Discovering Identity Through Creative Process
Dr Libbi Reed is a lettering artist, sketch note artist, graphic designer, and Design Academic currently teaching at the Queensland College of Art and Design, Griffith University.
In this interview with Dr Libbi Reed — part of the Creative Sparks series — we delve into her creative journey, teaching philosophy, and the future of creative work.
Thank you so much for agreeing to be our latest Creative Spark Libbi. Can we start the interview by learning more about your career path so far?
Sure thing! After taking time off work to raise three children, I returned to study. Before that, I had been a Graphic Designer and Illustrator and had studied at a Design College. During my undergraduate study at Griffith University, I met Dominique Falla, who runs the online Typism Community. This sparked an interest in hand lettering, which has been my focus ever since.
After completing my Bachelor’s in Digital Media, I pursued an Honours study in handwriting and completed my Doctorate in sketchnotes and creative sense-making. This study led to some sessional teaching at the Queensland College of Art and Design. Now, I am employed as an academic in the Visual Communication major of the Bachelor of Design.
What inspired you to pursue higher studies after your initial career as a caricature artist?
I was driven to deepen my understanding of graphic design, explore new creative areas, and find myself again. The encounter with the Typism Community played a significant role, igniting my passion for lettering, shaping my identity as a lettering artist and setting me on a path of continuous learning.
What projects currently light you up?
I recently returned from Cairns, where I held a practical hands-on workshop with some high school students. The workshop embraced the power of handwriting to help with creative self-expression. Seeing the students connect with their creativity in a tangible way was rewarding.
Do you have a design or teaching philosophy?
Yes, my philosophy is to learn through doing. It’s the only way to make mistakes and discover the roadblocks of the creative process. You can’t just theorise about it; you must create something to understand the process and improve.
My overall creative purpose is to help others. I like to find new ways to express myself and help others do the same.
First, find a passion, and then lose yourself in that passion.
What is the future of creative work?
I believe AI is coming, but I’m not scared of it. It will undoubtedly reposition creatives differently, but I’m a big believer in the creative process, and the process of ‘doing’ is missing with AI.
In the future, I believe anything handwritten will be more valued than polished outcomes. Handwriting connects you to the higher order of your brain and the ability to make connections through storytelling. Your journey will always make creativity more valuable than technology designed to replace us.
With a positive outlook on the future of creative work, Libbi champions the unique value of human creativity and her journey reflects a commitment to personal growth and helping others.
You can see some of Libbi’s incredible sketch notes on her website: www.mysketchnotes.com
