DESIGN

How did you find your creative niche? I worked in or created work for areas of design I loved (when I first started out it was girls’ t-shirt prints) and it just kind of flowed from there. I have a few different styles, though – I think it’s important to have flexibility, as well as a niche. Any tips

for conquering self-doubt or criticism? Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s easy to fall into that trap, especially if you have a group of creative peers, but it’s a waste of mental energy. I still find criticism hard to take, but it’s important to remember that if it’s constructive criticism, it’s intended to make your work better, and that’s a good thing. What advice would you give someone starting out in your field? Get involved in a lot of different things. At the beginning for me, it was going to raves, holding my own exhibitions and being involved in various creative festivals. These things led me to meet people with similar interests. What frustrates you about the design scene right now? There’s something in Australia’s culture that defines success as working internationally or moving overseas. I work for all kinds of clients, the majority in the local market, and to me, that holds the same value as working for international clients. Also, anything designed for single use has got to stop.

How do you stay motivated and interested in your work? I intentionally work with a bunch of different mediums, because the variety keeps me interested. The new challenges that come from switching it up also make your brain work harder, and that provides motivation. What are you looking for in this year’s Good Stuff awards? I love seeing new work – it’s always super-inspiring to see new ideas and what people make. And selfishly, new things that will go on my shopping list!