My “Why?”
In the wise words of Simon Sinek, start with why. It took me 38 years to ask “What is my 'why'?” and when I did, I had no answer. If I'm being honest, I didn’t even understand the question. At that moment, it hadn't occurred to me that the culmination of all my experiences throughout every one of those years already prepared an answer for me.
Creativity has always been part of this journey. It was my chosen form of self-expression and a way for me to channel my defiance. It provided opportunities to create visual extensions of myself then critique them through an objective lens. In the process, I developed an appreciation for adversity as the purveyor of growth, challenged my patience and by doing so, I’ve learned how to feel comfortable being uncomfortable.
What began as a conduit for bringing my imagination to life established itself as the foundation in which I view the world. Over time, my fascination with human behaviour began to permeate into my work and what went from creating for the sake of creating became creating with a sense of purpose. That purpose was to form human connections; to evoke wonderment, curiosity and to challenge the perception of the audience. Every line, shape, colour and composition I have put down has been meticulously and carefully considered so there is no mistaking what I’ve set out to communicate. My creativity transpired to design, design to branding and after working with some of Australia’s most notable companies, I find myself in a fortunate position where I develop brand strategies for emerging companies who share the same respect and regard for the creative spark.
“I developed an appreciation for adversity as the purveyor of growth, challenged my patience and by doing so, I’ve learned how to feel comfortable being uncomfortable.”
So, back to my why. This journey of life has presented many opportunities to share my passion for design and branding with peers while developing an appreciation for theirs. For all of them, they had taken a leap of faith to disrupt the landscape in a way only they know how and entrusted me with creating an identity that best represented their business and the difference it was making in this world. When this fervour is shared, it grows exponentially. Both within oneself and to those who encounter it. As the journey continues, it becomes more apparent that this is the why; to continue to ask questions, seek answers and to share what I have found in hopes that it inspires curiosity in you.
There are already many resources out there that walk you through design techniques and branding principles but the strongest quality isn’t a skill that can be taught, it is a virtue that is imparted. It is what ignites that spark, it’s the nuanced understanding of what we do, why we do it and the importance of being part of something greater. Above all, it carries the responsibility of empowering others with it and to challenge those who seek it.
There are 8 billion people walking the earth right now. 100 billion ever. Each one of those carving out their own life, contributing to humanity in their own way and no two are ever the same. This one is mine. Join me on this journey where I set out to demystify design, explain its significance and its place in the world and how it can transform your business to a brand by forming profound connections with your audience. As Bruce Lee once said “Absorb what is useful. Reject what is useless. Add what is essentially your own." With that in mind, I invite you to come with an open mind and engage in dialogue as you navigate through your own journey.