Stuart Forsyth, Artist & Designer in Wellington, New Zealand

About

I'm a multi-disciplined designer with over 25 years experience working for companies in New Zealand and overseas. Having worked on a large variety of projects within the creative arts sector, I have built up a strong set of skills (from concept development, design crafting, through to client management and coordination) that allows me to work in a variety of roles with confidence.

I enjoy the challenge of problem solving through collaboration, conceptual/strategic thinking and well crafted design.

My interest and experience in art and design has given me the opportunity to be involved in a broad range of projects from social history/contemporary art exhibitions, through to branding and bespoke publication design projects.

I approach all jobs with enthusiasm and dedication, no matter how big or small and try not to take myself too seriously.

Specialty skills and experience:

Creative direction, brand development, design crafting, illustration, marketing, creative writing, project management, diplomacy and delivering the unexpected.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (Distinction)

Ilam School of Fine Art, Canterbury University

2017 - 2019
Postgraduate Diploma Fine Art (Merit)

Massey University, Whiti o Rehua School of Art

2013 - 2014
Diploma Visual Communication and Design

Wellington Polytechnic School of Design

1991 - 1994

Experience

Graphic Designer

The Dowse Art Museum

Lower Hutt, New Zealand

Jul 2021 - Present (3 years 4 months)

Graphic design work for The Dowse Art Museum's exhibitions and events, including exhibition graphics (vinyl titles, signages, labels, artist catalogues and book design) , advertising (adverts, posters, billboards), general museum promo collatera; (brochures, posters etc) and backend website updating.
Design & Marketing Coordinator

Pataka Art + Museum

Porirua, New Zealand

2014 - Jul 2021 (6 years 8 months)

Key responsibilities include the management and implementation of all Pātaka's related branding and design collateral including exhibition graphics, artist books, advertising, marketing, website management and wayfinding signage. The role involves coordinating with artists, curators, directors, other staff, and key services providers to ensure exhibition and publication material deadlines are met and produced to a high industry standard.
Senior Designer

Salted Herring

Wellington, New Zealand

Oct 2013 - May 2014 (7 months)

Website design, identity & brand development, packaging, art direction and illustration for a range of New Zealand and international clients.
Senior Designer

Designworks

Wellington, New Zealand

Feb 2013 - Sep 2013 (7 months)

I worked as a senior designer at Designworks Wellington on a wide range of projects that not only utilised my design skills but also my drawing, painting and sculpture abilities. Projects included spatial and interior work for Kiwi bank, interior graphics and artwork for the Designworks Wellington office, and information design for The Ministry of Culture and Heritage.
Senior Designer

Pataka Art + Museum

Porirua, New Zealand

Feb 2012 - Feb 2013 (1 year)

Creative direction and design implementation of a updated brand identity look and feel, including; visual audit, publication collateral development, advertising & marketing campaigns and website overhaul and management. I was responsible for managing, designing and implementing all aspects of the brand across various channels, which included dealing with media, sub contractors, printers working with curators & artists, the public programmes team and other staff to deliver fresh, engaging work for Pātaka’s local and wider audience.
In-house illustrator

Icebreaker Clothing

Wellington, New Zealand

Jul 2004 - Dec 2011 (7 years 5 months)

I worked with Icebreaker over a seven year period conceptualising, illustrating and designing for the design department and for the company’s seasonal print ranges, across all garment styles. I was instrumental in the creation of the first Icebreaker garment prints and development of the Icebreaker Kids brand look and feel for packaging, POS, posters and catalogue spreads. I was also responsible for the conceptual work, project management and application of the interior artworks for Icebreaker’s Wellington, Portland and Vancouver offices.
Creative Director

Parkring Projects

Wellington, New Zealand

Jun 2001 - Jan 2004 (2 years 7 months)

I have worked for a variety of creative agencies within New Zealand in a freelance capacity doing conceptual, graphic design, illustrative and fine art projects. Companies I worked for were: Degree Design, Special Group, Jasmax Architects (Wellington), Resn, Designworks (Auckland), Ocean Design, Origin Design, Cato Partners (Wellington), Y&R Advertising, Aim Proximity.
Design tutor

Massey University

Wellington, New Zealand

Feb 2003 - May 2003 (3 months)

Design tutor - Taught general design for one semester to 1st year design students.
Middleweight designer

Bamber Forsyth

London, United Kingdom

Aug 1998 - Jun 2000 (1 year 10 months)

I was a middleweight designer at Bamber Forsyth (design/corporate reporting agency). I was involved in identity, self promotion, annual report and digital projects for clients such as Unilever, Northern Foods, Health Education Authority and BAA.
Middleweight designer

Four IV

London, United Kingdom

Mar 1998 - Apr 1998 (1 month)

Freelance designer - General design/layout work.
Joint creative director/owner

Gatehaus design Ltd

Dec 1994 - Nov 1997 (2 years 11 months)

Joint creative/design director - Established small independent design company with two other design graduates Hana Bright and Matt Clapham. My role included everything from strategy, design, client management to making tea. Work ranged from small identity work through to annual reports for a broad mix of clients including Telecom mobile, Datamail, Barnardos and Tourism New Zealand.

Awards

2024 – Parkin Drawing Prize – Finalist

2022 – Parkin Drawing Prize – Finalist

2021 – Parkin Drawing Prize – Finalist

2021 – National Contemporary Art Award – Finalist

2020 – Parkin Drawing Prize – Merit Award

2019 – Molly Morepeth Canaday 3D Award – Merit Award

2017 – National Contemporary Art Award – Finalist

2017 – Annual Wallace Art Awards – Finalist

2017 – Parkin Drawing Prize – Finalist

2010 - Best Awards – Silver award for Icebreaker office interior wall art

2009 – Best Awards – Finalist for Wishbone Bike packaging illustration

1994 - Young designer of the year – Finalist

Industries

Skills

On Coroflot

@stuforsyth, member since 2008

Followers 1

Stuart Forsyth

Systems Administrator, Visible Futures Lab (VFL)

Department of Applied Design Chair - Associate Professor/Professor