Get to know Rizelle

Rizelle Maynigo – Digital Designer

Rizelle joined Orion Creative as a digital designer in March 2019, so it’s about time she got into the spotlight. She’s talented, easy going, and very good at her job, so it’s always a pleasure working with her, for colleagues and clients alike.

She loves the whole design process, from the initial seed of a thought, through to the completion of a logo, a piece of marketing collateral, an advertisement, or a website. Rizelle’s smile is infectious, and she always seems to be in a good mood – which is rare these days. Let’s get to know her a little.

How did you become a designer and how long have you been working as one?

I discovered my interest in design when I was about 12 years old. I used to design and code my own websites for fun, designing layouts using Photoshop V4 (very old school) and Yahoo! GeoCities for free web hosting (who still remembers that?).

Then I eventually got into designing other things for family and friends – mainly making invitations, event banners and whatnot. Professionally, I’ve been happily working as a designer for about six years now!

Did you always want to become one? Or what other career were you thinking after leaving school?

I always just thought of design as a hobby and never as a career – I didn’t actually know Graphic Design was a work thing back then! So right after high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I ended up doing a Business Administration traineeship with a Children’s Photography company in 2008. That’s when I used to watch the photo editing team retouch images and I used to think to myself, “That’s what I want to do!”

But it wasn’t until 2013, five years later, that I decided to finally pursue my career in Graphic Design. I completed a Diploma and then an Advanced Diploma through TAFE and was fortunately offered a job straight away at a printing company.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

This wasn’t personal advice given to myself, but I remember watching Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford University Commencement Address, and one of the things he said stuck by me “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

Another quote I now live by is from Designer/Illustrator Timothy Goodman, which he addressed during a design conference – “If no-one hates it, no-one really loves it”. Being someone who can be so self-critical, I’ve learnt that you can’t possibly please everybody. This doesn’t just apply to work but also to life in general. ?

What does an ‘average day at the office’ look like for you?

First things first – I check my emails and see if there are any urgent requests. Then I write down my tasks for the day. This keeps me on track and I also feel a sense of accomplishment as I cross things off from my to-do list. The good thing about working at a design studio is that no two days are exactly the same – one day you are creating logos and the next thing you’re doing is working on a website.

What do you like doing in your spare time? What happens on weekends?

I am actually a homebody. So, on weekends I like to make sure the house is clean and tidy (boring but true) and once that’s all done, I like to relax by reading design blogs, watching movies or music videos on YouTube. But realistically, with an 9-month old, it’s sort of unpredictable and I’m lucky if I’m even able to do any of these!

I enjoy spending sunny days at the beach, so when the weekends aren’t too busy – that’s where you can probably find me… or at least that’s where I daydream that I’d like to be.

What’s something that you often crave?

I loooove Sashimi, Pasta and HOT CHIPS! But not just any type – some days I like it from McDonalds and then Hungry Jacks the next. And it must be crunchy!

I usually prefer savoury food over sweets but when I was pregnant, I used to crave cake… lots and lots of cake! I guess that’s how a lot of people guessed I was having a baby girl. And actually, this new preference has stuck with me post-pregnancy.

Fave movies/TV show/bands? What are you streaming/watching/listening to these days?

I enjoy old school RNB or 90s music in general, mainly as it gives me a lovely feeling of nostalgia. But I listen to any type of music really, it just depends on the mood I’m in. When it comes to particular artists, Bruno Mars is at the top of the list *insert heart eyes*!

When it comes to movies/tv shows, I love a bit of action and suspense. I am currently waiting for Money Heist Season 5 on Netflix! The suspense is just next-level.

What are the top 5 things that would make your Stranded-On-A-Desert-Island list – that you just couldn’t live without?

1. The husband – since he likes to go fishing, that keeps our meals sorted!
2. My daughter – to keep me sane.
3. Clean water.
4. Insect repellent – keep the mozzies away grrrr.
5. HOT CHIPS! – can’t have fish without the chips right?

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?

A dolphin – I’ve always loved dolphins growing up. Apart from being cute, they seem so friendly, intelligent and they like to have fun.  Though I am not a very good swimmer, the ocean relaxes me – I guess that’s the Pisces in me.

Would you mind sharing a couple of little-known or fun facts about you that no one would guess is true?

I was a very shy girl growing up, and then I joined a dance group and used to perform in front of large crowds and I think that’s what helped me come out of my shell.

I also used to be a debt collector, calling people who hadn’t paid their bills which was not fun at all and I think that’s what pushed me to pursue my career as a Graphic Designer – and I must say I am never looking back!