ABOUT ME

Angie Soanes - Bio

If you're interested in my work history, and how I made it to this point in time, read on.

GRAPHIC ARTIST AT HEART

Since an early age, art has played a huge part in my life and as I grew into adulthood, I found myself drawn towards a career involving art. September 1994; I was nineteen and eager to begin my career journey. By true good fortune, I was employed as a Junior Graphic Designer for Hamilton design bureau: Key Image Ltd. I realised immediately I had been given an amazing opportunity.

I was energetic, eager to learn and determined to make the most of this hands-on experience. Quarkxpress and Adobe Photoshop became second nature to me. Film-making and pre-press were introduced and my knowledge increased exponentially. I advanced organically through the ranks to become a senior designer, with junior staff to instruct. During those 5 years I learned a job could be enjoyable. Then, during the excitement of 1999/2000, the call of adventure drew me overseas.

Living in London, I truly blossomed while in the full-time employment of Copyprint UK Ltd’s art department. Being such a large printing firm, I learned a lot from experienced printers. Their expertise led me to gain better results from design to print. Keeping an open mind, having a willingness to listen and adapt to new ways of doing things, meant there was always something to be learned from those around me. The pressures of deadlines and dealing with the many walks of life in the melting pot that is London, was something I relished and took in my stride.

After 5 years abroad, I felt it was time to return home to New Zealand. Early 2005, I began working, at a small family owned business; Rosetown Print. I worked there for 3 years as the Senior Designer and Production Manager. In early 2008 and 2009, I took time out to give birth to my son Hektor and daughter Olympia, respectively. My greatest creative endeavours to date! For 10 years I had the luxury of working from home. It meant that I could be there for my family when they needed me.

Of course eventually my children grew independent, and I felt it was time to focus on my career again. So in April 2019, when Endeavour Print had a vacancy, I was delighted to fill it. And since 2022 I have run Endeavour Print by myself, as the Branch Manager. Fulfilling all the tasks required of a small print shop. Including quoting, printing, guillotining, binding and other tasks to add to my repertoire. All the while, I have never lost my enthusiasm for graphic design. And seven years later, I still feel energised and excited about creating.

Whilst I turned 51 last year, I have reflected on my career to date and feel proud of what I’ve achieved. Being a graphic artist is amazing and I want to do more. Thirty plus years on, I can comfortably say this is truly my passion. At times I feel like a master of my field, reminiscing about, back in the 'good ole days' before AI and Social Media. Though, I don't shy away from those technical advancements. I think it's important to embrace and utilise everything that is on offer to me. Although I must admit, I prefer the human touch and I know a lot of other people do too. That is actually how my slogan came to me; ‘graphic design by a human’. Because I know there are a lot of people out there that want to deal with a human, they want realness and authenticity. That's what I bring to the table. All the years of experience and knowledge along with realness and the human connection. Finding my place, has given me the confidence to start this, my latest venture. And work for myself again.

Freedom and passion is how I want to live my life... I feel inspired and invigorated. So, with the support of my loving husband and children, I know this is going to be the best chapter yet.