So, how does a designer, working for ten years with five fonts (Helvetica, Futura, Garamond, Bodoni and Century), two colours (black and 032) and one design style (horizontal rules) become at Pentagram Partner?

At 33, after ten years experience, self confessed design-mimic Michael Bierut joined Pentagram, one of the world's most famous design companies.

Michael articulated every designer's age -old quest to conquer self-doubt and discover one's design 'voice'. It was comforting to know that even Pentagram Partners have periods of self-doubt like the rest of us!

A firm believer in the benefits of collaboration and lucky breaks (two a year if you are lucky), Michael talked and talked and talked, as promised, about design and stuff.

What we experienced was not a designer's presentation of this job and that logo, though we did get to see some of Michael's work, but rather an overview of Michael's life as a designer and how he got to where he is today.

His pet hate? Bad writing.

What he loves? Simple, memorable and intelligent pieces.

What became obvious was that what we are all striving to achieve, regardless of who we are, is better communication, and that if you have got the idea right, you don't need the fancy gift wrapping.

Michael's collaboration with Mohawk Paper over the past seven years has allowed him to address issues of interest to designers. This led to a series of books on design, "Rethinking Design", with issue four currently in production. Issue three, with a focus on The Book, was available on the night as a sample.

Thanks must go to Raleigh Paper and Mohawk Paper Mills for sponsoring Michael and his design tour of Australia. Without the support and sponsorship of companies like these, we would not have the opportunity to see international designers such as Michael Bierut.

So, thanks, guys for a fabulous evening with Michael.