Creativity is the spice of life

Original pastel, William Forth

I developed my artistic flair when I was young, my grandfather was an artist and I always admired his work adorning the walls of his home and ours. He loved to experiment with multiple mediums like charcoal, pastels, oils and even ceramics.

Creased Kurt Cobain, charcoal, circa 1994

It wasn't until high school though that I really became hooked on drawing and painting, it was a great expressive outlet for me and with the encouragement of my teachers at the time I produced some work I was really proud of including a poster sized charcoal sketch of Kurt Cobain, my great love of 1994.
I continued to pursue the arts after I finished school, becoming a journalist in a small newspaper I was able to combine photography and graphic design as part of my role. Later I started my own graphic design business from home producing marketing materials while my day job focussed purely on writing.

Acrylic on canvas, 2005

After travelling through Europe and moving to NZ I began working in the advertising industry and was exposed to some seriously talented people. I worked alongside, mentored and was inspired by them everyday but I myself wasn't a creative, I was management.

Black and white sketch, 2013

So I decided to retrain in interior design, to spend 2 days a week being inspired to create my own work, learn some new skills and gain my own creative confidence again.
I studied with Nanette Cameron in New Zealand for 2 years which was the best 2 years of my life. 
I gained new confidence and started combining advertising and interior design techniques into my work, producing branded environments and experiences for great brands.

Drafted 3D perspective, rendered 2012

I moved to Melbourne almost 3 years ago to continue my advertising career and fell in love with the city. From the historic and modern architecture to the street art, everything here inspired me. Being the hub of creativity in this part of the world I decided to get amongst it and enrolled in a Diploma of Commercial Arts to again indulge my passion and hone my craft.

3D Sketch-up model, 2013

In the past year I have learned so much outside my day job managing an agency: drafting, sketching, rendering, 3D Sketchup and now I'm working on my ArchiCAD and Photoshop skills, I have to say I'm loving it and I'm starting to feel really proud of where I am at right now.
I believe its never too late to learn a new skill, have a dream and go for it.
The challenge I have set for myself is to wake up everyday loving what I do and living my dream...its a big ask but I'm going for it.