Meet the designers: Rae Narraway

One of the things that makes Newy Tees so special is its connection to Newcastle, and that includes the designers of the shirts.

Rae Narraway is a Newcastle-based designer who has come up with some incredible T-shirts, including the BHP Veteran, Newcastle Steelworks and the Jets 2008 grand final designs.

I put some questions to Rae to find out more about her connection to the city and her design process.

Rae's design commemorating the Jets' last Grand Final victory.

What's your connection to Newcastle?  

My grandparents lived in Swansea for years, so in 1999, when our son was about to start school, we decided to move to the Newcastle area to be near them. We already knew from previous visits that the lifestyle in Newcastle was amazing, and she did not disappoint.

Our son went through school here, we bought a house here, we worked for many local businesses here, and most recently started our own business here - Newcastle Car & Truck Rental.

I guess our connection started with family, and continues to be about family, as many family members now live here, and the next generation of our family will grow up here too.

What's your favourite thing about Newcastle? 

It has its own unique character, it's like a friend who you love - warts and all - and know it will do right by you. Also love the history, architecture, stories. Having travelled extensively, I can confidently say that this city holds its own on the world stage.

How did you work on your T-shirt designs?

The designs I have crafted begin with a basic 'feeling' based on the subject, then I start 'noodling' which results in various approaches. Once I have purged myself of the ideas, I work back over the one or two that have the most potential. This is the stage when I consider the technical side of things such as how it will be reproduced, what file types are needed etc. I then proof the concept and make changes until the work has approval. All of my artwork, from sketches to completion, is done digitally.

Rae's BHP Veteran shirt. 

What has your graphic design journey looked like so far? 

I have been a graphic designer for a very, very long time.

I have worked for several Newcastle printers, Lake Macquarie City Council, at Work Australia Disability Employment Services and, back in the day, a small country newspaper and a T-shirt manufacturer where I was designing tourism T-shirts. I have also had my own freelance business on-and-off over these years. I love running my own show as it allows me to work at times that suit me (which is rarely between 9 and 5) and with amazing clients that share my philosophy on life. I don't know how the universe is connecting me with like-minded businesses, but here we are!

You can learn more about Rae's work here: www.raenarrawaydesign.com