Sydney, it's time to #SHIFTCREATIVITY

Andrew Riis (he/him)
Non-traditional Advertising
Instagram: @andrew.riis

I love non-traditional advertising and deep story. The first is to capture attention, and the second is to really "go there". Sometimes behind the scenes, other times as a kind of brand ambassador. Inspiration for me comes from going wide into sub cultures and deep into the anthropology that underpins them. I’ve done this creative work on the side. A global Youtube movement. A billion dollar finance company. A Nobel Peace Prize winner. Time to make it my main thing!

Ayah Darwich (she/her)
Director/Producer
Instagram: @ayahdarwich

I am an emerging artist and creative, experimenting in various mediums including writing, directing and performance. I am especially passionate about film and media, currently acting as creative director in production company ZORA productions. In 2021 I co-directed my debut short film ‘Abjection’. Diverse representation motivates me to document my own experiences and shed light on intersectional issues. I graduated from Sydney Theatre School with a Diploma in Screen Acting and Theatre in 2019 and went on to study at the Hub studio and New York Film Academy.

Binti Kamara (she/her)
Creative/Art producer
Instagram: @kamarakreative

I am a portrait photographer with incredible attention to detail and an eye for capturing the essence and depth of the people around me. I moved from Canberra, ACT, to chase more opportunities in life and within the creative field. My focus is to highlight the beauty of POC and people from underrepresented backgrounds/communities. I am inspired by different cultures and my own experiences growing up as an African Australian. I am hoping to enter the creative industry and bring fresh perspective and new ideas to the table.

Daniel Muscat (he/him)
Visual Artist/Designer
Instagram: @creaturisticart

My artist name is Creatur. I’m a practicing visual artist, and by day I work in the corporate world. I use my art as an expression to explore my self identity and life journey. I’m inspired by street art, popular culture and the experiences that create my story. I have exhibited my art in numerous art shows and I have had the opportunity to curate my own exhibitions. I like to challenge myself with new experiences and have a variety of expertise in many fields.

Ella Gilberg (she/her)
Graphic Designer
Instagram: @ella.dora.gilberg

I’m an emerging graphic design professional from Gadigal land, now living in Naarm. I love to create eye-catching work that balances beauty and functionality, using design to convey compelling and effective brand stories. I collect things that inspire me, from plants and furniture to excerpts from podcasts that have challenged my thinking. I’ve developed strong communication skills through my experiences in retail and hospitality, which I now use to build meaningful relationships with my colleagues and collaborators, and better understand the audiences I create for.

Hannah Churchill (she/her)
Strategist/Art Directon
Instagram: @hanarosachurchill

Hello, I’m Hannah. Problem solver, visual enthusiast and proud University dropout. With an interest in human-centered UX design & visual culture. I find inspiration in the small moments of joy, wonder, and connection that make up our daily experiences. I'm not exactly sure who I want to be but I know who I’m becoming, as the world rapidly progresses with ever-evolving challenges I want to be someone who can help creativly solve them.

Jess Stapleton (she/her)
Designer/Artist
LinkedIn: Jess Stapleton

With a decade of experience across multi-media and graphic design, I have worked with numerous brands rolling out campaigns and focusing on the attention-grabbing details. Throughout my career, I have created strategic marketing collateral, developed brand designs, produced social media content and retouched photography. I am a dedicated hands-on creator bringing tenacity for learning new artistic skills and honing those already acquired. I'm an appreciator of the unconventional and firmly believe in the importance of creative licence through self-expression.

John Paine (he/him)
Cartoonist/2D animator
TikTok: @unclejohnstiktok

I am an independent cartoonist and 2D animator and have been creating ever since I could hold a pencil. I have worked for clients around the globe with some projects reaching viral status which proves I know how to connect to an audience. Moving forward, I would like to get a foot in the door of the creative industry and challenge myself by learning from the best and doing whatever it takes to elevate to new creative levels.

Kent Boumaïza (she/her)
Executive Producer
Instagram: @kent_bmz

Combining a beautiful mixture of Indigenous backgrounds (Amazigh, Koori and Ashkenazi), My name is Massiva, mostly known as KENT in the community, and I am a culturally engaged event organizer, dancer and multimedium collage artist. Part of the pioneers of the expansion of African cultures in Victoria, I have participated in and launched many concepts such as KULTURE, THE ISLAND, M.A.D (Melbourne Afro Dance) or TRIBECA. With the soul of an explorer, 18 countries later, I have settled in Melbourne, slowly introducing myself in different fields of the creative industries eager to share a wide repertoire of inspiration and bring to life fresh, inclusive and culturally aware concepts.

