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Benja Harney is a self-taught Sydney based paper engineer who makes high-end pop-up books and paper construction for advertising, magazine illustration, fashion, packaging, invitations and fine art.

Benja Harney is a self-taught Sydney based paper engineer who makes high-end pop-up books and paper construction for advertising, magazine illustration, fashion, packaging, invitations and fine art.

Benja is currently in Auckland attempting to design and construct a Mini Ray from nothing but paper, from Monday 14 – Thursday 17 May at the MINI Garage on Ponsonby Road.

“That should be a real challenge. I've not tried to construct anything like that in public before. Hope it works out alright!”

Benja is presenting at Semi-Permanent design conference, on in Auckland May 18-19.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

I'm a bit of night owl so it is usually when the sun goes down and things get quiet that the ideas start flowing for me.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Probably 'Modern Gatsby'.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

When I'm working on a pop-up and it closes and opens without a hitch - that is pretty exciting. Pop-ups are so complex. They take a lot of refining to get to the functioning stage.

How does your environment affect your work?

I share my studio with a bunch of other creatives. They have become close friends and I often rely on their opinions about the work that I am engineering. The environment that we've created together in our studio has become a very important part of my work process.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

I think to be a successful designer you have to be able to jump between the two. It is crucial to have a vision of the larger composition as a whole, but the finer details are what can elevate a great job into an amazing one. Details are so important!

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Find your own voice and be proud of the work you do. I expect the very best from myself and am determined to deliver that to my clients on every project. Also, write everything down in emails when dealing with clients so everything is clear - got bitten with that one recently!!

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

I've been doing a lot of teaching over the last few years (not a project as such). It is a rewarding way to give back to the community and I learn so much from my students, both young and old!

Who or what has inspired you recently?

I just got back from the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. It was my second trip there. The city at that time is full of inspiration and talented people. I found myself walking around constantly writing notes about new ideas!

Tell us a bit about your background.

I'm a self-taught paper engineer based in Sydney. I studied graphic design at Enmore College where my childhood love of paper was reignited through a rudimentary class in paper construction. I've been working hard at it ever since and paper has become my passion. I also love jets.

Tell us a bit about your upcoming projects.

I'm coming to Auckland to create a Mini out of paper in the week before speaking at Semi-Permanent. That should be a real challenge. I've not tried to construct anything like that in public before. Hope it works out alright!

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

I've always said I would be a photographer - but there is so much competition now. Probably something with my hands - maybe a dentist? I think the idea of precision in that field would be interesting.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

Bronte Beach here in Sydney. I go there every Sunday morning - rain, hail or shine. It was my last port of call before I flew out to Europe last month.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

I share my studio with Mikey who is a super talented DJ among other things. He is always playing obscure music from far flung places like the Solomon Islands, Nigeria or Peru. I love making my stuff while he is tinkering with his music in the background.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

Well I want to say a kite - I'm sure that's a bit obvious… I love kites but!

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Put the project down and come back in the morning. Things always look clearer then.

What’s great about Semi-P?

I think it is fantastic that creative people come together and discuss what we do in all its diversity. There are so many points of view and insights that we can offer each other and we don't often share it. It's a massive 'creative love-in' which can only be a good thing right?!!

What’s your big idea for 2012?

It would be hard for me to top 2011 so I'm just going to keep at it and see what happens!