The Creative Trust

We are excited to introduce colour expert Bree Leech as this week's guest on The Creative Trust Podcast. As an interior designer, trend forecaster, dreamscape scenographer and colour master… Bree creates beautiful spaces with colourful futures. Renowned for her work with Dulux, creating colour trend forecasts over the past decade, we learn that when it comes to trend forecasting it isn't an exact science, however it does all start with a “mood”. In this episode Amanda and Bree discuss her creative beginnings that lead to her love of colour and how baking in the family kitchen later evolved her creative process. Bree shares how creatives can provide structure for themselves in a freelance world. They chat about what she is currently experimenting with in her own home, what to wear to Milan Design Week, the current colour zeitgeist of warmth and the rise of mid tones. Just what we love, more talk of colour! Enjoy.

On this episode of The Creative Trust, we discover how Amanda's love of coaches came later in life and now obsessed, she wants to share. What if there was a way for creatives to have more freedom? Andrew Mitchell of The Design Coach and MR MITCHELL a successful interior design practice, is passionate about the magic and freedom that systems can create for designers. Amanda and Andrew talk about how to find the right coach, how to deal with resistance in new challenges and how the investment in a great coach will provide you with skills for you to use in decades to come. We are about life long learning here at Gloss Creative and Andrew provides those goods. Please enjoy.

In this episode Amanda sits down with Lauren Li of Sisalla Interior Design for an in-depth conversation on business and design – two of our favourite things. In celebration of the publication of her first book, Lauren shares ‘The New French Look”, the first in a new Style Study series due out this month. Lauren's interior design style is part “scandi", part "lived in spaces”. She works with her clients to establish a feeling for the space then allows the decisions to flow from there. Aside from being a published author and having her busy interior design practice, Lauren is a prolific leader in the design community. She regularly writes for The Design Files and has founded The Design Society, an online space where she mentors her community through their own businesses. Lauren believes that having the courage to do the thing that makes you happy, is the key to it all… and we wholeheartedly agree. Please enjoy.

Introducing the 2023 Dulux Colour Awards Grand Prix Award recipients... Sibling Architecture. Amanda sits down with Nicholas Braun, one of the four principal architects of Sibling. Based in Melbourne/Naarm, Australia, Nicholas along with Amelia Borg, Qianyi Lim and Timothy Moore have created an architecture practice that does things differently. From their non-hierarchical structure to their non-traditional philosophy... It is a practice that cares about making people's lives better. In this episode, hear how Sibling are challenging the status quo of Architecture, how playfulness is infused into every project and the social responsibility of architecture within public and private realms. Amanda & Nick discuss taking a holistic approach to each project, balancing the real world constraints with creativity and of course it wouldn't be a Creative Trust episode if they didn't dedicate time to discussing COLOUR.Please enjoy this episode.

This episode is for the foodies. Amanda sits down for a panel discussion on Food Styling - a photographer, a food stylist and an interior designer are the quintessential Melbourne food culture creatives. So of course we got the tea on their favourite spots in Melbourne. Three very different, very inspiring paths all lead Interior Designer Lucienne Hemingway, Photographer Marcel Aucar and Food Stylist & Writer Leesa O'Rielly to working with food. All three have had incredible mentors through their careers that have taught them to have trust, confidence and why speaking up at the right moment can change a career. They discuss how to make food look good, the research that goes into a food styling shoot and how to pick the perfect plate for the dish. This group are the quiet achievers; their work usually does the talking... but today we are shining a light on them.

Amanda joins Cherrie Miriklis Founder and Owner of Flowers Vasette along with Sonya Wilson their Creative Director for a discussion on floristry and business. From the sunflower outside the door of their Brunswick Street, Fitzroy flagship, Flowers Vasette is a beacon of excitement and joy for all those who visit. But their business is not just the rare and abundant flowers you're greeted with... it's the team behind the retail space, the relationships with growers, the creative collaborators, the generational mentoring and of course their fearless leaders. In this episode we explore Cherrie's stockbroking beginnings and the origin and timeline of Vasette's rich 30 year history. We discuss the the backend of floristry, the stamina required, the importance of your team, social media being the lens through which they do business and how you can never go wrong with nature.Please enjoy.