Marmi Alatipi (she/they/la)
Art Director/Strategist
Instagram: @_houseofob_

I am a Samoan non-binary artist and creative entrepreneur. Disrupting the status quo with my passion for decolonising identity and culture, I am driven by freedom for self-expression and authentic, purpose-driven storytelling. Founder of Pasifika social enterprise Far Out and Creative Director of House of FOB, I strive to uplift under-represented queer, Pasifika/BIPOC creatives. My mission is bridging the gap between commercial and community creative spaces, to create more access and opportunity for marginalised communities to share their story.

Minori Ueda (she/her)
Creative Producer/Photographer
Instagram: @minoriuedaphoto

I am creative producer/photographer, with 8 years of experience in music, fashion, and journalism. My work focuses on emotional storytelling - inviting viewers to interpret their work in their own personal way. My mission is to foster diversity and representation in mainstream media, particularly for those who were often under-represented. Representation, community and culture are constant themes within my work, and I hope that my art will allow individuals to be proud of who they are and where they come from.

Raf Potenza (he/him)
Motion Designer/Digital Designer
LinkedIn: Raf Potenza

The creative life is giving me a residency to live in Australia, how amazing is that? Aspiring Art Director, vibing in Sydney for 5 epic years. Motion Designer for 10+ years, obsessed with Advertising and Design. In-love with Art Direction and happy to spend hours watching campaigns' awards speculating the insight and ideas behind them. Btw, any book/course recommendations to fuel my creative journey? Goal: Solve problems in the best creative way (idea) and make it beautiful (craft). Obrigado!

Rey Vargas (they/them)
Strategist/Designer
LinkedIn: Rey Vargas

Making things is wired into me. I like telling stories, putting on shows, and building little trinkets for my loved ones. It's led me to places like the Opera House, Riverside Theatres, and Melbourne. By day, I work at a chocolate shop. By night, I'm working on my next show or script. I applied to Shift to help pave my path of making a living making things. I hope to work as a copywriter and designer.

Rodney Todd (he/him)
Writer/Performer
Instagram: @rodneytoddtodd

I am a comedian/writer/producer/musician/scallywag. I have been performing live shows in comedy rooms and comedy festivals. I play in two bands “The Escapes” and “Crankees”. I have written and appeared on ABC shows such as Tonighly, At Home Alone Together and more. I've co-written and co-starred in a web series with comedian Aaron Chen. I was a co-producer and co-host of a podcast by the name of ‘Spokey Blokeys’. I hope to bring my exuberance into the creative industry.

Rubee-rose Stephenson(she/her)
Photography/Art Direction
LinkedIn: Rubee-rose Stephenson

I am a Sydney based creative, who truly encapsulates my vision with every project I work on. For the last 5 years I have built my portfolio which features examples of my expertise and skills such as: casting, set-design, fashion styling and photography. Additionally to this, I have relevant industry experience, covering digital design, social media management and PR communications. Making a headway into the creative industry, I am bringing a refreshing perspective that allows my style to stand-out.

Sammara Woolrich (she/her)
Branding/Art Direction
Instagram: @hopleystudio

I'm Sammara, a Mexican born and raised creative, living in Australia since 2017. Self-taught, I navigate the interconnected fields of art, graphic design, and branding. Recently, I've branched into creative advertising, in my continuing journey to evolve, redefine, and set new benchmarks in creative realms. In 2021, I started my design practice, Hopley Creative Studio. Each endeavor echoes my heritage and every output pays tribute to those who’ve inspired me.

Tom Gregory (he/him)
Graphic Designer
LinkedIn: Tom Gregory

I am a highly skilled professional in the fields of retouching, illustration, design, and management. Over the last 20 years, I've honed my skills in graphic design, winning awards and even having my design featured on a snowboard. I value quality and love problem-solving. Known as the "quiet achiever," I am dedicated, focused, and always willing to go the extra mile. My ultimate goal is to join the creative industry, where I can actively seek new challenges and continuously learn and develop new skills.