Nearly all of us can identify a very specific point in time when we started being interested in art and creativity. For our editor, it was when a school assignment brought him to write his first ever fiction story. For graphic designer Neville Cassar, it was magazine adverts and his brother's LP covers.
Starting out as a computer technician, Neville has always been interested in art. And when he had the chance to move to Melbourne for some time, he decided to take up the occasion to study graphic design and revolutionise his career. Since then, he has worked with local and foreign agencies all around the world.
For this Member Spotlight, we are learning more about the story of a Bearded Guy with a clear passion for his craft, who was shortlisted for our Annual 2020 awards.
How did you get into the industry?
I graduated as a computer technician but I always liked art and design, since I was a little boy looking at magazine adverts and my brother's LP covers. 15 year ago I had the opportunity to go and live in Melbourne Australia for some time and decided to take a graphic design course at the Grenadi School of Design. Since then I worked with local and foreign agencies and studios.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
I’m based in Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean Ocean next to Sicily and working as a freelancer for my studio - Beardedguy Studio.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Probably still fixing PCs in a shop somewhere :)
How has technology affected the way you work (if at all)?
Technology helped me a lot. It made it much easier to express my creative thoughts on screen and/or print.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
Looking at my work printed on billboards, magazines, brochures or on internet. That's the thing that makes me proud the most.
How do you recharge away from the office?
Spending time with my 7 year old daughter - Cataleya.
What advice would you give to other aspiring creatives looking for work?
Always update your folio with new and current work.
What’s your one big hope for the future of the creative industries?
That designers will be more recognised for their work and how important they are in a world where having a cool brand or the best designed advert is everything.
