Tell us about where you studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers.
I am self taught when it comes to design! However, I did attend the University of Westminster for Visual Communication which arguably gave me a much wider perspective when approaching design work. I would say my degree contributed a lot to my creative approach - which is unapologetically concept-first. It also helped me understand brand and design strategy before I even knew what it was. I remain grateful to my wonderful lecturers Emma, Alejandra, Caroline and Haydn.
For learning design, I pretty much inhaled design culture on a daily basis. I kept tabs on what my favourite studios were releasing and tried my best to break down the approach and reasoning behind their decisions. I watched all the talks that were available online (Thank you D&ad and Nicer tuesdays) Fortunately, a lot of studios share their processes and behind the scenes and it has never been easier to directly contact people that inspire me.
What weird and wonderful things are you obsessed with right now that inspires your creative work?
For years now, I've been obsessed with a Korean challenge reality show called Running Man. The kitschy graphics and type was one of the first things that fascinated me about it!
I would say my work mostly takes inspiration from non-design sources - recently I've started reading again and just began the legendary "The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin which is already changing my life.
I've also gone through phases with my obsessions (as is normal for any other creative) - it started with music videos, then haute couture, then building 3D worlds and currently I'm just marinating in general creative soup. There was a common thread that was central to all my obsessions – narrative, the most central aspect to my practice.
Favourite travel destinations that inspire you?!
The first two are Seoul and Gangneung, South Korea - I had a weird run in with the Korean language a few years ago, somehow learnt it fluently and now, it almost feels like a second home. Not only is it a visually stunning place to be in, I have never felt more welcomed and part of a culture so clearly foreign. The former is a place that inspired my first ever typeface, and the latter made me cry tears of joy for the second time ever in my life.
The second is London, England - while it has been years since I visited, it was here that my creative passions flourished for the first time ever. Desperately wanting to leave my home country, I once again, never felt like an outsider in London. I'm sensing a pattern in my travel preferences.
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
I try everything that comes my way. Unsurprisingly, I'm an Adobe user for most 2d work (Illustrator, Photoshop and Aftereffects). Currently, I'm teaching myself how to use Cavalry - One word - delightful. Other tools in my arsenal are Blender for 3D and Figma + Framer for web!
As for my environment, I prefer a quiet space BUT one that's in the middle of creative chaos. My brain does require quietness to focus but I definitely thrive off of collaboration and a buzzing atmosphere.
Which 3 creatives do you look up to and why?
Where do I begin...
- Jessica Walsh, Founder of &Walsh- for being unapologetically herself and standing for what's right. A powerful, powerful lady.
- Brian Collins - Founder of COLLINS - for having and promoting a sense of wonder and encouraging curiosity and fantasy as part of the design process.
- Emunah Winer and Margaret Kerr-Jarrett, Founders of Nihilo - for being powerful inspiring women who are unafraid of taking chances. They have truly expanded my vision for what a creative career can potentially be.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2025, both for the world and your career?
My wishful thinking hopes for the powerful people of the world to take more responsibility, but my nihilist self has no expectations. I hope for ordinary people to feel more joy in the every day – this is my ultimate goal and it will grow in scale year after year.
Last year, I struggled with my direction but managed to set foundations for how I wanted my career to go – this year, I will both strengthen the foundations and move upwards with my feet on the ground. I will create projects that I am truly proud of, with people who I truly admire.
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