Kyra Jensen is a graphic designer currently based in Wellington, New Zealand. She was one of our successful applicants of our Gradspotters programme, and we’re super excited to be working alongside her and supporting her work as an emerging graduate. Kyra’s practice focuses on print media, typography, and editorial design, and is interested in how it can withstand a modern, digital world.
It was during the 4 years that she was studying Visual Communication Design at Massey University in Wellington that Kyra fell in love with the physical processes that coincide with graphic design. She tells us; “A lot of it is digital, of course, but when it came to producing a finished work, I enjoyed learning the methods used in the production of different outcomes.” Post-university, Kyra has continued to work on personal projects that she is passionate about, and we can’t wait to see them out in the world!
“I thrive in academic and learning environments so I truly loved university,” states the designer. She continues; “I loved the freedom given to explore various avenues and our interests could drive those projects”. Her final University project, Quotidian Collections, is a book about everyday objects, their role in our lives, and how they express an individual’s personality. For the book, she interviewed 20 people, and photographed their collections.
“When it comes to art and design, a degree is not required. There are so many resources available to learn these things, plus it’s usually something that comes with practice. However, the opportunities and help facilitated my projects and fostered my growth as a designer.”
Kyra’s work always begins on paper. She starts with a lot of research and brainstorming, before sketching and later going to the computer where she designs. Describing herself as “a bit of a type nerd”, Kyra experiments with various typefaces to get the right look. She comments; “I’ll try to understand every aspect of the project which helps bring in conceptual ideas”. Next, she looks at the physical outcome and experiments with binding, printing, and paper stock. “There are so many ways that a printed artefact can be presented; often, the artefact itself is a huge part of the conceptual thinking,” comments Kyra.
Inspiration for her designs often comes from within her own circle, and she looks to her friends and the things that surround her. She proclaims; “The best ideas come from conversation”. Passionate about social and worldly issues, these also motivate her output. Since the majority of her work is print-based, Kyra looks back at older books and traditional processes such as printmaking and bookbinding, taking into account the context and how they have previously been presented. From this, she forms a new take, combining the traditional and modern.
Still fresh in the industry, Kyra tells us; “I am overwhelmed by all the options I have for my career and I’m sure there is time to try a little bit of everything”. Currently, she is working on a new endeavour that will take the form of an independent publishing studio where she will make collaborative books with other designers and artists.
www.kyrajensen.com
@kyrajensenn
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