By Corinne Smith, courtesy of Design Assembly

By Corinne Smith, courtesy of Design Assembly

Askew’s graffiti work is part of our urban landscape. The diverse self-taught artist’s work also involves graphic design, illustration, photography, publishing, music and moving image. His tireless dedication to his craft will make for an inspiring talk at Semi-Permanent this month. In a round of quick fire questions, we get to know Askew a little better before the main event.

If you could work anywhere in the world where you and why?

My heart is here in the South Pacific region but I deal with the frustration and limitations of being in an isolated country all the time. I need to have fairly decent stints abroad, particularly in the US every year to maintain a certain amount of presence and opportunity.

How do you approach a new project? Do prefer to look at the big picture or focus on the details first?

I’m a big picture person and my partner Olivia handles a lot of the details of things, especially where business and logistics are concerned.

What drives you?

Restlessness, ambition, fun.

Describe your work in three words.

Graphic, energetic, street.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’m not sure… Honestly, there’s been quite a few in the past 2 years. I feel really lucky. My experiences have been so varied, from painting in places like Detroit to flying around the Swiss Alps in a helicopter, I’ve been having a good time lately.

What is the biggest challenge or frustration you have faced?

Everything from the arrests, politics, the stifling feeling of being in a geographically isolated nation that can still view the creative industries as a hobby rather than a viable career. Heaps of stuff really but it’s all necessary too. What else gives you the perspective to appreciate the successes.

At creative conferences like Semi-Permanent you get to meet creative individuals with amazing skill sets. If you could collaborate with anyone in the world at the moment in any field, who would it be and on what?

I’d love to work with some of the bands/musicians. I really love to create all the imagery associated with a project. Like every detail. There’s a handful of people I’d really enjoy doing that for.

What’s the best piece of advice you have received?

Just to be patient and keep doing what you do. You have to make one work to make the next, even the bad ones count for something.

Is there a one particular designer or creative you admire?

I couldn’t say just one. I’m in awe of so many.

Tell us about your studio environment and how important is it to your creative process?

My studio is awesome. It’s in a 500 sq m warehouse I also live in. It’s a shared space with a bunch of other very committed and hard working creatives who all work hard at what they do.

What can we look forward to hearing about from you at Semi-Permanent?

Just my journey thus far. The few things I’ve learned and hopefully some words to inspire others.

• Courtesy of Design Assembly / conversations on graphic design.