Interview: Annemarie Duff
By Andrea McArthur
This year we have met a range of creatives from different fields, all who make beautiful items or designs that we can see and feel. Today we meet another creative with a twist, one who makes an intangible product. Meet Annmarie Duff a composer and music producer.
Annemarie describes her work as ethereal and ideas driven. She herself is very driven as can be seen by her involvement in not one but many personal music projects: including three electronica bands Paper Electric, Mmdelai, Pinn'd, an indie band Miniatures and classical albums Shangri-La.
What led you down your current path?
I played piano kind of obsessively from a young age, but only started getting into music production when I was at Otago University. I took a few music technology papers for interest (while studying computer science) and then moved to Christchurch to study audio engineering. After I graduated, I landed a gig working full-time as an in-house composer and sound designer for a gaming company. This contract ended when most of us were made redundant early last year. So I moved to Melbourne for more opportunities and am loving it. I'm still building a contact base over here so am working part time as well.
Who do you admire in the industry?
James Lavelle (founding member of U.N.K.L.E.) - not only is the music he's produced absolutely incredible and moving (no matter what genre), he's also built a scene for himself and built his catalogue on collaboration both in music, film and art. He always works with incredible creatives, whether established or newcomers and doesn't discriminate by genre. He's built this amazing creative business that crosses between industries and has spanned across decades.
What has been your most favourite project in recent years?
I can't pick one – I love the music each of my bands make, they're all very different. If I was to name one moment, getting my special edition marbled silver Mmdelai Vinyls in the mail was pretty amazing, they look so good.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
I work part time for an IT company, so 4 days a week I get up at 6am and go to the gym, then head back home and do some emails (the bands are each with overseas record labels, so there's a lot of communication online). I get to work for an 8.30am start and finish at 5pm. After work I head straight to band practise/gig/soundtrack work/lesson plans/more emails. On Wednesday afternoons I teach a class at AIE in video game audio which is awesome. I have band practice two nights a week, a gig at least once a week and usually have something to be doing a soundtrack for. I'm always working on new tracks to keep the creativity flowing so I try to make at least one new track a day. I'm still trying to figure out how I can organise it all into a routine, haha.
What future plans do you have for your music?
Building up the work so I can do it full time. Playing more shows and more writing/producing/releasing. It would be awesome to expand on the teaching I've been doing at AIE too, it's so much fun and I've learn a lot just from teaching the basics again.
5 Questions in 5 minutes
Getting Personal:
Studio Sounds, what's playing?
Keep Shelly in Athens, Bonobo, SPC EKO, DJ Lotion's mix for the Lela Jacobs Spring/Summer collection.
What are you currently reading?
"Making ideas happen" by Scott Belsky.
What are you looking forward to?
New opportunities. Gigs over summer and hopefully playing some festivals! Travel/holidays.
Can you share your go to resource for motivation?
My to do list! Have motivated friends!
What is your local areas best kept secret?
I'm not sure if I've been here long enough to count as a knower of local secrets… I do love Annoying Brother Cafe on Nicholson St. They serve amazing coffee and there's a great Salvos store around there too.
To contact Annemarie: Email: duff.annemarie@gmail.com Phone: 0468 452 628 facebook.com/mmdelai
Andrea McArthur has a passion for all things visual. Type is her true love and goes weak at the knees over beautiful design. Andrea works as a freelance graphic designer in Brisbane by day and lectures in graphic design by night. You will find her sharing design related goodness via @andyjane_mc
Scenes From Sydney: Women To Watch
By Jaclyn Carlson Taking inspiration from Tess' second book, Conversations With Creative Women: Volume Two, today I want to yet again shine the spotlight on a few local creative women here in Sydney that are shaping their own creative paths and inspiring those around them. I strongly believe that as a community - whether here in Sydney or in Melbourne - we need to support and encourage one other to succeed. When you take a look around you there are so many women doing amazing things that I think its time we give them a round of applause and a bit of recognition. This month please say hello to...
Natalie Hayllar, Eat Read Love
What is your background? After leaving school I completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology & Nutrition) and then went on to complete a Masters of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics where my love of food began. After a short stint as a clinical dietitian I have spent the most part of the last 15 years in various nutrition communications roles within the food industry. I realised I loved marketing communications and the creative side of this part of my job so I went on to study Marketing Management at MGSM at night school and spent many years working as a Brand Manager. I have been really fortunate to combine my passion for food and nutrition with marketing and continue to work in an awesome marketing job during the day and spend my spare time taking photos and blogging. We are coastal dwellers and never to far from it - My husband Fletch and my two little boys live near Cronulla beach down in Sydney's South and also spend a lot of time on the South Coast.
