Fourth Floor are a brand and web design team who are based at Toi Auaha. They speak to Toi Ōtautahi about what makes them tick creatively…
How would you describe what you do?
We are a brand and web design studio, who have an unreasonable amount of fun doing cool work for cool people. We specialise in taking people’s ideas, evolving and transforming them into visual form.
What was your most recent project?
Quinn: Our most recent and current project is working with Te Hua Mānuka, Queenspark School to rebrand them with a new look that’s more current with their new direction of Te Reo Māori naming and focus.
What project have you worked on that you’re the most proud of?
Thomas: I’m most proud of the work we did with Lime Ventures, it was an interesting project just due to the fact we knew next to nothing about Venture Capital companies. It was a challenge to understand and convey exactly what they wanted. Our work was super well received, which was so nice to see.
What is essential for creatives to have in their life?
Quinn: Drive. It probably isn’t what most people want to hear, but drive is essential towards getting projects started and without it, nothing happens.
What inspires you about Ōtautahi?
Quinn: All the new development and change happening around the city. It gives a much more modern feel compared to the rest of Aotearoa.
What piece of advice about your creative work has served you well?
Thomas: Just because you spent a long time on a mistake, does not make it good.
What’s the biggest misconception about your creative work?
Thomas: That you have to be original. Nothing is original, don’t try to be original, just be good.
What Christchurch artists do you most admire?
Thomas: I might be a little biased but my Dad, Mark Duggan, is an incredible artist. He works with pen and ink and can capture a real likeness about his subjects, which I love. I admire his dedication, he is always working on something interesting and finding the smallest things to improve on each time.
What artwork/piece of music/performance has taken your breath away?
Cacho: Dr Suess’ Midnight paintings. A collection of artwork he never intended the world to see. The works are largely surreal and had darker more troubling themes. Planning and creating in secret, he only did these paintings after midnight. It wasn’t until after his death that were they discovered and released.
What do you wish you’d have known about creative work when you were younger?
Thomas: That it’s a process, you don’t just wake up one day with a fantastic idea. It takes time and there is a real science to it. You have to craft a good idea.
What’s your favourite hidden secret in Ōtautahi?
Quinn: Definitely Hagley park, even though it’s not exactly hidden. Biking through it each day is so, so much better than being on roads, especially with the option to go down different paths so it’s not so repetitive. It makes it super easy to spice up the commute and it gives me time to think about creative projects.