Studio By Jacs: Simplify and Practice Constraint
Interior/Graphic Designer and Sensory Design Jacs
by Elizabeth Lavis
|01 Mar 2024
Interior/Graphic Designer and Sensory Design Jacs of Studio By Jacs is a semi-self-taught creative who went to college for interior design and took online graphics courses to hone her skills. “My design philosophy centers around creating experiences and timeless designs,” Jacs says. “Drawing inspiration from past eras, such as the 1920s and 1950-1980s, I’ve found a deep appreciation for other types of design, including furniture, interiors, and product design. This synergy has allowed me to refine my technique and broaden my perspective.”
The best piece of advice Jac has ever heard is “simplify and practice constraint.” She also believes it’s imperative to derive inspiration from many different places. “Get out and see the world,” she says. “Don’t get stuck in the digital age. There is so much to see out there, so experience that new bar, store, or volunteer in your local area. Make time to immerse yourself in art and nature. All these experiences allow you to tap into your imagination and create absolutely brilliant designs.”
There’s also something profoundly important about seeing graphic design in its physical form. “You’ll be able to grasp its intention more fully,” she says. “Graphic design is an experience in itself, so don’t hesitate to venture out and explore new places for inspiration.”
Jacs balances her creative work with fostering inspiration and taking time for self-care. “Whether it’s embracing the serenity of the beach, immersing myself in music that resonates with my mood, nurturing self-care practices, embarking on inspiring travels, or engaging in captivating events, I always ensure that I dedicate time to recharge and invigorate my creative spirit,” she says.
Culture Cush - Responsibly designed furniture, By Jacs
Jacs comes from Marrickville, Sydney, an industrial area with plenty of street art and graffiti. She originally wanted to be a fashion designer, but in her collegiate years, she gravitated toward interior design and graphics. “I’ve always been part of the creative world, so it’s safe to say that I was going to become some sort of designer,” she says.
Her design process starts with thoroughly getting to know the client and brief; then, she looks at the environment. “We commence with a thorough analysis, whether it’s a digital space, physical location, or a harmonious blend of both,” she says. Next, she conducts a sensory and color evaluation, considering all five senses. Finally, she puts together a creative analysis and visual concept that acts as the heart and soul of the design.
“If the client resonates with our concept, we embark on the collaborative design development journey,” she says. “At this stage, we provide our clients with initial design ideas, giving them a solid foundation to open their creative tank. We encourage collaboration during this phase, as it often sparks fresh ideas and brings a touch of uniqueness to the project.” Finally, Jacs strives to create meaningful, emotional connections through the work. “We design to inspire, comfort, excite, and engage. Every element is chosen with a purpose, serving as a touchpoint for these connections.”
Jacs sees a bright future ahead, envisioning herself as a distinguished creative thought leader in design in the next five years. “My journey will include extensive travel, where I document inspiration and curate a body of work that serves as the foundation for crafting immersive, avant-garde global projects,” she says.
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