‘Persistence beats resistance’

Terry Chisholm is making his mark on the world working as a full time Typographer & Graphic Designer for a Sydney based creative advertising agency called Three Drunk Monkeys . Born and raised in New Zealand Terry is a self taught designer who lives by the motto ‘Persistence beats resistance’, so just get on with it.

After launching his own brand Miny Mino Mo, Terry decided to jump the ditch to fulfill his dream of becoming an Art Director, Photographer and/or Artist.

Terry has recently received Studio credit for two silver cannes lions awards & a gold Clio award. He has also received attention for his photography & designing for BBC Knowledge, and regularly gets asked to fill people’s houses with his art work.

What is your official job title at present?

I have been hired as a Typographer & Graphic Designer, I also do a fair bit of commissioned art and photography and a little fashion. At night I’m also known to sometimes be hired as a Ninja assassin. So all 4 really

How and when did you get into design?

I was always into art & design from a very young age, I always knew I wanted to be a creative of some sort whether it be an architect or designer, but I always knew I would be one. 2005 is when I actually started as a designer in the working force but art is something I’ve done from a young age.

When did you move to Sydney and what made you decide to move there?

The start of 2009. Moving here was partly due to my old flatmate suggesting it as a place I would like, partly for my career & I also I heard that Bondi summers were amazing.

What is one of the largest projects you have worked on to date?

A recent campaign we did for Telstra – THub launch. I think from start to end it was around 6 months.

Who are your major influencers and how do they influence your work?

Well this changes regularly due to the nature of what it is I do. For instance I might like a series of work someone did one year but not like the next one the year after. At the moment perhaps I would say Jasper Goodall (who I had the pleasure of meeting a few months back), for the process he uses to create his work, also he makes his own styles and everyone else follows.

- Andre Beato – well he’s just an amazing Typographer.
- Alex Trochut – an amazing Typographer also.
- Ralph Steadman – So warped!
- Mat Maitland – His work is always refreshing.
- Francoise Nielly – I’m a fan of bright colours.

As a good friend put it so well, ‘What ever muse is in my life at that time’.

Who is your favourite designer and why?

At the moment Andre Beato & Jasper Goodall. Why? Ah I’m just really inspired buy them after meeting them recently. My favourites change frequently.

What turns you on creatively?

White Space, I’m a huge fan of typography, Modern pop/mix media art. I frequent exhibitions a lot (partly for the free alcohol). Pretty much anything, I will walk down the road and see something stuck to a lamppost and have an idea of something I could paint or draw.

What are the major differences that you have noticed in the design industry between Sydney and Auckland?

Probably the fact there is a lot more happening in Sydney, so it’s more visually stimulating for me personally. I think there are a lot more career opportunities here, larger budgets for ad campaigns which means better quality work.

Do you have future plans of working further abroad?

Yes, I have a fair few industry contacts who are born & bread New Yorkers so I think my next stop will be NY. Then after that Europe. I plan to travel the world being a creative.

What has been your proudest moment as a designer so far?

Apart from getting into the advertising game as a designer/Typographer, one that stands out is working for BBC Knowledge on a campaign called A little knowledge goes a long way, where I was credited with being the designer, Co-Photographer & Co-Art Director. There were some long hours involved on that project but we had a lot of fun with it. Also getting Studio credit for Two 2010 Silver Cannes Lions awards & a Gold Clio for a campaign I was part of…… There are so many….

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

War Photographer or National Geography photographer.

What is your favorite word?

Oh I’m not sure what I have in mind is suitable for here, but i do like it when people say ‘Yes’……

What sound or noise do you hate?

Complaining.

If you had your name in lights what would it say?

Terry Chisholm! Isnt that obvious!

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