Donald Preston is a lecturer in graphic design. He also has 15 years experience in the design industry both in New Zealand and internationally, specialising in corporate identity and brand application.

Accounts included Saturn Communications, Guthrie Bowron, Royal & Sun Alliance and Land Transport Safety Authority.  In 2000 he won the Gold medal at the New Zealand Pride in Print Awards. 

Donald’s interest in all things cartographic has led to his current research on the use of the outline map of New Zealand as a national and cultural icon.

While maps inhabit the realm of fact they are man-made and therefore subject to bias and selective observation; they possess the power to persuade through the belief that they carry factual information.

Donald’s research area investigates this ‘power’ and explores the limitation as well as the possibilities for the range of information presented.

Massey University’s College of Creative Arts is the top ranked institution for design research in New Zealand and has been creating and defining New Zealand art and design for 122 years.