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Brian Bunny interviews Mr Kal Starkis, managing partner of Starkis Design:

(March 2001)

BB: Kal, I understand you won a place in the prestigious Shell Livewire awards back in 1997.

Kal: Yes, it was a very useful kick-start for the business.

BB: So, since then, has there been any ongoing business relationship between you and Shell?

Kal: Yes. I now own a Shell Mastercard.

BB: Kal, you’ve worked on projects for such large organisations as the Australian Defence Force Academy, Centrelink, CSIRO, and AMP—to name a few. Do you feel you’ve lost touch with the little guy?

Kal: I’m talking to a rabbit aren’t I?

BB: I’ll take that as a no.

You’re based in Canberra of course, but you’ve worked on projects for clients as far away as Adelaide, Brisbane, and even Darwin—but nothing in Perth I notice. Is that a sore spot for you?

Kal: No. I hear Perth is a lovely spot.

BB: You’ve seen the business consistently increase its clients and revenue over the past four years. Of course statistically, most new businesses are not so fortunate. What is your advice to young Livewires considering starting up a new business of their own?

Kal:

Be prepared to work hard to compete with established businesses, but don’t undersell yourself or your product.
Don’t try and rigidly conform to every wealth generating sales technique, as if potential clients were just money-laden safes waiting to be opened with the right combination. Focus on building good relationships with your clients, and be genuinely concerned with guiding them towards the solution that is best for them.
Be prepared to work long and hard to establish your business, but don’t sacrifice your family and friends in the process. Your money won’t be much fun without them.
Buy a good stapler.

BB: Starkis Design—it’s an interesting choice of business name. Does Starkis mean ...

Kal: No. It means stork—it’s a Latvian word. That’s why I use a stork in the logo.

BB: I see. Well, storks are okay—but have you ever considered having a bunny rabbit logo? Bunny rabbits are cool.

Kal: Yes, I’m sure they are.

BB: But you wouldn’t use one as a logo...?

Kal: No.

BB: Yeah, I know—it’s the whole cuddly, wuddly, cutesy thing which society projects upon us. It’s a misconception you know. Bunny rabbits are really vicious little critters—very cutting edge. We just need a new marketing angle—a new corporate identity perhaps. Can you help us out?

Kal: Hmm... I’m free on Thursday morning, is that good for you?

Starkis Design is a graphic design studio which specialises in the creation of high-impact web sites for businesses, organisations and government clients. Their online portfolio can be found at www.starkis.com.au.