey those twelve years ago at NCAT!
We all look forward to seeing what’s next for Wade. You can keep an eye out on what he is doing on his website wadejeffree.com or on instagram @wadejeffree
Images reproduced with thanks to Wade Jeffree and Leta Sobierajski
