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Meet Katja Lambert, our incredibly talented senior designer who’s been with us for an impressive 12 years and counting! While Katja tends to shy away from the spotlight of interviews and cameras, her passion for design is unmistakable — and contagious.
We sat down for a chat with Katja to uncover the secrets behind her success, her role’s evolution at Distl, and what keeps her inspired.
1. What sparked your early passion for design?
Katja: I think I always knew I was going to design in some capacity in my career. As a child, I was always sketching, often getting lost in my drawings when my mum would come in to wake me up in the mornings. This early interest led me to apply for a special arts program in primary school. It was a unique opportunity offered by select high schools in WA where I spent my Saturday mornings exploring various art forms with specialised artists. I absolutely loved it and learned so much from that experience.
2. How did your education and professional experience shape your career in design?
Katja: My tertiary education included a Diploma in Multimedia and Graphic Design, which again opened my mind to even more forms of art. Before joining Distl, I was at Luminosity, where I worked as a graphic designer with a diverse skill set across multiple disciplines.
3. How did your journey with Distl begin?
Katja: When Birdbrain merged with Luminosity (to form Distl) it opened up new avenues for me, particularly in web design. I loved Distl’s innovative approach and the opportunity to work with a talented team that values creativity and versatility. It felt like a natural fit and the next exciting step in my design career.
4. How has your role evolved over the past 12 years?
Katja: My role has always been multi-disciplinary, covering everything from graphic design to video production, multimedia and web design, among many others. What I love most about working in an agency like Distl is the diversity of projects. The scope of work is constantly evolving, and no two days are the same. Whether it’s crafting a brand identity for a start-up company, producing engaging multimedia content for a client’s social media campaign, or designing event signage for a local event, there’s always something new and exciting to sink my teeth into.
5. What do you enjoy most about working as a senior designer at Distl?
Katja: I thrive on the multi-faceted nature of my role. The variety is what keeps me passionate about my work. The opportunity to continually learn and grow is what drives me. Being part of a team that offers such a wide range of design services means there’s always something new to explore. It’s a constant journey of expanding my skills and exploring fresh creative territories.
6. Can you share some challenges you’ve faced in your role and how you overcame them?
Katja: Graphic design is challenging, and each project comes with its own set of unique obstacles to overcome. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of pushing through these challenges rather than procrastinating. Staying on trend and remaining relevant in the ever-evolving world of design requires a great deal of patience and devotion. It’s a continuous process of learning, adapting, and refining my skills to ensure that I’m delivering the best possible solutions for our clients.
7. How do you stay inspired?
Katja: Loving Design helps to keep me inspired and creative. I also find inspiration in daily life. At the end of the day, each project presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. Often, the client has a unique selling point or differentiator that sets them apart from their competitors. My role is to identify that distinctive element and bring it to the forefront, crafting designs that not only resonate with their target audience but also help them stand out in a crowded marketplace. It’s a rewarding process that fuels my passion for what I do.
8. Are there any specific projects that you particularly enjoy being part of?
Katja: Tackling larger projects brings a whole new level of challenge … and I do love a challenge. These projects often involve numerous components and stakeholders, requiring careful coordination and attention to detail. From conceptualisation to execution, there are many moving parts that need to come together to achieve the desired outcome. Despite the complexity, successfully bringing all these pieces together is incredibly satisfying. It’s like solving a puzzle where each piece plays a crucial role in the bigger picture. Seeing everything align and witnessing the project come to fruition is rewarding. Projects that allow for creativity, innovation, and problem-solving often tend to be the most exciting. Projects where there’s room for exploration and experimentation and push boundaries.
9. What do you value the most about working at Distl?
Katja: The culture is a huge part of why I’ve stayed and thrived at Distl for so long. I love that Distl’s culture is open and warm-hearted which makes it a pleasure to come to work with like-minded people. Distl offers not only multi-disciplinary offerings but also autonomy and collaboration.
10. What advice would you give to aspiring graphic designers?
Katja: If you have a genuine passion for design and creativity, then stick with it. Graphic design is a demanding and challenging field, and many people find it difficult to consistently maintain high levels of quality, creativity, and uniqueness in their work. While the job can be challenging and often feels like a roller coaster ride with its ups and downs, the satisfaction that comes from overcoming these challenges and delivering impactful designs is incredibly rewarding. Seeing your ideas come to life and making a meaningful impact through your work makes all the hard work and dedication worth it.
Katja Lambert
Senior Designer