Digi-poet winner and Senior Designer for the brand-design agency DNA Charlie Ward is one of the key speakers at Wellington's Pecha Kucha night this Wednesday at TheNewDowse.

Fresh from his 2007 victory at the inaugural Digi-Poem contest, this unstoppable Irish force has most recently taken up the task of cultural renaissance for the Moriori people. Ward has co-designed an alphabet inspired by ancestral tree carvings, and is currently working on a visual identity for the Morioiri, as a way of putting them back on the map.

In this Q&A he talks about the stress-busting power of cycling and his desire to create a strong, powerful future for the Moriori people.Digi-poet winner and Senior Designer for the brand-design agency DNA Charlie Ward is one of the key speakers at Wellington's Pecha Kucha night this Wednesday at TheNewDowse.

Fresh from his 2007 victory at the inaugural Digi-Poem contest, this unstoppable Irish force has most recently taken up the task of cultural renaissance for the Moriori people. Ward has co-designed an alphabet inspired by ancestral tree carvings, and is currently working on a visual identity for the Morioiri, as a way of putting them back on the map.

In this Q&A he talks about the stress-busting power of cycling and his desire to create a strong, powerful future for the Moriori people.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
I work best at night but when I'm doing something like a big bike ride my mind gets very productive.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Not sure, varied possibly! Crafted perhaps...Not sure..

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Motion graphics, typography and idea generation. Good clients who understand design and how it impacts business, culture and life in general.

How does your environment affect your work?
Good environment is an absolute imperative. At DNA we have a good environment, I also like remote working, it's the way of the future.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Both, I start with holistic thinking and then work on the details.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
You're only as good as your last job. Your work is your greatest sales person.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Hokotehi Moriori project. To assist in the revival of a peoples identity, culture and future when they have suffered cultural genocide is very fulfilling. Perhaps this has to do with my Irish Heritage.

Why did you want to be part of Pecha Kucha?
I don't know, I think Pitsch (the organiser) provided the motivation by saying I would make an interesting presenter.

What topic will you be presenting?
Visual Identity for Hokotehi Moriori Trust Board and Moriori people of Rekohu(Chatham Islands)

What are the challenges and rewards of putting together 20 second sound-bites to 20 slide shows?
I think the challenge is to communicate the essence of a topic in such a short timeframe in a compelling way. The reward, I'm not sure, hopefully I present well and provide a valuable insight for the audience.

What projects are you current involved in?
Victoria University, A new Cafe Brand, Ireland Eco Tours, A short film and other confidential work.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
New Zealand Music, Dallas from Fat Freddy's, Katchafire, Kora, Cornerstone Roots etc. The work of Maori artist and tribal painter Robyn Kahukiwa, Len Lye, the motion graphics work of Lobo South America

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Architect, I was originally accepted to do a degree in architecture, often wondered what would have happened if I stayed in this career...

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The Tongariro river, fly-fishing in it, paradise. My home farm in Ireland.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Live music because it's pure. Loud with bass booster. This suits Dub and reggae my favourite genre...

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

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
100k bike ride....not fit to stress after that.

What's great about today?
Yesterdays gone, today is another day and I'm still above ground(Irish saying)

What's your big idea for 2008?
Do the day to day things well and enjoy life.

Pecha Kucha comes to Wellington

27/05/08