Meet the Spring guest designer

Meet Tiffany Morris-North, local artist and foodie. She’s been our cafe tart for many years and was the first artist featured on our cover. I’ve known Tiffany for many years as our kids went to school together, I’m lucky enough to work with Tiffany and she’s always got great stories and fantastic recipes to try. She shares some of her stories here.

Tell us a little bit about your creative journey?

I don’t feel like I’ve been on a journey. Its just a part of me. I think my creativity is what keeps me grounded, it’s like a meditation and helps me to relax. I love learning new things, experimenting and attending workshops. 

Why did you want to become an artist/designer?

It hasn’t been a decision I’ve ever made. I’ve just always drawn pictures, painted, crocheted. Maybe I dandy have a choice.

Did you study art/design?

After Secondary School I studied an Art and Design Certificate at TAFE before working for a graphic designer, which I hated!!I then travelled overseas and studied prop-making and visual merchandising in London.

How did you become involved with the hillscene?

I have always had a small interest in the hillscene from the beginning. I’ve contributed photos, written cafe reviews and also had a painting featured on the cover of the premier issue. So I’ve been part of it right from the start.

In what ways, if any, do you engage with the hills community?

In the past I have been a part of Open Studios, helped start a local business (Leaf studios in Kallista), been part of local art exhibitions and initiatives and sold my wares at local markets. Because of this I’ve met many locals and artists and we continue to talk and share local interests and events.

What do you wish you knew about being an artist/designer before you got started?

I wish I knew more about the business side of things and marketing myself. Although these things really don’t interest me, I just wish I knew stuff.

Who are your creative heroes?

My heroes are the friends and artists I’ve met along the way who can fit their creativity into their work and family life as well as all the other surprises along the way.

What do you enjoy about living in the Dandenong Ranges?

I love the trees, the colours, the space and hearing the birds when I get home from work.

Where can people find more information about you?

I’m on facebook, instagram and have a website.
Facebook: Tiffany Morris-North Artist
Instagram: tiffanymorrisnorth_artist
www.tiffanymorrisnorth.com

What are your plans for the future (immediate or long term)?

Nothing definite. I’m always planning the next painting even if it never eventuates. I’m always on the lookout for a class or workshop to learn and have fun.

calling all designers and editors!

Post by Adriana Alvarez.

WE’RE SO EXCITED!

In 2019 thanks to a grant from Yarra Ranges council the hillscene is extending it’s guest editor and designer program. Providing an opportunity to designers and editors to be part of our team. Are you interested in editing, writing, or self-publication? Or are you a graphic designer keen to get creating? This is your chance to be a part of a cherished local magazine and gain some experience in publishing.

For each issue this year, there will be a different guest editor & designer. You will be provided with templates, mentoring and a team of volunteer writers & photographers. There will be a small fee paid for each of the roles. There are four issues each year, one for each season!

In 2018 we began this journey and produced three issues with guest editors and designers. Each editor and designer adding their own unique ideas to each issue giving the hillscene a fresh look and feel. Anna James, who had worked with us before on the hillscene, was the editor and designer of the Autumn issue. Cameron Semmens produced the Winter issue adding his poetic expertise and flavour to that issue. The Summer issue was a collaborative effort between Stephanie Lightfoot as the editor and Amelia Campbell as the designer, which proves that working on the hillscene is an opportunity to create great connections within the artistic community as well. Working with each editor and designer has been a real pleasure and a great learning experience for me and the editorial team. It’s good to see the new ideas and energy that each new collaboration brings, broadening our vision a little further each time.

Cameron said of the experience “It was a treat to work on hillscene. Curating the stories, collaborating with other creatives and simply making something beautiful and meaningful for this community that I love. It was a challenge, but a good challenge and a worthwhile challenge.”

Clockwise from top left: Anna James, Cameron Semmens, Stephanie Lightfoot & Amelia Campbell.

If you are interested in either opportunity, please complete the expression of interest form by Feb 1, 2019. Editors and designers at all stages of their career are encouraged to apply. Apply here.

Important Information:
Each issue of the hillscene takes approximately 6 weeks to create, from the first editorial meeting to the distribution of the printed mag. You will need to be available for one of the following times:
Autumn issue: Feb – Mar
Winter issue: May – Jun
Spring issue: Aug – Sept
Summer issue: Oct – Nov

Meet our Summer guest designer

Post by Adriana Alvarez.

Meet our Summer guest designer who has put her talented spin on the hillscene. Amelia Campbell is a freelance designer who has worked with us this season to add her flair not only to the design of the magazine but also to writing and using her photography skills to help add the finishing touches to our new issue.

On her website is a quote by Margaret Mead. “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has,” which coincidentally I have on my fridge. Perhaps it sums up the spirit of the hillscene perfectly. Here she tells us about her love for design and the beauty of the hills.

Tell us a little bit about your creative journey?

Growing up with creative parents I was exposed to beautiful art & design throughout my whole childhood. When I got to high school studying studio arts and vis comm was a productive outlet for my angsty teenage self. I never thought about a career in design until I got accepted into the BA of Communication Design at RMIT. It opened up my little world to the big, big world of art & design. It was at RMIT where I really felt like I’d found my groove. Learning about human-centred design was when my focus shifted from graphic design to wanting to help change people’s lives. Working for the past two years as a freelance graphic designer has taught me a lot about my own creative processes, what I love about design & what I don’t. It’s a crazy journey that’s for sure! 

Why did you want to become a designer?

It just kind of happened! I’m one of the lucky ones that has managed to turn my passion into a job. I knew I wanted to be a designer when I realised the impact it can have, it really can inspire, captivate and motivate audiences to think about themes in a way they never have before.

Did you study art/design?

I completed my BA of Communication Design at RMIT in 2016. 

How did you become involved with the hillscene?

I was on the look out for projects that would give me some more industry experience. My freelance work had been really lacking in collaborative work which I love doing, so when the design role for hillscene came up it really was the perfect marriage… gaining experience whilst also interacting and collaborating with a great team of people. 

In what ways, if any, do you engage with the hills community?

My relationship with the Dandenong ranges is a special one. I grew up in Sassafras, attended school in Belgrave & now work in part-time in Olinda! The hills are where my roots are.
Some would say supporting local businesses is what I do best….Christmas shopping done in half the time?… Without the crowds? Amazing! 

What do you wish you knew about being a designer/artist before you got started?

Breaking into a creative industry is always hard, design is extra competitive. I wish someone had prepared me for the grind. Also you’re going to need a life time supply of post-it notes!

Who are your creative heroes?

John Bielenberg – designer, entrepreneur and imaginative advocate for a better world.
Rachel Burke (aka mum) – lighting designer, the most intelligent & creative mind I know.
Frida Kahlo – Painter, feminist, a fabulous, fierce woman who just embraced weirdness. 

What do you enjoy about living in the Dandenong Ranges?

Since working in the CBD I appreciate the peacefulness that the Dandenong Ranges has. Whilst writing the 4 gardens article for this issue I really got to appreciate and absorb how beautiful the environment we live in truly is. The air so fresh, the people so lovely and creative juices flowing almost everywhere you turn, whats not to enjoy? 

Where can people find more information about you?

I have a website, it’s a work in progress but feel free to visit, www.ameliarosedesign.net. 

What are your plans for the future?

To be a working for a creative studio that appreciates and encourages their team. I’m currently completing a 12 week internship as an Experience Designer so will just have to wait & see where that wave takes me…stay tuned.  

Something else you want us to know? Here is your chance!

A lot of time and hard work went into creating this publication, I really do hope you all enjoying reading it.