"The future is already here - it's just not evenly distributed" - William Gibson MeetMartin Raymond & Chris Sanderson of The Future Laboratory, a global futures forecasting consultancy based in London. Amanda sat down alongside Joel Bartfeld of Joel Found during their visit to Australia.The Future Laboratory create better futures for their clients. Martin & Chris are looking for ways to unlock opportunities for business growth whilst also creating better outcomes for humanity. Both Martin & Chris are yin and yang when it comes to their creative beginnings. Martin is driven by his love of knowledge and words and Chris by his desire to peel back the layers and reveal what makes people tick.In this longform conversation, prepare to have your mind blown as Amanda, Joel, Martin & Chris discuss everything from why creativity is best with challenging boundaries and how changing your environment could be your secret weapon in problem solving.This episode is dedicated to life long learning. Please enjoy.

In our first ever 'community questions' episode Amanda is joined by producer of the podcast Zara Guastella. As an established Makeup Artist of 11 years & all-round creative, Zara shares her insights from a recently-transitioned-to-fulltime-creative perspective... she's also Amanda's daughter which brings a fun, candid vibe to the episode.There is so much universal knowledge in this episode we encourage you to share it with those you love. Those who you work with. Those who have been in the creative industry for 30 years or just 3. We hope this answers your questions. We hope this inspires new ones. We received so many great questions so there are many topics covered... here are just a few...-how to do full time & side hassle at the same time-how to deal with ‘mansplaining'.-Evolution & reinvention (especially after a hiatus, hello maternity leave)-Amanda's thoughts on life coaches-why you shouldn't worry about what people think of your work

Every Creative has experienced it... The free pitch. We've all been asked to give our ideas away without compensation. It is a mindfield that we are often not skilled to deal with. Sometimes it feels like there is no way out of it. What if I told you there was another way of procuring work and you do not need to free pitch? This episode is dedicated to solving the never talked about, never explained mystery of free pitching.In this episode Amanda talks with Steff D'Alberto – Creative Director of The Big Group, Kelly Thompson – Creative Director and CEO of Makers Mrkt and Zara Guastella Founder of ZAR Makeup about how they have navigated their way through and found constructive solutions and approaches to help you decide “to pitch or not to pitch ?”

Cecilia Fox is the florist behind so many pivotal, iconic floral moments.Now... believe us when we say we have a lot of florists in our Gloss Creative Alumni… and we are delighted to share the first of many conversations with you in this episode.Amanda speaks with Melanie Stapleton, Sustainable Florist, Creative Director & Founder of Cecilia Fox. Previously Melbourne based, now New Zealand based – we hear about the rise of Melanie's career in floristry, her unconventional approach and how that landed her the most enviable projects in Australia.This episode will make you smile. Mel speaks about her never-ending love of creating dreamscapes from nature, her love of a “micro season”, the joy of onsite installations, how pivotable it is to nurture relationships with growers, and how working with your team through a positive lens is the absolute key.Please share with us in the magic that is Melanie & Cecilia Fox.

This episode marks a moment in time, it's special.Take a peek behind the Atelier door into the world of a once in a generation designer.Paul Vaseliff, Founder and Creative Director of Paolo Sebastian leads an incredible team of the finest couturiers to create gowns of delicate wonder that have inspired a new generation of empowered heroines around the world. In this stellar episode Amanda and Paul unite in South Australia for a conversation lasting just over one and a half hours ( yep we go deep ! ). They discuss everything from Paul's defiant beginnings as a creative child to showing collections in Paris and dressing the globe's most powerful women. Paul shares his Atelier and his life experiences with an honesty and humility way beyond his 32 years. The prolific former Young Australian of the Year is just warming up though, in this episode he shares his plans for now and into the future and in true Disney style these dreams will come true… it's just a matter of time.Prepare for wow moments.

Jade Roberts is the NEW PR. Hear her fresh take on what on earth public relations is and isn't . We all have our own version of what we think public relations is but it's changing fast and for good. Enter Jade. Let's bust some myths and get the facts on how the right kind of PR can build revenue , create legacy and establish reputation over time . Amanda speaks with Jade Roberts, Founder of RaraPR, a boutique creative PR, digital marketing and branding agency in Melbourne, Australia. They discuss aligned values, the power of consistency, discipline and what makes slow and kind PR. What we know for sure: we love PR. We went from “sort-of-kind-of-knowing” what it is to being bona fide aficionados.This one is a must listen for all creatives and then re-listen. Oh and a pen and paper are non negotiable.

