Here’s our spotlight for Michael Bretherton! He goes by “River” and has an amazing talent and eye for design. We’re excited to get to know Michael a little more!

Michael Bretherton – Australia

I’ve been a designer for just over 20 years. That time includes advertising, art direction, graphic design and web design.

I have always loved art. Since childhood, I’ve always been a day-dreamer and graphic design was the logical career path. I have to say that a speech by Ken Cato, an iconic Australian designer while I was studying, cemented my already fierce interest in design. Studying in Auckland, New Zealand, and having a well-known Aussie come to talk to our small class was exciting and stimulating.

Design is not only my passion, it’s my life; my career. Without design, I think I’d be like a fish out of water. Design shapes, brands, products, trends, lives. To be part of that is exciting – especially to have been around when the fax machine was used to receive proofs from the typesetters.

It’s mind-blowing to witness the growth and development of the internet. I see the eyes of young designers roll back if I mention “before computers…”. Well, believe it or not, there was a world before we all had a Mac on our desk, and my way of doing things hasn’t changed. Sketching ideas is the way I can break free of any software and hopefully discover unique design solutions.

My other interest is photography, which is another creative outlet that allows you to escape into the frame.

I have a young family and that is all-consuming and is the center of my world. I especially enjoy seeing their creativity blossoming and to nurture that.

Australia is an international market and has an international flavor, although there is a uniquely Australian style. This is a good thing considering local styles are being melted down into the big melting pot of global design. A lot of small businesses in Australia are discovering the commercial power of great design, to create and grow their brands and communicate with their audience more clearly.

In a nutshell, the internet has helped me with my graphic design by putting tools on my desk which enable me to communicate with anyone around the world. I’m able to design an identity for someone in Florida, brand for a startup business in BC, Canada, or even brand for a new online business just outside Milan.

If I could change one thing about the graphic design world, it would be that clients wouldn’t be so scared of white space! Also, that graphic design not be considered an afterthought. It should be part of the conception of a product or business idea, not tagged on like a sticking plaster later. I’d also like to have the graphic designer or brand strategist be allowed to attend the boardroom meeting. So, we live to educate people of the benefits of great design.

I feel that ThePerfectDesign.com can help me to accomplish my goals by allowing me to reach new clients around the globe. I will be able to solve design challenges for businesses willing to put their projects out there, and learn a completely different way of doing business. This type of service is only going to grow and I’d like to be part of that.

Michael – www.charcoaldesign.com.au