BackCreative Talk with Enouch Emmanuel, Remote Digital Designer
This month’s Creative Talk is with Enouch Emmanuel, a digital designer who lives on the small Matakana Island off the coast of Tauranga, New Zealand. We find out why he made the move to the island and how the isolation contributes to his design.
Enouch tell us about yourself
I have over 10 years of experience in digital design, and worked across a diverse range of industries including entertainment, finance, and NGOs. My work includes collaborations with clients from Australia, the United States, and, most recently, New Zealand.
You run EIGHTXXVIII (8:28), an independently-owned design studio that came to life in Sydney, Australia, and now in New Zealand and Southeast Asia, tells us about your journey to this point.
EIGHTXXVIII (8:28) was founded in 2015 with a clear vision—to bridge the gap for those making a meaningful impact in their communities, helping them connect their products and services to their audiences through purposeful design.
The journey began after witnessing many businesses struggle, not because of a lack of great products or services, but due to inconsistent design or a lack of attention to visual branding. This realization sparked a strong desire to help those who couldn’t afford high-end design studios but still deserved high-quality, professional branding.
While working full-time in the corporate world, I started taking on projects for startups. Over time, these small projects turned into consistent work, laying the foundation for what EIGHTXXVIII has become today—a thriving independently-owned design studio that began in Sydney, Australia, and has now expanded into New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
I hear you live on a very small island – we need to know more
I’m currently living on an island just off the coast of Tauranga, Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. My wife and I were divinely led here in 2021, and while it may seem unusual to leave the fast-paced city life of Sydney for this remote island, it has been incredibly rewarding and purposeful.
Since moving here, I’ve had the privilege of teaching music to young kids at the local school and introducing some members of the community to modern technology. Being able to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and give back in this way has been truly fulfilling.
How is your working life on the island? Is all your work remote – or do you head inland for onsite work?
Being in the digital field gives me the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. Since the pandemic, most of my work has been done remotely, and I haven’t had much need to work inland aside from in-person meetings or catching up with clients. Maybe that will change in the future, but for now, remote work has been seamless and effective.
Do you work in collaboration with others on the island? If so, in what way?
Since farming and forestry are the primary industries on the island, there isn’t much direct collaboration. However, I focus on helping local businesses position themselves for growth by leveraging digital design—whether through expanding their reach or sharing their story with a wider audience through visual branding.
Do you feel the isolation gives you a different perspective in general, in design, in interpretation?
As a creative, absolutely! Moving from a fast-paced city to a slow, isolated environment has been a significant change, but one that has been truly enriching. Many designers find that their best work comes when their mind is clear and uncluttered. Living on an island surrounded by the ocean and breathtaking views has not only elevated my creativity but also provided a sense of clarity that enhances my work and perspective.
How do you feel the world is handling cultural awareness within the design sphere?
I believe there has been significant progress in cultural awareness within the design world. More brands are prioritizing inclusivity, yet issues like cultural appropriation and the dominance of Western influence still persist. True cultural awareness comes from thorough research, meaningful collaboration, and designing with diverse communities in mind.
What are you doing to change this?
I approach every project with the understanding that it has an audience, a community, and a rich cultural context. It’s essential to recognize and apply this understanding in a way that honours the uniqueness of each culture. Having lived in Sri Lanka, Australia, and now New Zealand, I’ve gained valuable insight into different cultural perspectives. The key is to listen, research, collaborate, and show respect for these cultures, ensuring that the work is both meaningful and uplifting. I strive to use shapes, colours, and patterns that authentically reflect the cultural essence of my clients.
As a business, what are your top values?
Lead with Passion - We are deeply passionate about what we do, and it drives us to give our best every time. Our goal is to lead by example, inspiring others to do the same.
Strive for Excellence - We aim for excellence in all aspects of our work, from the smallest tasks to the most significant projects. We give our very best.
Empathy in Action - We believe empathy is key to meeting people's needs. We actively listen, understand, and engage with others, showing up with openness and humility to truly connect with their perspectives.
Humanity-centered design – do you feel this trend is being embodied in your design and your clients expectations?
Yes, human-centered design is a core focus in our work. Our clients expect designs that are inclusive, user-friendly, and meaningful, with a strong emphasis on making a positive impact on the communities they serve.
What’s your take on AI and how it interacts with design?
AI is an incredible tool that has become essential in the design field. We're seeing a major shift across industries, with design apps and operating systems increasingly incorporating AI. I personally enjoy using it, as it helps save time on research, automation, and improving efficiency.
What about the future of design? What is your take on this?
With the rapid changes happening, especially in the design sector, I’m excited about the future. AI-driven tools, many of which are freely available, are making it easier for anyone to engage with design. However, I firmly believe that what sets a talented designer apart is the originality of their work. While AI can generate impressive results, the creative vision and unique composition of a designer will always be irreplaceable, and it’s crucial that this originality continues to be valued.
Last words?
Remember—it's not just about the end result; it's about the journey. The end product is truly appreciated when we understand and embrace the details of the journey that led to it.
Website - https://eightxxviii.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eightxxviii
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EIGHTXXVIII