Tell us about eat read love and how did it get its start? I started blogging after I had my second baby boy about 3 years ago. After very hectic days juggling a corporate marketing job and looking after little ones, I needed a little downtime at the end of the day to to relax and unwind. Some people would say - why not just sleep ?!?!? but for me I enjoyed some 'me time' late at night when the house was quiet, make myself a cup of tea, or pour a glass of wine and start exploring online, and I found a whole new world open up - beautiful food and interior sites. So I decided I would have a go at writing my own bringing my passion for food, books, travel and interiors together. It started as a fun little book club and a place to share inspiration with my friends. I also spend a lot of time on the NSW South Coast and started taking photos and sharing on the blog.
What is the best part about running a creative business and writing your own blog? The ideas continue to roll in. I am never stuck for ideas. My mind is constantly churning new stories, and dreaming of new places to visit and new ways of presenting the stories creatively. I can do it in my own time, no set hours and from home. I love that I get to support and work with some amazing local businesses - I am very passionate about promoting the work of local talent and a few of us have formed a great little creative community down in the Cronulla area.
What are the challenges? After 14-hour days working a corporate job, being a mum, getting dinner, homework, getting the boys ready for bed and then only starting to work on the blog around 9pm at night can start to take its toll. I have so many ideas in my head and so many lists of things I want to do and beautiful things to write about but sometimes there is just not enough hours in the day.
What advice would you give to other women looking to have more creativity in their lives? Just give it a crack - whether its ensuring you allow some time to read a beautiful book, go to an art class or start writing then just do it. The time is now.
What’s next for you? I am very excited to be hosting some of the Kinfolk Magazine events later this year. I will be hosting the launch of The Kinfolk Table cookbook in with Lisa Madigan in October and very exited to be invited to partner with Luisa Brimble and friends to bring theKinfolk Magazine team to Sydney for a series of weekend workshops, dinners and media events. As an avid Kinfolk fan I am just a little excited to be part of this awesome team. I am also working on some more exciting #eatreadlovepopup dinners in 2013/2014. And to keep those creative ideas flowing I am also working on a very secret project with a friend that I hope to kick off next year which will definitely be available to everyone to help people get in touch with their creative flair. Stay tuned on that one. I am also planning a milestone birthday trip to NYC and I cannot wait to return.
Where can people contact you? You can follow me on my blog, follow my adventures on instagram 0r you can email me at eatreadlove@me.com.au. You can also find me over at the ROAR fashion blog
Amanda Fuller, Kaleidoscope
What is your background? After leaving high school I studied a variety of design disciplines including Interior Design, Textile Design, Jewellery Design and more at both The Whitehouse Institute and COFA. I worked in the Interior Design Industry for a while but when I discovered graphic design, it was pure love! Since studying I have worked for a number of small magazines, and then was a designer for Fairfax Media with my work appearing in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers. Now, I have the privilege of being a freelance graphic designer and design and lifestyle blogger.
Tell us about Kaleidoscope... how did it get its start? I have been blogging since 2009 (I just celebrated my 4th blogaversary!) on a variety of blogs, both my own and other's. Kaleidoscope was born out of the process of splitting my original blog into a personal blog, Amanda's Musings, and Kaleidoscope - a blog about the many facets of life and design.
Have you always been a creative person? Yes! From as soon as I could hold a crayon, I loved to colour in. Growing up, I loved to craft with my Grandmother and my love of interior design came from my parents constant home renovations. The seed for my love of graphic design was planted by my Dad who brought home a Mac computer when I was about 9 years old. He used to play around with page layout and clipart in his spare time. I guess it must have rubbed off! I loved art at school and photography too.
What are the challenges? Probably the biggest challenge is trying to get paid for what you do. Blogging is still a relatively new form of media in Australia. It can be difficult to get those bills paid. There can be some great product perks, but unfortunately they don't pay the rent. It can also be a challenge building your audience and getting people to know about your blog. With so much media being thrown at people everyday it is easy to be lost in the crowd. My own personal challenge is my health. There are days when not much gets done as I am just too unwell.
