“Design is thinking made visual.”
Saul Bass Designer & Filmaker
As a graphic artist and visual story teller I find the unbroken line of visual narrative and culture of the indigenous people of Australia an incredibly powerful influence and motivator. I strive to create stories and brands that are genuine and support the changing nature of how we view and interpret our visual world.
With extensive experience in graphic design, brand development and marketing, I’ve had the privilege of managing projects from concept to completion, and on through the evolving story of a brand. Watching brands grow and transform over time, while fostering great client relationships - is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Design challenges inspire me. I love collaborating with clients, stakeholders, and other creatives to craft solutions that aim to surpass the vision behind the project, delivering exceptional results that stand out. My strong background in marketing, communication, fine arts and illustration continually informs and enriches my creative process.
The ocean is my sanctuary, where peace and creativity flow. As a surfer, crafting timber surfcraft unites my love for the sea and nature with the artistry of crafting.
Make something…
There is a joy in designing and crafting something with your hands. It begins with a thought, becomes an idea and progresses to a design. Creating surf craft enables me to share my passion for the ocean and surfing with my wider community. I believe everyone has something important and unique to share.
Maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your stories can make all the difference.
Design journey
Key skills & abilities
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that certain skills are important for creating an environment that fosters and compliments great design outcomes. These skills have been a focus of mine over the years, benefiting both myself and my clients.
While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights the key areas that I have found essential in achieving successful project outcomes and, importantly, creating long lasting relationships.
With significant experience in graphic design and marketing, I have collaborated with a wide range of clients across both the public and private sectors. My work spans multiple disciplines, including corporate branding and logo design, document design, infographics, engagement tools, signage, website development, online design, video production, art direction and marketing campaign planning.
Over the last decade in particular, I’ve expanded my expertise to include branded environments, transforming spaces into visually cohesive spaces that resonate with audiences and enhance brand identity.
What’s particularly exciting about design for me is that, as time has gone on, my passion for it has grown. The constant evolution of technology has ensured that I’m always learning something new and discovering fresh, exciting ways to approach design.
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Everything I do begins with positive, clear communication. Listening and understanding clients and stakeholders needs is critical to success, while being able to verbally and visually communicate concepts and ideas to my clients is equally important. Design projects can include complex stakeholders and the need to work with other specialist creatives, making communication a vital cog in any projects progress.
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I always enter a project with the attitude that I am here to build a lasting relationship with stakeholders and the client. An open, positive mindset and an attitude to ‘connect and discover’ has always helped me in building strong relationships that have lasted for years. Assisting a client as their brand grows and changes over time is incredibly rewarding.
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Understanding the markets within which a client works is critical to the success of any campaign. Being able to support my client through marketing strategies that compliment and support their goals and business vision is key to great outcomes.
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There can be many challenges in even small design projects. Whether its the challenge of what can visually ‘fit’ into a narrative, or a client that has many needs and expectations, being able to think through and around the many design and relationship challenges we can face in a project are key to the final success of a project.
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Being playful and allowing ‘the child’ to be present in my work has always been important in how I approach what I do. By being inquisitive we find the fun and interest in work that might otherwise feel boring to us. No project is boring - everything is in how we approach it.
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I have always found the way other creatives think to be inspiring and energising. Listening to and accepting other ideas into a projects mix can provide that extra spark to make the project really successful. We should always be open to the new and different ideas and concepts that working with others brings.
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With the continually changing nature of technology, the tools we use and the rapidly evolving trends landscape, I always remain open to learning new things. Starting all projects with a learning mindset sets me up for success with my clients and co-creatives. Every project provides an opportunity to learn, we just need to seek it.
Software
Strong understanding and skills in wide ranging applications is critical to being a good designer in a modern world. Continual updating of these skills is important as software advances and changes constantly. The advent of AI tools such as Mid Journey and CHatGTP now provide designers with even better tools in the conceptualising process to help present ideas to clients.
