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Q&A Tina Touli

On 31 May 2025, the Now25 conference will take place in Paris. Join us, to listen a mix of inspiring speakers evoking topics as broad as graphic design, web design, motion design, publishing, visual identity, communication and type design. If not already done, register now to take advantage of the best rates.

It seemed interesting to us to make you discover the profiles of our guests. Discover Tina Touli.

Biography Tina Touli is a London-based creative director, multidisciplinary graphic communication designer, maker and speaker. She is collaborating with diverse clients, including Adobe, CNN, Dell, HP, Ciroc Vodka, Fiorucci, Tate, LinkedIn, Converse, Oppo, Kappa, and Dropbox. She had the honor of being selected by Print Magazine as one of the 15 best young designers in the world under 30 (2017).

Interview

Describe your day?

Tina Touli I’m definitely more of a night owl, so mornings aren’t usually my best time. That said, breakfast and a cup of tea are absolutely essential to get me going. Everything else can wait until after that. The first thing I do is check my to-do list and start with the task I enjoy the most. It’s my way of setting a positive tone for the day. My day typically involves about 8 cups of tea and switching between 2-3 different projects. I love juggling multiple projects because when I hit a roadblock or need a fresh perspective on one, I can dive into another. Music is a must — it’s always playing in the studio, keeping the atmosphere lively. I also make time for exercise during breaks, which helps clear my mind before getting back to work.

“The studio is my creative chaos, perfect for filming and experimenting, while home is great for digital work.”
– Tina Touli


What is your preferred place to work?

Tina Touli I split my time between my studio and home. The studio is my creative chaos, perfect for filming and experimenting, while home is great for digital work. On more relaxed days, I enjoy working from my sofa. I’m all about maximising productivity, so I make the most of moments like replying to emails or brainstorming during commutes.

What do you do to unwind from work?

Tina Touli My work is a blend of passion and profession, so it often overlaps with what I enjoy. Outside of that, I love staying active — running, dancing, cycling, and gymnastics are my go-tos. They help reset my mind after long hours of work. I of course also enjoy hanging out with friends, exploring exhibitions, museums, and just diving into whatever inspires us in the moment.

Do you ever feel “too comfortable” in your work?

Tina Touli I don’t think “too comfortable” is in my nature — I get bored when things feel stagnant. What keeps me motivated is the thrill of trying something new, whether that’s learning a new skill or tackling a completely different type of project. Each challenge brings excitement and keeps me pushing boundaries.

“For me, creativity is a journey of exploration — balancing the tangible qualities of the physical world with the infinite potential of the digital one.”
– Tina Touli

From where your unique approach come from?

Tina Touli My work very often blends the physical and digital worlds, exploring the possibilities that arise when these two realms interact. I believe some of the strongest designs emerge from simple concepts combined with hands-on experimentation. By engaging with both physical and digital materials, unexpected ideas often evolve, sometimes even better than planned. Understanding the strengths and limitations of these “objects” from the physical world allows them to become tools, prototypes, or even design outcomes. For me, creativity is a journey of exploration — balancing the tangible qualities of the physical world with the infinite potential of the digital one.

Do you remember when you decided to pursue a career in design?

Tina Touli I have always loved communicating and expressing myself through different forms of art. Since I was little, I was passionate about dancing, drawing, playing music, and more. A friend of my parents had a piano, and whenever we visited their place, I would always try to play a melody. After a bit of persistence, my parents finally signed me up for piano lessons, which led to me studying at a music secondary and high school. The curriculum wasn’t just focused on music but also included art, acting, and drawing. Over time, I realised that while I enjoyed playing the piano and violin as hobbies, I didn’t see myself pursuing a career as a musician. My dream shifted to becoming a mathematician, physicist, or architect — until a friend introduced me to design. It felt like the perfect field to combine all the things I was passionate about: audio, motion, visuals, and more. When I joined a Graphic Design course, I immediately fell in love with design and creativity.

Any advice for aspiring graphic designers?

Tina Touli Every decision — good or bad — helps you grow and move forward. Even if you’re unsure about what you want or how to start, just begin with what you have. You’ll figure things out along the way.

What message would you like to convey during your Now25 talk?

Tina Touli These days, more and more creatives tend to follow the same processes — starting and finishing their projects entirely on their computers, working solely in the digital realm. This often means overlooking the inspiration from our immediate surroundings and the incredible possibilities offered by analog experimentation. I believe that by exploring the interplay between the physical and digital worlds, and moving fluidly between them, we can uncover unexplored areas of design and create truly unique solutions.

Thank you very much Tina!

– Interview by Lia Porquet

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January 20, 2025

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