What’s next for you? The dream is to be a full-time blogger "when I grow up". So I will continue to blog about amazing creative people and their work and build up Kaleidoscope to be a "must-read" blog and get it known. Blogging has rekindled my interest in photography and sparked an interest in styling, so you might see more of this from me in the future. Right now I am working on the huge Kaleidoscope Christmas Gift Guide which will launch at the beginning of November. Keep your eyes peeled!
Where can people contact you? You can contact me through Kaleidoscope or find me on Facebook Twitter or Instagram
Hannah DeMilta, The Fetch & Canva
What is your background? I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Sydney three years ago. I studied Public Relations and minored in Deaf Culture and Language while at University. However, most of my work has been in digital roles with start-ups and a couple years of agency life. Currently I look after marketing and community at tech start-up Canva, in Sydney. The other hat I wear is as the Sydney Curator of The Fetch, something I’ve been doing for the last couple years just for fun.
Tell us about Canva how did it get its start? Our CEO at Canva, Melanie had a vision of creating a collaborative online design platform to help make design more accessible. She started on the journey five years ago when she was teaching design part-time at the University of Western Australia. She and her partner Cliff started their first company from her parents’ house and went after the niche market of school yearbooks. Five years later, Mel and Cliff teamed up with their co-founder Cam went decided to take on the world with Canva. They shared their idea with others, raised the funds, built the dream team and here we are now. A few weeks ago was our press launch and public product reveal. I joined them at the start of this year, so pretty excited to be part of their team and along for the ride. It’s just the start.
What is the best part about working for a creative company? The people I work with for sure. We dream big together on a daily basis at Canva. Being surrounded by passionate people inspires you to build, create and think. I find that spark also inspires me across the board.
What are the challenges? I’m someone who constantly bites off more than she can chew. Honestly, it usually works in my favour. It forces me to get massive amounts of work done, and I thrive under that nice extra layer of pressure. However, I’ve had challenging moments where I was in over my head and felt I came up short. I have to remind myself to prioritize constantly. Someone told me that there is no such thing as this idea of being “too busy” for something. It comes down to priorities and if something is important to you, you’ll find the time and make sacrifices. I try to embrace this approach with most of what I do.
What advice would you give to other women looking to have more creativity in their lives? Be proactive and seek out other creative people. You can’t rely on others constantly to make you move, but let their passion inspire you and help fuel your own creative projects. I’m biased obviously, but get your name on The Fetch and find out what’s happening locally in your city each week. Attend events that are interesting to you for creatives, entrepreneurs, designers, developers, writers, etc. one day after work rather than practicing your normal routine. In Sydney, check out ABCD Meetup, Think Act Change and the Idea Bombing series to name a few. There is so much happening, just go seek it out.
What’s next for you? I’m planning on starting a new blogging project with my friend Brooke, a creative thinker, entrepreneur, and fellow expat American here in Sydney. It’s something we’ve been scheming and talking about for a while, so time to make it happen.
Where can people contact you? I’m on the Twitters @HannahDeMilta or happy for people to email me if they want to chat about Canva, The Fetch, or just say hello in general.
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Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Jaclyn Carlson is the founder of Blog Society, a community for bloggers & creatives as well as the author behind the Sydney-based blog, Little Paper Trees. When not documenting her expat adventures, she can be found working for one of Australia’s top design & homewares trade shows. Passionate and prone to wasting hours on Pinterest, she has years of experience in marketing, advertising and PR and aims to put Sydney’s creative women in the spotlight with her monthly column.
Interview: Lara Cameron, Textile Designer
By Tess McCabe Coming up with the pre-order packaging designs for Conversations with Creative Women: Volume Two has resulted in a some pretty exciting collaborations, one of which is with much-loved Melbourne textile designer Lara Cameron of Ink & Spindle. Lara has generously donated one of her designs to be digitally printed onto fabric and will adorn pre-ordered copies of our new book.
Recently I caught up with Lara to ask her a bit about her design, process and what remains her trickiest business challenge...
This textile design is a step in a different direction from your Ink & Spindle collection and is an extension of your Proteaflora large format prints on paper. Do you have plans to develop the Proteaflora series further or release another range of prints?
