Hi there

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas!

As much as I love our industry and have loved working with you all this year, I think I can safely say on behalf of everyone SEE YA LATER 2025, IT HAS BEEN A SHIT OF A YEAR. It had to be said.

Here’s to 2026 with new horizons, new possibilities and more work for all of us.💕

On another note, I cannot end the year without a huge shout out to Shene Pao, my wonderful and fabulous intern from Swinburne. We have been together since February and I have loved every single minute of it.

Shene has everything it takes to build the career she wants. She is a talented graphic designer with hunger, resilience and a wicked sense of humour. As I always say, starting out in this industry is so much more than being talented. You need to be able to read between the lines, show your enthusiasm, be upfront and have opinions while still being open to feedback. You need to stay on trend, understand traditional ideas and always look for the best solution to the problem.

Shene has been a shining light. She knows who she is, understands her skill set and is always willing to stretch beyond her comfort zone when she needs to. From working on The Brownbill Effect newsletters and socials, to design work for the website and for When Harri Met Sally, there has been no task she could not complete. I especially appreciated her editing skills when I announced that our conversations would be filmed. Even when she had limitations, she researched, learned and figured it out. She is a perfect example of what makes a great emerging creative.

Please enjoy our final interview as Shene sets sail for greener pastures. As I said to her, it is not goodbye, just see you soon. I am always here for you. 

Big hugs and huge thank you Shene. You are a star.⭐

SHENE PAO | DESIGN &THE FUTURE AHEAD

Shene is a Melbourne-based communication designer and a recent graduate of Swinburne University’s Communication Design (Honours) program. Her work explores the intersections of culture, identity, and visual storytelling, often drawing on her Chinese heritage to inform thoughtful and inclusive design outcomes. She has been nominated for the 2026 Student AGDA Awards for her work, blending graphic design, love for fashion and analogue craft. Shene brings a reflective, research driven approach to every project while continuously pushing the boundaries of contemporary visual communication. 

SHENE'S STORY

My time at The Brownbill Effect has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. Sally is one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met, and she has guided me through the ups and downs of juggling uni alongside navigating the creative industry.

Over the past year, I’ve grown so much working with Sally and have truly enjoyed my time here. This experience has given me confidence in my work and in myself, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and lessons learnt throughout.

Her genuine care and commitment to the creative industry is really one to be recognised. As a young designer, it’s reassuring to know there are people who understand what many of us are going through, from the worries to the uncertainties. Sally is always encouraging the industry to grow in the right ways, giving people a voice and being someone, you can turn to when you need support. I’m excited for my future as a junior communication designer, but it’s comforting to know I have someone like Sally who I can call on years down the track for guidance or even just a chat.

I also want to thank everyone I’ve connected with this year through Sally’s Creative Directory. It’s been wonderful meeting you all, and a special thanks to people like TBE’s Business Manager Anne-Maree, and Scott from pixelshifter, who has been a huge help throughout the year in maintaining The Brownbill website and giving me guidance.

But anyway all I can say is that Sally Brownbill, You’re the best 🥳

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

WHEN HARRI MET SALLY BLOOPERS

And for all our When Harri Met Sally podcast fans, we will be back in 2026 with season 3 already in the planning. This year has been an absolute blast working with the fabulous Harriet Tarbuck, also known as Harri. I honestly wish you could see behind the scenes, so we decided to put together a little blooper reel from the many, many fun moments we have shared this year across both season 2 and our pop ups.WHEN HARRI MET SALLY - PODCAST  

Please enjoy, have a laugh and if you have not already, download the podcast and listen in. It is perfect holiday entertainment and guaranteed to keep you company while you relax, travel or hide from your family.

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Book Review

"This book is just 'so Sally'! Full of colour, energy, encouragement and valuable career advice for freelancers with any level of experience. A prized asset for any creative to occasionally return to when in need of that little boost." - Lee Wong, Digital Designer

Video created by students in the Bespoke Team in Swinburne University's Accelerator Unit 2025

Video created by students in the Bespoke Team in Swinburne University's Accelerator Unit 2025