We've named this episode ‘The Street Style Photographer' but as you listen, you'll discover that our guest Danielle Castano is oh so much more… Creative Director, Fashion Photographer, digital strategist & content creator, foodie, beauty junkie & makeup artist… Danielle has built her own empire as a new gen creative.There is a rise of self-taught creatives and this digital queen is leading the pack. Amanda & Dan discuss her attitude toward street style photography, the age of the influence and the post pandemic “changing of the guard” within the content creation world.For anyone who uses social media… this ep is for you. Amanda & Dan speak about why you need to get on TikTok NOW, the difference between social media strategy and content strategy, behind the scene of business plan and end to end content creation. This one is hot. This one is juicy. This one is RELEVANT.

Within the world of Visual Merchandising you'll find a lot of storytellers… but none quite like John Kerr. He is a self-proclaimed “VM Chauffer” who takes his clients on a journey through the fun stuff and into the little worlds he creates. In this episode Amanda speaks with John about his role as Creative & Technical Director of Stage One in Melbourne, Australia. John is the OG window dresser – and says it is his personal mission to dress the retail windows of Melbourne pink. He has done so beautifully by dressing the Myer Christmas windows for the past 29 years.Amanda & John discuss his love of innovation & technology, the responsibly of following your talent and why having a sense of fun is everything. He talks about how he brings to life windows for luxury retailers, the intricacies of fabricating and automating sets during the seven-month long process to the Christmas windows and finally why the VM industry is still alive and well.Please enjoy this chat.

Full “Founder Energy” in this episode. Amanda speaks with Cathryn Wills, founder of Sans Beast, a brand focused on aligning values with lifestyle. Cathryn and Amanda were VIBING. This episode is POTENT – prepare yourself for quotable line after quotable line.Cathryn & Amanda discuss the balance of money and creativity within retail, storytelling, escapism, inner child work and being “your core you”. We hear about the rise and rise of Sans Beast, Cathryn's luxury vegan handbag and accessories brand and her thoughts on nurturing creativity and business acumen.It's no secret that the future consumer is wanting to shop with brands that have aligned values… and Sans Beast is here for it. As a socially conscious entrepreneur, Cathryn is putting her powers to good use.

On this episode we peer inside the mind of one half of Australia's newly crowned “Belle Fanuli Interior Designer of the year” Sarah Jane Pyke of Sydney based interior design studio Arent&Pyke. It is an absolute privilege to speak with interior design royalty in this ‘don't miss a word' episode.Amanda & Sarah Jane met on the 2018 Dulux Dialogue Design Tour, a 10-day immersive design experience of Tokyo and Los Angeles. They went from strangers to falling asleep on each other's shoulders in the backs of Ubers across LA. We hear all about the best bits of the tour including falling asleep in the mayors office.In this episode, Sarah Jane reflects on the role of interior design in transforming peoples experience of their own homes. She discusses the connection and intersection between architecture and interior design, colour and light. We hear why elevated curation and unexpected design elements beat matchy matchy every time. Don't miss Sarah Jane as she talks about The Rigg prize and her French flea market Kelly Werstler experience.Full of antidotes from her incredible design career - we hope you enjoy this episode.

Because life's too short to have boring parties, the team at The Style Co introduce unparalleled levels of detail into their designs – hear all about how they do it in this episode.Fuelled with Bread Club cookies and bringing big energy, Amanda chats with The Style Co owner Sarah Gonsalves along with their creative director Bec Grumont. They discuss ‘attention getting' resumes and why they work, healthy chats about budget and transparency, creative concept communication and their tips to get a career head start in event design.Recorded at The Design Institute of Australia head office we are taken through the step by step client journey and creative process behind the powerhouse that is The Style Co.