Yes it's a bit different isn't it! It was fun to design something for a completely different medium. The designs I do for Ink & Spindle are very restricted, and in some ways I really love that - we need our designs to cater for hand printed repeats and limited colour separations - and those limitations are always informing my design process. Since the Proteaflora prints were being digitally printed the sky was the limit. It was fun to break free of those boundaries for a little while. I definitely have plans to do more - I have another set of three slowly brewing, but they might take a while to become a reality!
What materials or programs did you use to create this design?
Initially the shape of the Leucadendrons were hand drawn with pencil in a geometric style. I then scanned them in to the computer and worked over the top of them using Illustrator. I tried to restrict myself to geometric shapes only: rectangles, triangles and semi-circles. I found some interesting textures to apply to some of the shapes to give it a more organic feel - there's only so much crisp digital perfection I can handle!
Where are your favourite places in nature to find inspiration for your designs?
We are very lucky to have a house in our family down at Fairhaven, on the Great Ocean Road. I love that it's only 1.5 hours drive away and a total departure from daily live. The flora down there is quite coastal but my grandmother planted some interesting natives in the yard a long time ago - my favourite is the Pincushion Hakea which is spectacular if you catch it in bloom.
What is your biggest challenge as a creative running her own business?
Two things - managing cash-flow and making time to create! I think there's a lot of misconception about what running a creative business is really like, especially if you're truly sticking to your values, producing locally and in an ethical manner. It's hard! There's a lot of time spent doing book-work and managing the production side of things and very little head space or time to create. That's why I really have to get out of town to allow myself that mental space.
Can you share any details of exciting new products or projects you have in the works?
We *just* launched our brand new website which was an epic project in itself. To be honest I'm just happy to sit back for a bit and recover from that mammoth effort before tackling the next thing :)
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Thanks, Lara! If you would like to receive your copy of the book wrapped in Lara's gorgeous design, visit our shop before 30 September 2013 and place your order. And why not have a play around with a textile-design creation tool on Ink & Spindle's new website? So fun!
Interview: Laura Blythman
By Andrea McArthur
This is the story of a creative woman from Melbourne who moved to Geelong and whose design and illustration work has an interesting balance of being commercial and yet quirky and personal all at the same time. One thing is certain though, Laura Blythman's work will make you smile from ear to ear.
Laura is renowned for her vibrant colour palette and cheeky sentiments. Her design and illustration style is instantly recognisable and increasingly sought after, having designed for some of Australia's biggest stationery brands. Laura’s designs can be found nationally through her work with A Skulk of Foxes, Typo, Click On Furniture, Lark, Peachy Gift, Mr.Wolf, Cotton On Kids, T2 teas, Zoo York, Kiitos – Living By Design, Swan Emporium, La De Dah Kids and Stuck On You.
What led you down your current path?
I pretty much spent my whole childhood cutting and pasting and drawing and I was always in awe of everything creative so when it came time to consider careers I just assumed graphic design would be my gig. Of course, as a teenager, my imagined ‘dream world’ of graphic design narrowly involved designing posters and CD covers for my favourite bands and that’s about all. I spent a few years after high school being 'floaty' (and had a short stint as a hairdressing apprentice!) but a friend gently nudged me in the direction of The Australian Academy of Design and three years later I’d scored myself a BA in Graphic Design and a job at Hallmark Cards Australia.
I spent three years at Hallmark designing an unimaginable number of greeting cards as well as gift packaging, stationery and so on. I moved on to designing boutique wedding stationery for Cristina Re and then I teamed up with a friend and we focused on surface and pattern design for papers, stationery and home wares. When an amazing senior design opportunity popped up at the newest stationery brand on the block, I pounced in it! At Typo I got to indulge in everything I love most – range design, illustration and creative direction for a massive scope of stationery and home decor products as well as the design and management of the Cotton On Yardage library, focussing mostly on textile patterns for Cotton On Kids and Body.
During these years I also worked on small, freelance jobs designing branding and collateral for start-up businesses or textile designs and so when I left Typo to have my baby Alexander almost three years ago, I amped up my own brand and I've been freelancing ever since, and LOVING it.
You recently said farewell to the Oh! Hello Geelong blog that you developed and wrote with Penny Phipps. The blog was a great success and was featured on The Design Files. Can you tell us about that?
