As a research scientist at GNS Science, the geologist at Te Papa and a person who is heavily involved with Public Outreach I have had much to do with Andrew Gray during the past four years (August 2006 – June 2009). I have drawn on Andrew’s skills and services in graphic design and presentation for the production of popular books and PowerPoint presentations. Specifically, he made a significant contribution to a book that I co-authored with Gerard Hutching: ‘In search of ancient New Zealand.’ This was published by Penguin & GNS Science in 2007 and to date has sold about 10,000 copies, a rare feat for a book on geological history! Some credit is due Andrew for his excellent diagrams.
In working closely with Andrew, I quickly discovered that GNS Science had an outstanding asset: a graphics design artist with a MSc in Earth Sciences and geophysics in particular. Not only is he highly competent at manipulating his way around complex graphics design software packages, he also understood our language and what we are all trying to communicate. Because of his qualifications, he was able to bring substantial intelligence to his work, leading to efficient and easily achieved results and products.
Not only was he ‘one of us’, so to speak, but he also has sense of art and an exceptional flare for design. He has an acute awareness and understanding of aesthetics, composition, content, balance, line weight, lighting, colour, perspective and style. He has an uncanny ability to communicate ideas through imagery and design that makes it all seem effortless.
I have also been impressed by Andrew’s professionalism with respect to organising his time, the courtesy and thoughtful consideration he brings to dealing with people, especially the ‘clients’, and his willingness to accommodate demands upon his time during periods of stressful, deadline-driven, high workload. He is a brick: hard-working and totally reliable. He has been a joy to work with.
GNS Science is losing a major talent and a rare one at that. Should you be considering this man for employment purposes, then look no further.
I commend Andrew Gray unreservedly.
Yours faithfully,
Dr Hamish Campbell
Senior scientist
GNS Science
