Tina Touli
Tina Touli is a London-based creative director and graphic communication designer, recognized for hermultidisciplinary work that blends the analoque and digital worlds. Her work implements digital and print design, typography, branding, graphics, and animation, with each proiect reflecting her attention to detail and a deep understanding of its unique requirements. Her clients include maior names like Adobe Dell. HP and The New Yorker. As an educator Tina is passionateabout sharing her knowledge with the next generation of designers, hosting courses at Central Saint Martins, UAL, and presenting at events worldwide, such as the Adobe MAX and the OFFF Festival Her work has been internationally recognized. earning her awards and accolades, including being named one of Print Magazine's 15 best young designers under 30. Her belief in the nower of good desian drives her to create unique. visually captivating results that leave a lasting impact.
What personal qualities or practices have been most instrumental in your development and success?
Perseverance has been a key quality throughout the journey. Continuously setting new goals and dreams, never giving up on them, has been essential. The motivation comes from the excitement of pursuing something new and different. The thrill of learning and creating something unexpected fuels ongoing growth.
As someone who has successfully transitioned from a student to an established designer, what key advice would you give to designers who have just graduated and are entering the industry?
Every decision, whether good or bad, has contributed to evolving as a designer. Start with whatever is available, even if the direction isn’t clear. Taking action is crucial—begin the journey, and the path will reveal itself. Each experience should be seen as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Maintaining a high level of originality while avoiding burnout is a challenge many designers face. Could you elaborate on personal strategies and routines that help stay inspired and sustain a passion for design?
Many creatives fall into the routine of following similar processes, especially when working entirely on the computer. However, looking beyond the digital realm and exploring the immediate surroundings can uncover a wealth of inspiration. Rather than relying on the work of other professionals within the same field, seeking inspiration from unexpected sources—such as everyday objects or anything that stimulates the senses—can lead to truly original work. The physical world offers abundant, often overlooked inspiration. The most authentic creations often emerge from a place of genuine enjoyment and passion.
Can you walk us through your design process for a project, from initial concept to final execution? How do you ensure that every detail aligns with your vision and the client's objectives?
The process begins with thoroughly reviewing the brief, researching the brand or product, and taking detailed notes on key messages, visuals, and other significant elements. This helps in understanding the project's needs at a fundamental level. Inspiration is often drawn from the brief itself, but the world around us also offers valuable insights. Anything that stimulates the senses and provokes thought can become a potential design tool. By grounding the process in both research and sensory exploration, it's possible to ensure that every detail aligns with both the creative vision and the client’s objectives.
What inspired you to start offering workshops, and are there any new topics or areas you are planning to explore in your upcoming workshops?
The motivation to offer workshops comes from a desire to share processes and insights, sparking conversations and inspiring others. Workshops are seen as a two-way exchange: while sharing perspectives, much is gained in return—whether it’s the satisfaction of helping others or the excitement of developing new ideas through collaboration. Workshops provide a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and push the boundaries of creativity together. New topics are always being explored to keep the workshops dynamic and engaging, with a focus on introducing fresh ideas that can help participants find their own creative paths.