Yes, sadly it was time to bid farewell to our blog this year. I won’t be writing or contributing content any longer but it has been left in very capable and clever hands. I think readers will love the fresh perspective of the new girls Nat and Jen. I’ll miss it a little but it was one of those side projects that grew huge and life got a bit too busy to fit it all in. I’ll still contribute illustrations as needed and possibly even one day create an updated version of the Geelong Map Poster. I’m moving home to Melbourne very soon so maybe a Melbourne map will be next on the cards. I love creating maps and can’t wait to work on the next one.
What future plans do you have for your creative business?
I’ve had some truly amazing opportunities coming my way of late so the plan is to pretty much stick to the path I’m on. I’m absolutely bursting with ideas and wish lists of things to create and share so I’m keen to find some more time to work on my own projects and become a fully-fledged ‘pie hands’. Variety keeps me very happy. I hope to continue working on more and more collaborative projects, designing and illustrating for fun products and ranges, working with new brands and fab clients and hopefully some high profile clients too! I’d love to work on a new collection of artwork which I will hopefully exhibit somewhere…
Another thing I’m looking forward to once I’m back in Melbourne is making plans to move the ‘studio’ out of my home. I absolutely love working in shared studio spaces as I go a bit crazy on my own sometimes.
Do you have any advice for growing a client base?
I met a lot of great contacts in those first few years of working for other people’s businesses and it has kind of organically grown from there. In many ways your work speaks for itself. If people like what they see the opportunities arise from that. Other than that, be kind but not a pushover and work really, really hard.
Who do you admire in the industry?
Oh, I admire so many clever people, brands and businesses for many different reasons. Internationally I'm loving creatives such as: Ashley Goldberg, Ma + Chr, Jessica Hische, Lab Partners, Dana Tanamachi, Julia Pott, and Lisa Congdon. Locally I'm blown away by the work of so many amazing creatives including: Miranda Skoczek, Bridget Bodenham, Lucas Grogan, Harvest Textiles… Really, there are so many more. Far too many to list.
What has been your most favourite project in recent years?
I really loved the opportunity I was given earlier this year to create a new and huge body of work for my solo exhibition (Love, Lyrics, Neon). So many great things, amazing opportunities and collaborations have stemmed from that mammoth effort and collection of work…
Jobs that have elements of both custom illustration and a high level of involvement in creating the brief and setting the style direction for the job are my faves. Illustrating the Geelong Map for The Design Files was a super proud moment. And I loved part one of my collaboration with A Skulk Of Foxes (wooden iPhone covers) so I’m super excited to release some more products with them soon!
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
I only get a few precious full days of work a week so I squeeze as much as possible into these days. The early hours are consumed with trying to convince my 2-year-old that’s it’s a good idea to get dressed, eat something (that isn't dessert) and hop into the car for a fun day at childcare. Neither of us are morning people at all. After I drop him off I grab a drive-thru coffee on the way back to my studio where I park my butt and pretty much don’t move for the rest of day. I begin with consulting the list of ‘to do’s’ (which I generally create the night before) then I cram in an insane amount of emailing, client correspondence, more list making, drawing, planning, scanning, designing, invoice making and estimate creating as well as a bit of making, packing and posting orders from my online shop.
Every day is different and I tend to share the love between a few clients throughout the day. The day always goes waaaay too fast and I find myself also working into the night once my little boy is asleep. The night sessions are mostly saved for my own projects, drawing, packing orders, making custom orders or just catching up on emails… I love the days when I have to travel for meetings or pop out on client or retail visits as I get a bit of change of scenery.
5 Questions in 5 minutes
Getting Personal:
Studio Sounds, what's playing?
At the moment I'm playing a big mix of inc. Theophilus London, Arcade Fire, Chet Faker, Haim, Alpine, Bat For Lashes, The Smiths, Chvches, Yo La Tengo… I can’t work without music.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve just started to read my late Great Aunty Marion’s ‘memoirs’ for the second time. It’s not a published book – it’s just a massive wad of photocopied typed pages in an big black plastic binder – included are some cheeky ‘note’ pages inserted here and there, written by my Pa, Frank. He doesn’t agree with everything Marion recalls and wrote. It’s such a nice insight into the lives of my grandparents and great grandparents.
What are you looking forward to?
- The release of some fun client and collaborative projects I’ve been working on and also starting work on some new exciting projects, collabs and big fun things. Can’t wait to share.
- ‘Fieldtrip’ Jacky Winters creative conference in Sydney! It will be a nice and mini creative break.
