Karel Wohlnick

Art Director

Since 2018, Karel has led Theia’s creative and coffee-making division, bringing over 35 years of design expertise to the role. A highly regarded design guru, Karel has earned numerous accolades from prominent organizations, including the Australian Graphic Designers Association and the Design Institute of Australia, where he is recognized as a Fellow. His credentials are further endorsed by the Design Institute of New Zealand, affirming his influence in the design, education, and business communities. As Creative Director at Theia, Karel channels his extensive knowledge, energy, and skills into creating exceptional, stylish graphic design solutions.

Chronology

2018-Present
Art Director - THEIA
2014
Zhejiang College of Commerce Design and Art School Hangzhou, PRC Lectured in Certificate IV and Diploma in Graphic Design, professional practice, creative studio practice and software skills. Invited as a guest lecturer at Zhejiang University of Media and Communications (ZUMC) lectured on ‘The Significant of Cross Cultural Design’ and ‘The Importance of the Paper Clip Ingenuity’.
2010-2012
Edith Cowan University. Guest Lecturer - The Importance of the Paper Clip Ingenuity. Co-lectured with Russell Springham in Special Projects/Advertising Design to 3rd and 4th year students (elective subjects).
2000-2007
REB Design Creative Director Cultivated an inclusive and engaging creative environment Introduced collaborative relationships with discipline specialists e.g. product designers, marketing, fabricators, copywriters, illustrators and photographers Managed budgets, responsible in nurturing new and existing clients, foster a dynamic and creative design teams, prepare production time lines and schedules. Maintaining creative and technology trends with associated and related industries and professional industry bodies Recognize and instil a higher than expected level of professionalism, ongoing strong client and supplier relationship skills during stages of projects Build strong associations through as invited speaker to present creative talks at design forums and tertiary education institutions design schools

Achievements and Awards

1991
Inaugural Pinnacle recipient AGDA National Awards / Inaugural Green Award recipient AGDA National Awards / Commendation AGDA National Awards / Judges Awards (2) AGDA National Awards
1992-1996
Work published in PIE Book of Brochures / Work published in PIE Book of Innovative Greeting Cards / Work published in PIE Book of Logos / Commendation (Way finding) Heritage Conservation Award
2003 -
Merit Award DIA Awards / Merit Award DIA Awards / Distinction AGDA National Awards / Finalist AGDA National Awards / Work selected D&AD Awards Annual / Commendation DIA Awards / Silver Award PICA Print Awards / Commendation (Way finding) Heritage Conservation Award

Skills

Art Direction98%
Graphic Design95%
Theoretical Research95%
Project Management85%

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2015 - Present
AUT University Design and Art School Tutor and Lecturer First Year Design Students
2010-2014
Central Institute of Technology. Lectured in Graphic Design Production. Project managed and curated 2013 End of Year Graduate Exhibition achieving outstanding results and exceeding previous standards. A collection of outstanding first year student works purchased by the office of the Minister of Vocational Training and Education. Selected to teach and mentor students with special needs.
2010-2012
The University of Western Australia. Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts Faculty. Tutored typography, way-finding and publication design. Co-lectured with Professor Bill Busfield.
1991
Scholarship recipient and participant, Domus Academy, RMIT

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

· Design Institute of Australia DIA - Fellow
· Australian graphic design association AGDA - Past Member
· FORM Centre of Contemporary Arts and Design - Past Member
· Design Institute of Australia - Past Co-President (WA Branch)
· Design Institute of Australia - Past National Director
· Local community radio station RTRFm 92.1 (Perth) - Past Member
· The Designers Institute of New Zealand - Member

Contact Info

Email: karel@theia.co.nz