5 MINS WITH..
@alexandriaduke
Xani, tell me a little about what you do, and why you've spent the last few months in Melbourne!
That's a big question! Well I'm a graphic designer and apparel designer who can't seem to stay put. I found myself in Melbourne back in May to do a 3-month graphic design program aka Shillington College.
How would you describe your creative style, and what's your favourite medium?
Hmm my creative style has been described back to me as "something that doesn't fit in corporate studios". It's raw. It often starts out as an experiment. It's my thoughts and emotions translated into something others can see but might not understand. Although, lately I've been trying to design outside my element so I can see how far I can push myself and my work.
As for mediums, I wouldn't say I have one favourite. Every medium brings out a different meaning. Drawing and painting has a special place in my heart because that's what I grew up doing with my dad. Photography allows me to capture moments, emotions, people, and places (which I often get printed to paint on). Graphic design gets me lost in what I'm doing. Apparel design offers self expression (and makes me money).
What are you working on at the moment?
Collecting my thoughts and sorting out what's next. Oh, and I've got a good amount of freelance work that I've collected throughout my travels.
So explain how you came to creating the artwork for 'Unstable Boy'?
This was a tricky one. I listened over and over again. I thought I had a good concept to run with at first but once I got it out of my head it didn't resonate. It wasn't until I was sitting in a hotel office chair at 11:30 pm when I just started drawing. Suddenly I had these shapes on paper. The eyes represent something hiding in the darkness, and in many Native American tribes a cactus represents protection, endurance, and adaptability – something those eyes were longing for. I interpreted 'Unstable Boy' as a progression of sorts, from dark to light (and feel free to take that in any way you please, because that's the beauty of a song).
What's next for Alexandria Duke?
That's a secret! What I can tell you is I'm taking these next steps to grow as a designer. I also just started the design of my dream shipping container house in North Shore, O'ahu, so that's cool!
P.s Thanks James, for the lovely opportunity to be a part of 'Unity'.