- I’m also starting to plan for my first proper holiday in years – hopefully Bali this time next year with my little guy.
Can you share your go to resource for motivation?
- The usual offenders: Instagram, Pinterest
- Creative blogs like: Design Love Fest, Design For Mankind.
- Also love reading design/freelance advice by: Jessica Hische and Bri Emery/Katie Evans.
What is your local area’s best kept secret?
Hmmm… I’m not sure it’s really a secret anymore, but my favourite place in Geelong for a delicious feed, yum drinks, good music and a nice crowd is ‘There There’ – Bar + Restaurant. Love it. I also love heading down the highway to Melbourne for my city culture fix. I can’t wait to move home (Melbourne) in January and discover some cool new places. It feels like I have been away for a very long time.
To see more of Laura's work or make contact with her please visit: website www.laurablythman.com.au webshop www.laurablythman.bigcartel.com email laura@laurablythman.com.au instagram @laurablythman twitter @hellolaurahere facebook www.facebook.com/LauraBlythmanishere
Andrea McArthur has a passion for all things visual. Type is her true love and goes weak at the knees over beautiful design. Andrea works as a freelance graphic designer in Brisbane by day and lectures in graphic design by night. You will find her sharing design related goodness via @andyjane_mc
Fluoro-pop: The art of Rowena Martinich
By Liz Banks-Anderson
You’ve probably walked past one and the sight has demanded a second glance. Rowena Martinich describes her art works as “fluoro-pop abstract expressionism.” Visually, they are vibrant, striking and bright and are a welcome sight in the tedium of a grey Melbourne Winter.
Rowena is an artist whose use of colour in the transient, everyday space has become a signature. Her work is often displayed in the spaces of the everyday to challenge the notion that ‘art’ can only exist within the conventional gallery space.
The everyday settings of Rowena’s works add to their immersive nature, capturing all of your attention.
Martinich calls herself ‘an abstract expressionist with a difference.’ While her work is sometimes displayed in an art gallery she is more likely to transform through her use of colour an unconventional display space such as a retail store front.
Rowena says the idea of displaying artwork strictly within the gallery system is very limiting both for the audience and the artist. Instead, she is inspired by architecture and interiors, which strongly influence her artwork and how it can fit into that scenario.
“I feel that art should be accessible and enriching, so making it public is the first step. I also love the idea of transforming people’s experience of a space simply by adding expressive layers of colour,” she says.
Rowena believes that everyday spaces are often not given a second glance until an ‘intervention’ of some kind, viewing her artwork as an “activator of urban space, particularly transient spaces, often passed through without a moment of thought.”
“Through my work one can experience the everyday, but differently. What may ordinarily be an empty interval – a non-experience in passing from one place to another – can be altered by the experience of walking through or past one of my works,” says Rowena.
There is something very free, fluid and natural about Rowena’s work. It captures a boundless creative energy. The artist processes a myriad of thoughts during the creative process. "When I am deeply focused on a work, I am in my own world of problem solving, specifically balancing the painting, its layers and colour compositions.”
Rowena works with acrylic on canvas, colour-fast acrylic for exterior public works and acrylic on vinyl adhered onto glass for window installations.
“Most of my painting is done with large brushes these days, however I have been known to use mops and brooms to create extra large brush strokes on public works, as well as chemical sprayers for a splattery effect.
“I build up layers of colours, starting with large areas of block colour then gradually add layers of dripping colour. With each layer I need to be sure that the one below is dry enough that the colours will not mix. I also ensure the paint retains the perfect consistency so it doesn’t run too quickly, or isn't too thick that it won’t run at all. I also try and take regular breaks in the fresh air!” she says.
Rowena has bold hopes and dreams for the future and these inspire her to create. Key among these include painting a trackside marquee for the Melbourne Racing Carnival and a fashion collaboration comprising beachwear and surfboards.
Most of all however, the acknowledgement of her work is her greatest inspiration. Rowena says she loves how art allows her to interact with the public, especially when working onsite on murals. “Even without a shared language, I have found that art can enable exchange and break down any cross-cultural barriers.”
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Liz is a communications professional and freelance writer from Melbourne. Inspired by the city’s artistic endeavours she likes taking photographs, exploring the design world and has developed a great interest in all things art. Passionate about documenting and sharing the unique projects, people and possibilities in the creative community, Liz is excited by what lies ahead. Liz’s own blog will be launched soon…In the meantime, she’s happy being a twit.
Interview + give away: Tanya Collier of Tickle the Imagination magazine
If you're coming along to our speaker event in Melbourne this weekend, you'll go home with a copy of Tickle the Imagination magazine! Tickle the Imagination is full of inspiration and ideas to spark creativity. It showcases talented artists, crafters and designers, discovers emerging talent and shares real-life stories and DIY projects. They publish regular issues online and in print.
This week I spoke to Tanya Collier, editor and publisher of tickle, to find out the story behind this beautiful publication.
Tell us about the mission behind Tickle the Imagination. Who do you hope to reach and inspire?
Tickle the imagination is a lifestyle and craft magazine. My hope is that it inspires creativity - by showcasing Australian designers and makers, sharing real-life stories and offering crafty projects.
What has been the evolution of Tickle the Imagination - from first idea to the print format we see it in now?
I had always dreamed of creating a magazine, but was never sure how. After many years as a freelance graphic and web designer (along with lots of little handmade businesses) I guess the idea for tickle really evolved in May 2011. I was studying interior design at the time and one of my assignments was to create a spread for a design magazine - style it, shoot it and design the layout... I was hooked! About the same time I discovered Adore Home magazine... and, in turn, digital publishing which offered an affordable entry into the world of magazine publishing.
tickle combines all my passions and love of design and handmade... I imagined a magazine filled with inspiring stories about creative people, beautiful images and gorgeous craft projects... and that is what I set out to create. I was also aware of just how difficult is is to market a handmade business and I hoped tickle would create a new platform for people to share/market their creative businesses.
I shared the idea for tickle on my facebook page at the time and got a great response. Two of the first people to get in touch were Leanne from Possum & Banjo and author, Tania McCartney - these two were my biggest cheerleaders and really helped spread the word and introduce tickle to lots of new people.
The next step was developing a website and facebook page for tickle to help spread the word. Then I worked on developing an underlying theme and inspiration board for the first issue - 'the road less travelled', and invited submissions from our small group of followers. I am forever grateful to that group of contributors who showed such faith that I would create something beautiful with their hard work!
And, after many hours of work and lots of late nights, the very first digital issue was released in September of 2011. I was so nervous pressing the upload button...after all this was a magazine of everything I loved, in layouts that I had put together... what if no one else liked it? ...it really felt like I was baring my soul to the world!
Thankfully the response was overwhelmingly positive. Almost immediately people started asking if/when it would be available in print...
How did you fund the transition from an online magazine to a printed magazine?
It was our lovely readers and advertisers who funded the first two print issues of tickle through crowdfunding campaigns with Pozible.
While I was super keen to see tickle in print I didn't have the capital myself and really wasn't in a financial position to risk taking a business loan. And so, I continued publishing digital issues - a second in Nov, and another in Feb - all the while our Facebook following and mailing list were growing.
Then, in April of 2012 I was introduced to the idea of crowd funding when a friend of mine supported Littlesweet Baking's campaign. What a fantastic concept! How had I never heard of it before? After researching printing costs I discovered I would need $15,000 to take tickle to print. I submitted my idea to Pozible, and it was accepted! I had ninety days to spread word of the campaign and ask people to pledge their support for a print issue in return for rewards. I Facebooked constantly, emailed everyone who had ever been part of the magazine and we did it!! With just over a week to go our target of $15,000 was achieved.
The first print issue of tickle, Annual 01, is a compilation of our favourite stories from digital issue 01 -issue 07. A second print issue (also funded with crowdfunding!) was released in May, it is a special celebrations issue.
What is your favourite part about curating a magazine?
There are so many amazing creative people out there, I think my favourite part is introducing them and their creations to our readers. Having the opportunity to meet and chat with some of my favourite designers and makers is rather special. And when someone emails to say tickle has inspired them to start their own creative journey... that's pretty awesome :)
What are your hopes for tickle in the future?
My hope is that tickle continues to support and inspire the designer/maker community of Australia. I would love to see quarterly print issues :)
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To receive a copy of Tickle, come along to our event this Saturday. And Tanya has a special offer for friends & members of Creative Women's Circle: Bonus digital issues when you purchase the Celebrations print issue. Visit this page for more info!
Interview: Alex Kingsmill of Upstairs
By Andrea McArthur
Have you ever met someone who lives each day to its fullest potential, who has clear direction in their life and career?
