THE creative spirit of Caitlin Fartch flows through the pages of The Border Watch Newsgroup’s three mastheads, with the graphic designer a key part of the pre-press and production department.
Joining the company in July 2014, Caitlin continues to forge a career as a graphic designer which involves the creation of advertisements from concept to design, and producing features and campaigns for both print and online platforms.
But her path into design was not straight forward, finishing her Year 12 studies in 2008 with no clear indication of what the future held.
“I didn’t find my passion for graphic design until I started studying it in 2012,” Caitlin said.
Studying at the Tafe SA Creative Industries Centre in Adelaide, Caitlin gained an advanced diploma of graphic design before returning the region she calls home in late 2013, having grown up on a Glencoe dairy farm.
Keen to stay in the design industry, Caitlin started work in a freelance capacity until a position opened up with The Border Watch Newsgroup, and she has not looked back since.
“I get really excited about new concepts,” Caitlin said.
“I love taking an idea, doing a little research, coming up with a concept and then following the process through to completion.
“Not all ideas come to fruition, but when they do and I see my work out there I get really excited.”
Caitlin said she was also fortunate to work with a strong and supportive team which is committed to creating the best product possible.
“We also live for morning tea, any excuse to have one,” she quibbed.
Love was another key factor in Caitlin’s return to the South East, having continued a long distance relationship with now-husband Scott while in Adelaide.
“We met playing competition table tennis and have been together since 2009.
“He supported my move to Adelaide for study which was difficult but I am so thankful to have Scott by my side and I am proud of all we have achieved and excited for what the future holds.”
The Mount Gambier Table Tennis Club hasn’t just been a match-making service of sorts for Caitlin, having excelled in the sport to represent the club at various tournaments.
When she is not slicing and smashing her way to victory, Caitlin also enjoys painting, drawing, cooking and baking.
“If I am not creating, I go insane,” she said.
Her culinary skills have won over many colleagues, and her baked goods are often highly sought after at internal functions.
The couple’s dog Boris also inspiries Caitlin’s creative side, with the lovable pooch often the focus of impromptu photo shoots.
Another person who helped shape Caitlin’s positive and giving nature was her cousin and best friend Tim.
The two studied design together in 2012 and 2013, but sadly Tim died in 2014 after a battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“Tim never let his disability get in the way of doing the things he was passionate about, which has had a huge impact on how I think and the way I navigate life and my career.”
With an established career in graphic design and the world at her feet, Caitlin shared one piece of advice she wished she received when graduating high school, which is applicable to any stage of life.
“Don’t stress if you haven’t got it all figured out, use your energy to be present in the moment and enjoy life.”
