Tilda Joy at MiniQ, Questacon ACT. Photo: Tonya Rooney.
To the delight of parents and kids everywhere, MiniQ, Questacon’s gallery for young children, recently relaunched with a whole new design. The new MiniQ takes young scientists from Ngunnawal Country to the Sea Country of our coastal environments. It’s packed with wildlife, from gang-gangs to penguins, all illustrated by ANU's School of Art & Design, Bachelor of Design graduate Tilda Joy.
After graduating from ANU with degrees in Design and Environmental Science, and with experience working in the Questacon galleries, Tilda pitched her designs when the redevelopment process began. Over the next year she produced dozens of designs, from individual characters, to 3d models and twelve-meter murals. She says, “it's weird going into the space; I'd done all the drawings they looked really small on my computer screen and then you step into the space and it's very clear that they are everywhere!”
Drawing on her study in science and design, Tilda illustrated over 100 species, working with Questacon to tell stories that are scientifically accurate as well as visually engaging. She also got to contribute some of her personal favourites, like the superb parrots in the tree hollows and the burrowing bettong in the gallery’s calm space. Reflecting on the value of collaboration, Tilda says her favourite part was passing on her work to other teams in exhibition development, and “watching them make it way bigger and cooler.”
Illustrating for MiniQ is a big win for a freshly graduated designer. As well as having a solid portfolio, and the confidence to put herself forward, Tilda credits her double degree study: “I wouldn't have got this gig if I didn't have both backgrounds.” She reflects on the flexibility and agency that Design brings, when partnered with another area of study: science will teach you about superb parrots, while design asks “What do you want to do about it?” Drawing on her study in science communication, Tilda sees illustration as a key pathway for connecting children and their families with the living environment around us.
Since completing the MiniQ project, Tilda is working as a freelance illustrator and science communicator for organisations including the Mulloon Institute – a contact from her Design study. Her work is also available from local markets including Handmade Canberra and the National Museum Market. What’s next? Perhaps a move into picture books. Watch this space.
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