From making scrapbooks as a teenager to launching a cadetship program for First Nations designers, Keisha Leon and her team at Cause Affect — Brisbane-based creatives — has never lost sight of their purpose.
Grounded by identity, fuelled by curiosity, and led by values, they’re not only shaping a career—they’re helping reshape the industry. With early experiences at kuril dhagun and a deep commitment to justice and inclusion, their work challenges outdated systems and champions new ways of thinking, making, and leading.
Can you tell us a little about your first few steps in your design career?
While studying at Griffith QCA, I was lucky to land a paid cadetship with kuril dhagun at the State Library of Queensland. That opportunity shaped my entire career—it gave me invaluable connections, ongoing freelance work, and the experience of working within a cultural knowledge center alongside incredibly staunch Indigenous women. I also had the chance to learn from an amazing Creative Director who, at the time, had 21 years in the industry.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative people and inspiring places in your city!
I’m inspired and energised by First Nations creatives who are reshaping the creative industries for the better. They navigate underrepresented creative spaces—places not built for us—yet stand firmly in their culture and values to transform how we create and tell stories. It’s an exciting time to see how this will shape the future of design and thinking.
What should emerging designers keep in mind as they begin their design career?
Regardless of where you work or what you do, you always have your identity, values and rights. No one can ever take that from you and it will always be your guiding north star.
Can you share the moment or experience that sparked your passion for design?
I've always been curious, imaginative, and creative—even as a kid. With both of my parents being creative themselves, they nurtured that in me. Growing up, my love language was making scrapbooks for my friends every year. But it wasn’t until I watched Suddenly 30 at 15 that it clicked—you could actually be creative for a living!
What strategies do you employ to identify and create new opportunities for emerging designers?
At Cause/Affect we’re committed to building stronger, best-practice pathways for future First Nations creatives – pathways that are paid, supportive and grounded in real industry experience. We run an annual First Nations graduate cadetship, and when the right projects arise we look to bring emerging creatives and young mob into live projects so they gain meaningful, safe exposure within professional and corporate creative environments. Our focus is not just participation, but long-term opportunities that help shape a more sustainable, visible and culturally safe creative industry for the next generation.
Looking ahead, what do you think are the key factors that will shape the global design landscape?
The obvious answer is technology—it’s a growing concern in the industry. But the real issue runs deeper. There’s a lack of knowledge, practices, and regulations around copyright, IP, and creatives' rights. How can we prepare for AI and technological advancements when we’re still operating with outdated systems and protections?
Beyond that, in the socio-political space, there’s a widespread ignorance toward unpacking systemic issues like racism, patriarchy, sexism, and colonisation. These forces shape the dominant identity and narrative of our nation and are reflected globally. As communicators, we have a responsibility to recognise these biases and avoid perpetuating harm—no matter how insidious it may be.
What are the core values or philosophies that guide your creative practice?
Design for the people, adapt the process and never predict the outcome.
What lessons from your early career have most shaped your leadership style and approach?
Always work in a way that aligns with your values—both in process and outcome. Integrity is non-negotiable. And above all, stay open to learning and adapting.
What would you like to change in the design industry of your city?
That’s a big question! For me, it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and practices that impact First Nations designers and the broader communities—especially when design directly affects them. There’s not enough real discourse on these issues, yet plenty of virtue signalling around allyship and First Nations engagement.
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