MEET #4904 JUSTIN POULTER

Designer • Cape Town, South Africa

WNW Member #4904 Justin Poulter is a freelance graphic designer whose forte is hand lettering and illustration. Originally from South Africa, he spent some time in England operating out of award-winning studio ilovedust. He's worked with clients that include Nike, Vans, Carhartt, Reebok, and Coca Cola. Justin currently designs out of his home studio based in Cape Town, South Africa, and continues to put out incredible work at a steady rate. "I think showing new work as often as possible is key, but keeping a consistent quality is also key. It seems like a lot of guys that do well nowadays are really good at social media and frequently release new work."

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1. How long have you been freelancing?

I've been freelancing now for about 6 months. I did it before for almost two years and continued doing jobs on the side while having permanent positions in studios over the past few years.

Before freelancing, I worked at ilovedust for three years; I was head of illustration at Am I Collective for a year, and I also did a brief stint at Studio Muti.

2. Is there a time or place that you feel most creative/have the best ideas?

I've found experiencing a new place is when the most inspiration flows, but often you can be pleasantly surprised in your own neighbourhood.

3. What's your ideal Working:Not Working ratio?

Work four solid days a week and have the rest off to explore.

4. Do your parents understand what you do?

I'm lucky, my parents both have had creative carriers. My mom's a fashion design, and my dad's an art director and graphic designer in publishing.

5. What scene from a movie makes you laugh just thinking about it?

Most of the scenes from Snatch make me crease up, especially the ones with “Tyrone” and “Vinny”

Tyrone: I didn't see it there.

Vinny: It's a four ton truck, Tyrone. Its not as if it's a packet of fucking peanuts, is it?

Tyrone: It was a funny angle.

[All three turn and look back at the truck]

Vinny: It's behind you Tyrone. Whenever you reverse, things come from behind you.

6. If you were stranded on a desert island, with your computer, what 3 websites would you take with you?

Gmail to keep in touch, tumblr to keep my blog updated (ha!) and probably FFFFound to keep me inspired.

7. What do you do when Not Working?

Skateboarding, photography and travel (when possible.)

8. Do you have a hidden talent?

Its hard to say really, I’ve been getting some recognition for my photos a bit lately. Maybe one to mention would be networking.

9. Any tips or advice for fellow freelancers?

I think showing new work as often as possible is key, but keeping a consistent quality is also key. It seems like a lot of guys that do well nowadays are really good at social media and frequently release new work.

10. What's your favorite thing on the internet this week?

Two of my friends Travys Owen and Dylan Wrankmore recently did a music video for a local band called Fantasma. I'd have to say that their video for Fantasma's track “Eye of the Sun” is one of my favourite things up on the internet at the moment.