June 11, 2013
Rhani Capobianco, Idea + Ink Graphic Design
At a Glance
Bio The path that led her to this point
I've always been passionate about art and design, in particular graphic design but shied away from it in year 12 when it came to picking course preferences.
I thought that because I didn’t have much of an idea with computers and computer programs, I had failed before I even began.
In 1998 I went on to study a Diploma of Art in Visual Merchandising at RMIT.
I really did enjoy the course however, I knew I wouldn't be satisfied to continue it as my career.
When I graduated I moved back to East Gippsland and took up a position as a graphic designer at local printery.
There I was able to gain industry experience and my newspaper advertisements and commercial printing collateral designs were recognised when I won multiple design awards.
After the birth of my first child, I was passionate to continue my graphic design dream and wanted to offer businesses a unique design experience that is suited to today’s market.
Idea + Ink Graphic Design was established in 2007 and has gone from strength to strength.
I specialise in logo design, web design and branding collateral. Trust is at the forefront of my business - my clients are buying an outcome and I am confident I can deliver the result they want.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Pursuing my goal of becoming a graphic designer.
When I got the job at the printery I also got the opportunity to work with computer and all the Adobe based programs. At first I just stumbled my way through, however I was really keen to achieve and determined to learn.
The printing company put me through another course at RMIT in pre-press and graphic design at the Brunswick campus.
I was then approached by a print and design company to work for them. I jumped at the chance, I wanted to grow as a designer and learn so much more about the industry.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
After 11 years in the industry it was time to begin a family, but I didn't want to let go of my dream.
Whilst I was still working, I slowly put together my own website and was determine to make it grow.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
Have a really thorough business plan.
I've wasted time and money advertising in wrong places when really I wanted to aim my business at people wanting a change and being able to offer them designs with a degree of difference.
It took a few wrong turns to find the right one.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
Facebook was very new when I began my website, so I really tried the hard sell by contacting marketing companies and also did some advertising with WAHM (Work at home Mum) websites. It was very slow to begin with and I realised I was aiming my work at the wrong demographics.
I began a Facebook page in 2008 (I think) and posted my work on there. Although Facebook has given me some great leads, so has my reputation and word of mouth.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I admire Mark Growing - “There are some designers here in Australia who are some of the best in the world. Creatively, we are a really good bunch, but we probably sell ourselves short when we look overseas and say, it's better there!”
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
The sky's the limit, you can do anything you want if you put you mind to it. Be confident, understand your brand and have a clear vision.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I finally sat down with a marketing guru who helped me pinpoint my target market and gave me a clear vision. I now focus on my small one off clients looking for logos who are also confident in the outcome I'll deliver.
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