Tell us about where you studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers.
I studied at Victoria University in Wellington at their dedicated design and architecture campus. I loved that the campus was right in the heart of the city, so creative inspiration was all around. My favorite lecturer was Dylan Horrocks. He was a really passionate teacher, and I felt really lucky to be getting advice from someone who made a name for himself as a graphic novelist. I wrote my Where’s My Hoon? zine that was part of my submission for his paper.
What weird and wonderful things are you obsessed with right now that inspires your creative work?
A lifelong one is the cartoon Chowder—I'm just as enamored by its use of mixed media and texture as I was as a kid. I've been following Ricky Teevee’s latest project, Panoramica, which is an amazing retro-futurism-themed coffee house that just opened—big Jetsons energy. And Dasha Plesen, who makes art using petri dish mold samples, has also been a huge inspiration. One of my small goals for this year is to work with some unconventional design mediums, and her art sparked that idea for me.
Favourite travel destinations that inspire you.
Probably San Francisco and Paris globally. In San Francisco, I loved how almost every block had its own distinct aesthetic. Every time I visit a new city, I take one of the classic tourist-trap double-decker bus tours, and in both San Francisco and Paris, it felt like every two minutes I was in an entirely new landscape.
Locally, my pick is less of a city and more of a suburb—Hataitai in Wellington. It has a really lovely small-town community feel while still being right on the cusp of the city, giving you the best of both worlds—close enough to everything, but away from the hustle and bustle.
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
Tools would be my trusty MacBook and Wacom tablet, but I’ll always have my favorite Muji pen and a cheap notebook on me too. I love to physically sketch out ideas before bringing them into Photoshop or Illustrator.
Environment-wise, I’m a big campus or library lover—I like being surrounded by people who are also working away. The social pressure to stay on task gets me every time."
Which 3 creatives do you look up to and why?
My friend Isla Cameron for sure I think about the way she uses colour in her beautiful paintings at least once a week She is one of the most creative and fun people I've ever met,
Anna Mills – I love love love Anna’s typography! She’s an amazing example of how funky materials can bring design to life in unexpected ways. As a lover of hand lettering, I’m constantly in awe of her work.
And Trixie Mattel – even though we’re in different creative fields, her work ethic and drive really motivate me. She’s been a pretty big constant throughout my uni years. Plus, The Bald and the Beautiful (her podcast) has powered me through more all-nighter study sessions than I can count."
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2025, both for the world and your career?
For 2025, I’m hoping for a world that feels a little lighter—more kindness, more creativity, and more young people getting opportunities. I’d love to see real progress in accessibility and inclusivity, especially in design and tech, so that innovation benefits everyone.
Career-wise, I want to keep growing as a designer and push myself into new creative challenges. Whether that means working on bigger projects, collaborating with inspiring people, or experimenting with unconventional mediums, I just want to keep evolving. In 2025, I also want to build strong connections with other designers and creatives—learning from them, sharing ideas, and finding opportunities to collaborate. Ultimately, I’d love to land a role at a design firm where I can grow my skills and continue to learn.
—
