Building Natalie Racz 101

Over my lifetime there has been a few people who have helped shape the person, and therefore designer, I am today.

I know it is cliche and it is a bit corny, but I would be lying if I didn't say that the most influential person on my life is my mother.
I think I get my workaholic attitude from her; And, like my mum, I cannot stop until the work is done.
Two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer and this came as a great upset to my family. However throughout this battle she has not missed a beat and taught me that life is a precious thing that we should not take for granted, no matter how the cards fall. Shrug off the small things because it may seem like a big deal at the time but in the "big scheme of things" (oh how I used to hate when she said that) it's very minor.
Most importantly, we have to live each day to the fullest because we don't know how long we have to make each day the best day of your life.
{I am aware how ridiculously cliche this sounds, however it is 100% true}

My twin, Max.
I don't really know if this counts as influenced, but Max has been a huge part of my life.
As most people know, I am a twin & that Max means the world to me.
I actually don't know if I could function if I wasn't a twin because no matter what there is always Max and we tend to lean on each other and rely on one another as one person. People come and go in my life, but when everyone's gone I can always count on him.
We also, luckily, have the same interests, and since we think a like I never have to explain anything. (Which might explain why I have little paitence)
Max is also very creative and very, very artistic, so we've always had each other to bounce ideas off of as well as critique each other's work in a completely honest way.
No matter what I need help with, Max can help me.

Even when I'm feeling at my worst and I just want to throw in the towel on some pieces, Max is there to kick me in the butt and help me realize that nothing comes without sacrifice and hard work. I have to work especially hard now to shape a successful future.

Just having the support and unconditional love from Max has been a huge impact on my life.

Stephen Fry. Although I have never met him personally, he has affected my life greatly. I admire his intelligence and wit immensely. Over the years he has inspired me to learn as much as possible (no matter how random or useless it may seem) as well as appreciate classic literature.
In fact, just the random tidbits that I've learned by watching his program QI over the past six years have helped me join in on discussions and answer questions that without it I would have been completely clueless.

Radiohead {& Stanley Donwood}
Through their music/lyrics and artwork I have developed my design style. I have been listening to Radiohead (almost exclusively) for almost a decade now and I think the nature of their music has helped me develop my darker/grungy style of design.

And there we have it.
Four people/groups that have helped shape the designer I am today