In Conversation with Daniel Boi

I am Creative director and co-founder of The Bureau. I started Kandan in 2007 in conjunction with Kane Gray. We had the vision to create a creative design studio without all the complexities of the traditional agency model and without the exorbitant costs and fees. We created a studio where you could talk directly to each and everyone of us at all times and kept the process simple with a focus on collaborating closely with our clients to get things done efficiently with the desired outcomes and results. I have a passion for food (which is reflected in my pot belly) and also for snowboarding which I have been doing since I was a kid. I also love to drive fast cars, really fast like they have been designed to do!

What inspired you to become a Designer / Art director?

When I was in high school my graphic communication teacher Jon Nelson recognised that I had some natural ability and suggested that I may have a bright future working in the design industry if I chose to pursue it. It was a bit of a no-brainer, get paid to draw and paint and come up with ideas, I remember thinking that’s not even like work, that’s just fun! Working during university in the hospitality industry to make ends meet was even more inspiration to get into the industry!

How did you get your first break?

I got my first break working with a gentleman by the name of Warwick Cruise, he ran a studio out of an old church in Glen Iris, an amazing and inspiring space to work out of. He was an exceptional designer and worked on some great brands at the time. He was a stickler for typography and detail and I learnt so much working closely with him. He was a great mentor and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his worldly advice, direction and abuse and wraps around the knuckles for not kerning my headlines nearly enough!

What paths have you taken to get to where you are today?

I have gone down many paths working across multiple disciplines, which I had never imagined would be my journey but all the different experiences helped me get to where I am today, and given me a broader skill set. I studied Graphic Design at RMIT University and I am a purist designer at heart, but I have had the opportunity to work with an international dive magazine, which was a totally different kettle of fish (pardon the pun), stints across retail working with pharmaceutical companies, freelancing in and out of some big agencies and equally big personalities as well, it’s been one hell of a ride but I wouldn’t change anything for the world.

What advice about the do's and don'ts would you give to someone wanting to get into the Advertising Industry?

Make sure you have a thick skin and don’t take anything too personally as some people can be really nasty and old school, just let it wash over you like water off a ducks’ back. Don’t go into anywhere thinking you’re better than everyone else, nobody likes a smart arse or a ‘know-it-all’ straight out of university. Be prepared to work long and hard, get yourself a mentor, listen to them and cop it sweet even when you think you are right (unless you passionately believe otherwise) or you feel it’s the time to speak up and be heard (choose your battles wisely). Be confident, back yourself, keep it real and have fun and never stop being your best creative self.

Tell us about what you're currently working on and what set’s Kandan apart from the rest of the industry?

We are working on a variety of different work at different ends of the spectrum, which is what I love about our business. From a pro cycling team working on their brand communications and strategy to a retail client looking to re-energise and get their buzz back. We work across all sectors and disciplines and I believe the diversity of work keeps the team stimulated and excited. We have an honest and no bullshit approach to everything we do, we get in and aren’t scared of getting our hands dirty and it’s what our clients love about us and this sets us apart from our competitors. We are nimble and ready to accept any challenge that comes our way.

Visit The Bureau website.

Share it around…

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn