Form, function and content

Not every University academic who is assigned a teaching role has had a thorough grounding in the art and science of education.

The University of Newcastle's Centre for Teaching and Learning engaged me to develop (write and design) a resource that would provide practical, immediately applicable information in a physical form that was easy to use and which adhered to the UON brand guidelines.

After a small print run followed by consistent demand for the piece by academics and several more print runs, I was confident it had achieved its aims.

Collaboration, growth

Seeded two years ago by a modest government grant to buy some office furniture and a printer, The Mid-Western Mail has become a substantial and profitable monthly magazine published by a regional business organisation.

The editor and I have developed a really effective collaborative process to produce this highly targeted (we both know the area and the people well), economically significant advertising and editorial platform benefiting not only the readers but a wide range of local businesses, community and sporting groups, schools, museums, art galleries and more.

Wine, chocolate, cheese

Mudgee is a picturesque town, growing fine wool and wine in the NSW Central West. Eight years there gave me a deep dive into the world of fine food & wine packaging design.

Now in Newcastle, I've continued to work with Spencer Cocoa who have grown steadily, winning awards and introducing new and much sought-after products as their fantastic hand-made chocolate business expands.

Online learning

Online learning is something I became involved in after a serious bicycle accident (who'd have guessed?!) Recovery was greatly assisted by my lifelong playing and performing of music and the subsequent incorporation of music teaching into my occupational repertoire.

This then extended to a Micromasters in Instructional Design and Technology and providing graphic assets for TAFE Digital online courses (academic and commercial) as well as designing manuals and online courses for my own music teaching.

Print & digital

Like most graphic designers, especially those who work not only with clients but closely with printers which I've done for over 14 years, I get to produce a wide variety of both printed and online material – from logos to business cards, banner mesh to social media templates, printed and online newsletters, brochures, posters, signage, stickers, booklets, manuals and menus. 

That work has included projects for regional construction and development titan MAAS, including developing branding and associated style guides, this one for the Collina North development near Griffith, NSW.