Each month desktop sits down with a local designer to find out a few of his/her favourite things. This month we spoke to Aaron Gillett.

With a trip to Europe in his sights (but would settle for a visit to Tasmania), Brisbane-based designer Aaron Gillett has already built up an impressive folio of work during his short time in the design industry.

A/S/L?
23/male/Petrie Terrace, Brisbane.

Last television series you obsessively watched?
I’m proud to say this is my sixth year without a TV.

Secret shame?
I sometimes have trouble staying awake through movies…

What was your last online purchase?
Radiohead tickets – just when I thought they’d never make it back to Australia.

Poison of choice?
Mojito with fresh mint from my garden.

What was your first job?
My grandma used to pay me five cents to catch butterflies that were eating her garden.

Where’s the best place to get a meal in your neighbourhood?
You can’t go past Anouk in Paddington for breakfast. If the line is too long, Fundies is just across the road and has delicious vegetarian food.

Best phone app?
Apart from the staples (Safari, Mail, Messages), LiveView by Nicholas Zambetti is invaluable.

Last book you read?
I finally got around to reading Studio Culture by Tony Brook and Adrian Shaughnessy, published by Unit Editions. It’s a fantastic look at the inner workings of many studios I admire and respect.

Three things currently on your wish list?
A bigger herb garden, a new frame for my bike and a ticket to Europe please.

Pet hate?
Hamish Smyth summed it up perfectly – “unpassionate people annoy me.”

Typeface of the moment?
Whatever suits the project at hand, although I can usually find something by Klim.

What’s your motto?
Measure twice, cut once.

What do you collect?
Typefaces.

Favourite Pantone colour?
433 U.

Favourite brand of stationery?
I used to buy gridded Moleskine notebooks until they started asking designers for unpaid spec work. I’m not too sure if they’re FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified either.

Next holiday destination?
I still haven’t been to Tasmania to visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Overseas, Scandinavia would be fantastic in summer.

Design hero?
It’s probably a bit of a cliché, but I think Dieter Rams is right up there. I love how his principles can be applied to any design discipline – from architecture and industrial design to graphics.

Who was your last phone conversation with?
My twin sister Tara. She lives in Cairns and is notoriously difficult to contact, so whenever I do it’s always a good surprise.

Image copyright: Nuno Oliveira – nunooliveira.co and Ian Knight – ianknight.com.au.

From desktop magazine.