I am a better writer and thinker for having heard this episode. To say it's profound is an understatement - Marcus Baumgart; a writer who designs buildings, is best described as indescribable. Amanda and Marcus' journey through his “Lego-obsessed” childhood, his “architect with a capital A” education, through to the incredible breadth of work he currently undertakes. Marcus is a published writer, curious thinker and one half of the genius behind Baumgart Clark Architects.In this episode Amanda and Marcus discuss living life on a broad canvas, boredom being the worst fate for a creative, how his time at RMIT taught him to think and why it's better to be specific rather than original. Prepare to be mesmerised as they discuss the joy of articulating with clarity, the best way to begin any writing piece and Marcus' lofty aspirations. With so many nuggets of wisdom scattered through this episode we highly suggest a pen and paper in hand. Palomino Blackwing pencils & Moleskine notebook preferred but not essential.

What started as a conversation about colour, became oh so much more. In one of the most refreshing conversations we've had this season, Amanda chats to florist Hattie Molloy & illustrator Kelly Thompson. We smiled the entire way through the recording…In this episode we discuss Hattie & Kelly's creative beginnings that included power dressing for kindergarten, how the uncool kids are now the cool kids in real life and building confidence through figuring it out yourself.We discuss preferred colour palettes, working as a control freak, being your own photographer, sensitivity as a superpower, how your personal work brings you the best projects and an interesting breakdown of the Gerbera.This is an episode not to miss. Please enjoy.

From the humble beginnings of the Madison Avenue MadMen era, the Willett family have grown Willett Marketing to what it is today… #WorkplaceGoals. When you walk into an event, you wouldn't know the team at Willett have worked their magic… until you go back of house and witness the efficiency. Ros Willett and her team of event managers and designers AKA “the 3 Laura's” ... Laura Burnham, Laura Nathan and Laura Crocker know how to collaborate and listen to create an epic party.In this episode we discuss the 80/20 rule, why they've stopped using the word “brainstorm”, Laura Nathan's run sheet event bible and how she says no to uninvited party guests. We also discuss the famous “lemon/lime” incident, reverse briefing and re-briefing and why relationships are arguably the most important part of successful business.To quote Laura Burnham “We're not saving lives” but they sure having one heck of a good time.

We were so lucky to sit down with Ronnen Goren of Studio Ongarato and the Longhouse Daylesford for this episode on creative entrepreneurship. As a lifelong learner, fierce innovator, armed with a degree in Architecture and a background in hospitality - Ronnen and his business partner co-founded Studio Ongarato. With a significant cultural body of work, it's no wonder it has sat as Australia's foremost design studio for the past 30 years. As all true entrepreneurs will attest, your heart never lies in one business… It's through this knowing and Ronnen's drive to continue “later life learning”, along with his focus on legacy, that gave birth to The Longhouse Daylesford. Known as a farm, accommodation retreat and a school, it's a place that takes you back to the fundamentals of living. During this episode Amanda and Ronnen discuss how his Grand Designs episode almost didn't air, that you don't need to compromise between design and sustainability and the ways in which design boundaries can be pushed. They discuss how breaking down creative projects and ideas converts to early engagement from clients, the importance of not pitching ideas you don't want the client to pick and his unique hiring process. During this discussion Ronnen shares his experiences growing up with creative entrepreneurial parents and how inheritance isn't just money. Enjoy his soothing voice and the endless wisdom in this conversation.

We're not entirely sure what we expected when having two of Australia's top stylists (or as we refer to them as… Visual Editors) on for this episode, but it exceeded all expectations. From a couture photoshoot on a 40 degree day in Paris to the lockdown diaries that created iconic runway looks from household objects - our chat with Chris Kontos and Stuart Walford is nothing short of amazing. In this episode they discuss the rise of the “insta stylist”, fashion intuition and why it cannot be taught, the all-important answer to the question “how do you tape a shoe for runway?” and taking shit footwear to “shit hot”. Both guests had little creative influence growing up… unlike some who grow up with parents in the creative arts industry - they discuss their experiences in discovering creativity for themselves. For Stuart this meant playing hardball with his high school teachers and gathering student signatures to save the fashion and design class destined to be cancelled. For Chris this meant reading about Diana The Princes of Wales in the pages of New Idea and watching his grandmother from the doorway sew gowns for the governor's wife.We know you'll love this conversation…

