After graduating from my Bachelors degree as a fully fledged graphic designer, I was lucky enough to walk straight into a job the following day, where I have worked ever since. As one of three in-house designers for a global sporting company, I have had the chance to really delve into all forms of design- print, digital and 3D tangible design, for major brands such as Adidas, Arena Swimming and the Football Federation of Australia.

Along with this, I have had the chance to showcase my artwork at RAW- Natural Born Artists in 2017, which has lead to becoming a regular marketeer and launching my botanical prints in various boutiques and cafes across Brisbane.

I am currently in the midst of kick starting my own design agency with a heavy focus on the wedding industry, the perfect mix between fine art and digital design.

What inspired you to enter into the career you’re in?
I was always a creative type from a young age preferring to paint what I saw in the garden as a wee 5 year old rather than riding a bike up and down the road, a career in the creative field was inevitable. As I grew up and went through school, not only did my artistic side flourish in the form of fine art but my eyes were opened when I was offered the chance to study ‘graphics’ as a subject.

Never did I realise I could create ‘artworks’ as such to be used in real life as logos, posters, branding, signage to name a few. I loved the idea of my designs having a purpose and a real function. From the first graphics lesson at school in year 9, I knew I wanted to go on and delve into the field further.

What are your fondest memories of your time at SAE?
SAE had a certain energy about it, no matter where you went on campus, there was inspiration. Whether that came from talking to the other students, going through gallery walks or purely just walking through the halls lined with posters of upcoming events and student showcases, inspiration was everywhere.

It really was a creative hub, every student was full to the brim with ideas and everyone wanted to hear them, students and lecturers alike. SAE has to be one of the only places where I have been so fully immersed in creativity. It was a place you could truly and unapologetically be your own creative self.

Are you able to shed some light on how studying at SAE lead you to where you are now?
It seems obvious, but the skills SAE taught me not only the fundamental skills of design but the networking skills have ultimately lead me to where I am today. SAE prodded us out of our comfort zones; through countless exhibition nights, public project handovers and internships, these things that I dreaded at the time have taught me how to interact with industry professionals, how to demand attention when public speaking and taught me how to have confidence in my work. Without these life skills, I would not be where I am today.

What are your career highlights?
Thus far, my career has been rather short in the scheme of things, only having graduated in 2016. However, I am extremely proud of the things I have achieved in this time- designing for Adidas, Arena Swimming, the FFA, Socceroos and Matildas and the A-League as been a real highlight. Nothing quite beats walking in to a major sports stores and seeing signage, a ball or packaging of a toy that I have designed sitting on a store shelf and being appreciated by the public, it never gets old.

What projects are you working on at the moment?
Currently, I am in the midst of setting up my own design agency. With my love of fine art and botanical drawing along with my passion for digital design, I am hoping to launch in to the wedding field, providing bespoke stationary and signage to local brides.

What advice would you give to students aspiring to become successful in their field?
Be brave, be bold, and back your designs. don’t do something mediocre because you know people will like it. Learn how to step outside your comfort zone and create something challenging, challenge yourself and make the consumer question it. Regardless of whether it is the right design for the brief, it’ll teach you something and that, to me, is the most valuable thing. Learn to back your designs and know why they work.