Pip Crisp is one of those rare individuals that’s equally talented crafting visuals or words – but it’s the former that puts a spring in her step.
Pip spent more than 20 years as a marketer for organisations like ANZ, Eftpos NZ and Bupa, working as a senior graphic designer, as well as in brand identity, content marketing, social media and content copy-writing. She also helped Bupa establish its first in-house design studio.
Pip decided to throw the corporate life in a year ago and follow her passion; going all-in as a freelance creative (that pinch hits as a copyrighter when required!)
She’s a graduate at the internationally renowned Shillington College of Graphic Design. And to top it all off, she’s a famous painter equally as comfortable hosting an art gallery exhibition as she is in the boardroom.
Collectively, this unique skillset and background is why she’s the designer and creative of choice for our clients when they have a visual challenge.
What do you do?
I’m obsessed with visual communications. I love solving design problems at any stage, from scratch to execution or delivery.
As a freelance creative, I like to dig deep into the customer problem, understand the audience, the competition, and the opportunity.
I’m able to take in the big picture while simultaneously zeroing in on the finer details. Being capable of wearing multiple hats is pretty exciting and offers a one-stop creative shop.
And in my spare time, I indulge my love for fine art and particularly painting. I’ve taken part in numerous exhibitions across Australia and New Zealand and I sell limited edition hand-finished prints.
I love having multiple projects on the go. And If I’m learning something new, you’ve got my devoted attention.
What mantra are you living by this year?
‘Put yourself in the way of beauty’. When times are tough, taking a breath to embrace the things around you that are good is so important.
I’ve also been focusing on practicing kindness and patience towards myself and others (not always winning) and living in the moment as much as possible.
What’s the most important thing marketers can do to drive commercial outcomes?
What’s a cracking book you’d recommend or podcast you swear by?
I really enjoyed the ‘Dolly Parton’s America’ podcast. What a powerful business woman! She’s honey-voiced, doe-eyed and pillowed on the outside but incredibly shrewd and smart behind the scenes.
Dolly is truly a brand in her own right. I’m not sure there’s any other human that has so successfully secured all facets of American (and global) fan-dom. Imagine running a business that polarises the entire worldwide market?
Who are your go-to thought leaders, and why?
There are two ‘boss creatives’ I follow avidly. Paula Scher is one of the most influential graphic designers in the world. A partner at New York’s Pentagram studio, her typography, passion for branding systems and fine art have seen her gain huge recognition and exhibitions around the world.
Similarly, Jessica Walsh is a creative director at &Walsh and she truly operates at the bleeding edge. Her work constantly pushes boundaries and inspires me to never become too comfortable.
Our favourite qu: What’s your top beer or wine recommendation?
You’re getting the geek review because I’m sharing my favourite booze app. From a user experience, brand, tone of voice and design perspective I can’t go past Good Pair Days.
They pair wine to my tastes based on fun, short and wonderfully illustrated surveys and quizzes, taking all the hard work out of selection for me – in a bottle store, I’m heavily swayed by labels which doesn’t always result in the best outcome.
In general, I’m not fussy. A crisp beer or cider on a hot sunny day; or a warm deep red wine on a cold winters night and I’ll be content.