With guidance you can also sculpt your life into a more authentic one and become the person you really want to be. Alex Kingsmill is a Creative Women's Circle member with a difference. She does not create with her hands but she moulds with her words. Alex is the founder of "Upstairs" an evidence-based Coaching and Counselling Consultancy. In short Alex helps thinking women work out who they are, where they want to go and how they want to get there. She is a designer of sorts, helping women design great lives.
What led you down your current path?
I had always lived a ‘should’ life, doing what I thought was expected of me. I did well at school, I went straight to uni and studied law because I had the marks and I got a ‘proper’ job even though it was boring and the people were uninspiring. I was doing everything I thought I should do but I was dreading getting up in the mornings.
So I started to look more closely at how I really wanted my life to be, at who I really wanted to be. And I transformed almost everything: I met new people, I moved to a new area, I re-trained, I quit my job and I set up my own business. Now everything is the way I always wanted it to be and I feel really happy. My coaching work focuses on helping other women transform their lives in similar ways.
Who do you admire?
There’s not one single person who I turn to for inspiration. I just generally admire people who live truthfully, folk who have the courage to live a life that is really truly them, one which will make them happy and allow them to be the best person they can be.
It sounds super cheesy but my partner is someone who does that really well. He’s completely honest in who he is; he lives authentically. He also has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He’s a constant reminder for me, of how to Live Life Well.
What has been the biggest / most positive / successful change you have seen in a client?
My clients often amaze me with the exciting and bold steps they take: leaving soul-destroying jobs, starting businesses, pursuing positive relationships, travelling to amazing places, igniting creative projects.
These achievements are inspiring but the most powerful changes I see are the internal shifts: when a client starts to know herself better; like herself more; grow in confidence. I think it takes a lot of courage to really look inside and ask yourself what is needed, to become the person you want to be. So those are the changes that I find most exciting.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
There were lots of things I hated when I was working a nine-to-fiver but the biggest ones were having no flexibility and working in a grey office. Now I love my days: I work from home in an office that has art and books and flowers and that looks out onto the street – I like watching people walk by.
On a typical day I’ll spend my mornings seeing clients, responding to emails, reading books and writing my blog or an article. Mid-morning I always break for coffee and cinnamon toast and usually get distracted by Twitter, Facebook, Instagram... In the afternoon I might swim or go for a walk or meet a friend – something to clear my head and make my heart happy. Then I see more clients, after they finish work.
What future plans do you have for your business?
I am crazily excited about the future for Upstairs! I am looking forward to meeting more clients, developing group projects, writing a book and hopefully, forming a collaboration. I’m not sure yet who it will be with or what form it will take but I have a feeling it’s taking shape!
5 Questions in 5 minutes
Getting Personal
Studio Sounds, what's playing? It’s super nerdy but I actually work best when it’s quiet… so nothing’s playing!
What are you currently reading? My bedside table is always piled with self-help books… but it’s ok and Not Creepy because it’s for my work! At the moment I’m reading Hugh Mackay’s "The Good Life" which was recommended by a friend, as well as "How to Change the World" and "The School of Life" both by Paul Flintoff.
What are you looking forward to? I just had a little baby girl and I am ridiculously excited about all the changes she’s going through. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better.
Can you share your go to resource for motivation? Whenever I’m feeling flat or unmotivated at work, I drink good coffee and watch a TED talk www.ted.com. It always gets my brain firing again. Otherwise, I hang out in the psychology section at Readings Bookshop in Carlton.
What is your local areas best kept secret? My local best kept secret are the junior entrepreneurs who set up on the bike path near Edinburgh Gardens during the last school holidays. They make their chaperone (Dad) sit (sort of) out of sight, behind the bushes while they sell Chocolate Crackles and Honey Joys to folk who pass by. They drive a (hilarious) hard bargain but their produce is top notch.
Take some time and ask yourself are you living truthfully?
You can contact Alex through the following channels: Email: alex@upstairs.net.au Visit: www.upstairs.net.au Like: www.facebook.com/UpstairsCoaching Follow: twitter.com/Upstairs_Coach
Andrea McArthur has a passion for all things visual. Type is her true love and goes weak at the knees over beautiful design. Andrea works as a freelance graphic designer in Brisbane by day and lectures in graphic design by night. You will find her sharing design related goodness via @andyjane_mc