Matthew Vernon

Matthew Vernon

Designer / Creative / Developer / Founder of Neue Goods

Sydney, Australia

www.matthewvernon.co
instagram @matthewvernon
twitter @alwysnvr
 

WHAT DO YOU DO?

“I work with startups and lifestyle companies to design engaging brands, and then roll that out through their business – across websites, digital products and marketing materials.”

I also run a lot of side projects – like my clothing brand Neue Goods!

WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I studied design and got a few jobs after graduating, shortly after I realized I'm really independent and a bit of a control freak. I quickly realized being an employee wasn't for me and jumped into the world of freelance. Along the way I've always said yes to every opportunity given to me and always push myself to keep learning and consuming as much information as possible.
 

FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?

This year I've learnt that design is less about raw talent, and more about the processes you utilize to help you throughout a project. I've really focussed on implementing strategies to help turn any project or any client into something that gives me the highest chance of producing amazing work. I truly believe there are no "good" or "bad" clients and projects, it's up to you as a designer to take control of the project and make sure it works out well. Sometimes you have to stick to your guns and send of some harshly worded emails.
 

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

Trying to juggle a few ongoing projects with clients
 

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS? 

I love colour and making everything I work on bold and strong (if it works for the client). A lot of projects I work on are with companies who are still stuck with the idea that tech companies have to all be blue and use lowercase letter's for their logo's. I love helping them break out of their shell and create a brand that aligns closer to their values and user base in a way that is fun and exciting.
 

WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?

Code. I've progressed a lot in this area recently, but I still want to learn more.
 

WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?

Not being able to write back end code. I constantly have ideas for apps and digital products, and often create fully polished brands and interface designs for these products. Being so close to make them a reality, but not having enough skill to actually bring them to fruition is the worst feeling in the world.
 

IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?

I'd like to have a fun answer for this question, but to be complete honest I'd just get them to work on all the things that I really don't want to work on – but are necessary for each project. Powerpoint Presentations. Ugh.

LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?

Instead of trying to play in bands and write graffiti, when I was a teenager, I would learn how to code and start more businesses/projects. 
 

IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

There's a few people I know who are actually good at Branding, Front End and Back End code – which is insane. They're basically autonomous and can build their own products entirely by themselves. I'd love to learn more about how they got there.
 

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Open to working with any company who wants to do cool things on the internet and IRL. I'm really interested in cryptocurrency and working with startups who are utilizing blockchain technology.
 

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.

Re-designing Supreme's website and online ordering experience. I'd still make it super out of reach and a complete fuck around to actually use — but I'd modernize it as it's lookin a little 2007-ish.

WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE? 

I try to utilize value based pricing, which means the final cost will change on a project to project basis and is based on how much value I personally bring to each project. If I ever work on a day rate it's usually around $600AUD/day.
 

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

Email is best → hello@matthewvernon.co!
 

HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?

Go outside, walk and think!

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This member profile was originally published in December 2017.