Name
Ashleigh Abbott 

Title
Lead Creative  

Started at CK
November 2015    

When did you know that graphic design was the career for you?
Certainly not when my Year 11 design teacher told the class that we would never get a design job in Adelaide and if we did, a caravan would be all that you could afford to live in…. if you’re lucky!  

That vote of confidence aside, I’ve always had a passion for art and beautiful design with a creative heart, soul and mind. I wanted to be a botanical artist surrounded by flowers, however as time went on, I put on my practical hat and arrived at a career in graphic design. I knew graphic design would fulfil my passion and be a perfect career that would allow me to imagine, create and constantly push my creative thinking. I believe it’s good to be continually challenged in life.  

What path led you to communikate et al?
I worked at three boutique graphic design studios before a chance meeting, which I thought was to discuss purchasing a piece of my art, but actually evolved into my next career opportunity.   

What are some of the highlights of your career to date? 
I have so many highlights at communikate et al but my top three would be: 

  • Seeing design and branding grow so dramatically, we have achieved so much in such a short time
  • Working with a diverse range of clients, brands and partners in a fully integrated way – from their brand, through to their digital, stakeholder communications and ongoing marketing advisory
  • Mentoring our graphic designer Sophia and seeing her develop into an incredible designer

What skill are you best known for? 
Other than turning our Account Director Bec’s scribbled ideas (they are truly unique at times!) to life… I think creating something from nothing that has meaning, combines playfulness with purpose, creativity with practicality, communicates and generates curiosity. My goal is to make things simpler, smarter, more useful, more beautiful and, at times, more fun.    

What do you enjoy most about your role?  
Working with our incredible team across all our service offerings and together through conversation, consideration and collaboration we solve problems and produce amazing outcomes for our clients.    

What makes communikate et al special? 
The people and what we all do for each other, our business and our clients. We are passionate and giving! 

 If you could give advice to your pre-career self, what would it be?
Travel more and get as much knowledge and inspiration as you can from as many people and places as you can. 

What do you have a reputation for within the communikate et al office?
I think I have a reputation for:

  • Celebrating with colourful confetti 
  • Leaving my belongings scattered all around the office 
  • Not having time to park properly 
  • Leaving the communal water bottles empty! 

 If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be? 
Creative + Imaginative + Kind 

When you’re not at work, where will we find you and what will you be doing?
In the outdoors exploring, drawing, cooking and with the people I love. 

What organisation would be your dream rebrand gig? 
Foodland and their home brand packaging. 

What are you working on at the moment? 
A rebrand for psychology, family therapy, education and training provider Bower Place. Watch this space! 

What’s a client or project you’re most proud of? 
Bower Place and One Rail Australia (formerly Genesee & Wyoming Australia). They are one of Australia’s largest freight service providers which, following the sale of the Australian arm were in need of a new name and full rebrand. We had to consider the brand across a range of assets from their locomotives through to stationery and corporate and property signage.  

What’s your philosophy for good design?
A brand goes beyond the mark. Your brand is the image and personality that your organisation 
projects to the world. It needs to be beautiful, clever and evolve over time. It needs to adapt to the changing needs of those you serve, the environment, the business and the context in which they exist.  

I think about design as an entire living system, considering how it is applied, how flexible it is and what components can be deconstructed and used across all platforms. The outcome is a rich tapestry of considered and consistent design.