About the designer

Ray Parslow at work.

"In my case, how I became a designer, was being interested in fine arts. I wanted to take that into a job that was fulfilling. A whole part of this job is about learning and continuing to learn. It?s about challenging and altering people?s perceptions. "

Ray enjoys working with a talented team who create designs for many different clients ? from large organisations, corporations and government departments, through to small businesses and charities. His work might include anything from designing business cards, logos, signage, posters, brochures or annual reports through to large-scale environmental graphics such as the Fox Studios? site. A wide mix of interesting projects keeps his job exciting and challenging.

Ray first became interested in design at high school. He always loved art and studied painting, drawing and sculpture at school. He wanted a career that would be creative but realised early on that being an artist might be a difficult area to make a living.

Ray aged 13. Courtesy: Ray Parslow.

Ray grew up in a small town in New Zealand. When he finished high school he didn?t feel that he was ready to pursue further study. He decided to work for a while before deciding on a career or area of further study. For a while he was a postman, enjoying the outdoors, and having lots of time to play sports while still being able to pursue his love of art and design.

Not long after this short break, Ray decided that being a commercial artist would be a good way to pursue his interest in art and design and still earn a living. He applied for a job as a creative artist and visualiser without realising exactly what this job was all about. He didn?t get the job but instead, was given some very valuable advice. He was told that the best way to gain experience and have access to the best design schools would be to go overseas and study. Ray followed this advice and moved to Melbourne where he completed a 4-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Graphic Design. During his studies, he did a 1-year internship at Emery Vincent Design in Melbourne.

Ray with the Olympic Arts poster.