As a national program anchored within an online media context, Springboard aims to work between key institutions and existing initiatives to enable the country’s most promising designers to create a competitive edge, and develop new markets at home and abroad. Springboard is an Australian Design Unit project – a joint venture between Parcel and Studio Propeller. It is supported by the Australia Council, and is an Australian Government funded initiative under the Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business program.

Where and what did you study and what year did you graduate?
Diploma in Computer Graphic Design, 2001, National College of Design and Technology, New Zealand.
Bachelor of Arts, 2000, Canterbury University.

Where did you head after graduating?
Immediately after graduating, I flew to Sydney with my folio under my arm. I landed on my feet as in house designer at Ruby Star Traders and haven’t looked back.

When did you launch your own business?
In November 2004.

What motivated you to start your own business?
It was the desire to be self-defined and independent.

How would you describe your business to someone who didn’t know you?
white with one sugar is graphic design consultancy. I conceptualise, create and deliver all forms of print design and surface pattern from branding to textiles.

How would you describe the products you design to someone who hadn’t seen them?
Considered, crafted and refined graphic design.

What are the most challenging parts of being a designer running a small business?
I am my own creative director, accountant, IT department, publicist and harshest critic… Christmas parties tend to be a little quiet.

What inspires your design projects?
Things inspiring me now are Stefan Sagmeister’s maxims, artists Cai Guo-Qiang and Olafur Eliasson, Cydwoq shoes and an architect from the firm Herzog & de Meuron who swims to work in Basel, Switzerland.

What are the next steps for you?
white with one sugar will shift from being client based to product driven.