If you've seen Chanel, Escher X Nendo or Kaws exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria then you know our guests work. In our quest to find Australia's most ‘under the radar' designers and bring them into the light, we found Ingrid Rhule. Armed with a stellar resume that ranges from playing in mullock heaps as a child in country Victoria, to working as head exhibition designer at NGV. Ingrid and Amanda have an incredible chat. In this episode they discuss the balance between chaos and order, organisation and creativity and the elusive left and right brain connection. They discuss parent dynamics and the role that played in encouraging her to enquire and challenge ideas - which is now mirrored within her creative process. They discuss Ingrid's approach to the audience journey and the practicality of fusing design and art, to birth an exhibition into the 4D experience. And that's just the tip of the iceberg…This is one god damn memorable podcast.

Creativity is the business.Business acumen is the tool that allows you to make creativity possible.Your powers are made up of creativity and business skills.Your ability to create strong relationships over time with collaborators, colleagues and clients forms a fundamental base for business growth and ultimately for your long creative career. Creative Directors Ross Sabatini and Amanda Henderson share everything they know about creative careers, clients and crazy expectations within the creative business.So let's talk about that...

The complete Creative Process. In this episode you find out everything you need to know about creating, developing and delivering your dream vision.Amanda Henderson (Creative Director, Gloss Creative) and Ross Sabatini (Head of Visual Merchandising, Creative and Innovation at David Jones) have worked together for over 15 years on some of Australia's most beautiful Event Designs.Together they do a deep dive into the detail, no stone unturned as they talk over everything including, the manifesto, the spank bank, the zeitgeist, the vision, how to sell it over and over again.

This Episode we're going to talk about Creative Burnout.Our careers are long and like many Creative Designers and Event Professionals I know, they show up and put their ideas out there every day delivering all types of skilled wonder. Designing is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling pursuit, the more you give the more you get back, it's an addictive high - as you go through the development of your ideas from the earliest stages to implementation, it's a ride akin to a roller coaster and while we all love a theme park ride, it can lose it's magic.Increasingly I've become interested in what constitutes a sustainable creative life, one where you get the thrills but don't hit the ground.....I'm joined by Andrew Mitchell, Founder of The Design Coach and Francesca Pavone, Founder of Dann Event Hire. Both have incredible personal experiences with professional burnout that they will share with us. Their open and honest conversation will make you think about things we often ignore.

Over the last 20 years, we have designed and built over 75 marquees for some of Australia's most luxurious corporate and private events. Today, you will have an all access pass to three of our Alumni who have made serious event eye candy and laid the ground work for some huge parties.I'm joined by Jehanne Postma, Lucienne Hemingway and Dale Cheeseman, as we chat about what we love about temporary installations, how the build happens and how to keep a crowd of 250 people happy and entertained for 8 hours in a small space.

Event Design. Everything about it. Hospitality visionary Bruce Keebaugh, Founder of The Big Group and Creative Director Steff D'Alberto chat about the role Event Design plays in events. We go deep on everything - creativity and emotional intelligence, business and team culture, briefs and reverse briefs, theming, non-theming and even Bruce's childhood. No Event Design chat would be complete without the food - What is a menu tasting and why is it loved or hated. So much wisdom from these two with so little time, so we've packed it in.

The Creative Trust sits down to talk about the role the Mood Board takes in the creative process and how it can lead you to creating original designs, not just 'inspired' works. In the studio with Steff D'Alberto - Creative Director The Big Group, Jehanne Postma - Creative Director, Joel Bartfeld - Director Joel Found and Zara Guastella from Try Anything Once Podcast.The one thing the Alumni agree on........ They're not just pretty pictures and as Steff D'Alberto says, "between a mood board and a floor plan, you can get any concept across the line"

Joel Bartfeld is a passionate global brand visionary from Joel Found. Joel interviews Amanda Henderson about The Creative Trust Podcast, what's coming up in this limited podcast series and about the perspective that 20 years of Gloss Creative brings.Joel and Amanda have talked about making a podcast for a while - finally we've made it happen.Amanda apologises in advance for referencing a 'cassette' but hey, you can only be yourself eh? I guess...