Hi there
2026… BOOM. Here we come! Our first newsletter is off the ground and landing in your inbox in record time, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off the year with you.
This month, I’m thrilled to share a wonderful conversation I had with Michaela Webb from Studio Round. We’re also catching up with some of our creatives to see what they’ve been up to lately, and I’m excited to introduce Ezra, who’ll be working alongside me this year.
When Harri Met Sally - Photography podcast also got off to a flying start with season 3 this week, and episodes will be released in the coming months. Woo hoo.
We’re also introducing a new space for advertising in the newsletter, so if you’d like to sell your wares, rent out a space, or promote an exhibition, this is your moment.
Here’s to a great year ahead, full of creativity, connection, and plenty of good conversations.
Love,
Sally
INTRODUCING OUR NEW INTERN
EZRA WILLIAMS
Many years ago, I decided that I would only work with final-year or Honours students in my business. It was about helping them step into the creative industry, but also about keeping myself relevant . It turned out to be a great decision for all sorts of reasons. Along the way, it’s allowed me to refresh my brand each year, gain new perspectives, and support each student in ways that really suit who they are.
So this year, I’m very happy to introduce Ezra Williams, a Bachelor of Communication Design Honours student from Swinburne. Ezra comes with plenty of life experience already, having worked in everything from gardening to being a phlebotomist, which brings a grounded and refreshing perspective. We’ve already packed a lot into four days together, with Shene joining us for two of them. Big shoes to fill, Ezra, but so far you’re absolutely nailing it. Welcome.
CONVERSATIONS - NEW EPISODE
In the first conversation of the year, I talk to the founder of Studio Round, Michaela Webb.
A leader in the design industry, she has spent years shaping her practice into one of Australia’s most thoughtful and influential design studios. Her work is grounded in a belief that design should speak with honesty, intention, and a strong sense of place. With her calm clarity and generous approach to creative thinking, Michaela leads with both intuition and insight. Notable works include the rebranding of Chadstone Shopping Centre, and many renowned restaurants that make up part of Melbourne’s nightlife such as Gimlet, Cumulus Inc, and Attica just to name a few.
In this video, Michaela reflects on her journey from a young designer finding her place in the industry to forming one of Melbourne’s most respected design studios. She shares the pivotal moments that shaped her practice, the challenges and growth that came with leadership, and her vision for the future.
We also dive into what the next era of design may hold as AI becomes part of the creative landscape, and how designers can continue to work with purpose, and evolution. Get to know Studio Round: www.round.com.au/about
FROM OUR CREATIVE
DIRECTORY MEMBERS
FERNE MILLEN | PHOTOGRAPHER
Ferne Millen recently photographed the newly reopened Lorne Grocer, a project shaped by an intense start to the year. From evacuations in the Otways to flooding in Lorne, the impact of extreme weather was felt deeply by the local community. After taking over the former Swing Bridge Café in December, the team behind Birregurra Grocer renovated the space and reopened it under its new name.
Despite facing the frightening possibility of losing everything so early on, Lorne Grocer has resurfaced and is once again open, welcoming locals and visitors back in.
BIG EARS AUDIO | AUDIO PRODUCTION
We’re proud to spotlight The Brownbill Effect member Big Ears Audio, who recently contributed to the national Made Right Here campaign, a major government funded initiative celebrating Australian-made products and the businesses behind them. This campaign was delivered by Hive Creative, with the goal to boost demand for Australian products and strengthen adoption of the iconic Australian Made logo.
Big Ears Audio created all audio content for the campaign’s television commercials and radio spots, delivering sound design and audio production that brings the storytelling to life across broadcast platforms. The ads follow the Australian Made kangaroo logo as it moves through key industries highlighting the power of supporting homegrown innovation.
This work reflects Big Ears Audio’s ongoing commitment to high-quality local production and their support of Australian-made creative across film, advertising and media. Bravo to the team for helping Australian stories sound as good as they look.
IAN BEAR | CD, AD, COPYWRITING
NEW PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT
CHRISTOPHER CLEAR | PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT
I'm excited to introduce you to The Brownbill Effect's new Photography Assistant Christopher Clear.
With a career spanning photography, advertising and graphic arts, working across iconic titles like Women’s Weekly, Australian Geographic, Belle, and Harper’s Bazaar, Christopher’s journey has always stayed close to image-making. After stepping away to build an off-grid, sustainable home, he’s returned to photography with fresh perspective, spending 2025 retraining and embracing every opportunity behind the lens.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Stay tuned for Season 3 of When Harri Met Sally!
Recording is in full swing for season 3 of When Harri Met Sally, the photography podcast that Harriet Tarbuck and I host. This season, we’re doing things a little differently and chatting with a range of guests who work with photographers. We’re diving into their stories and hearing what they really look for when collaborating with and employing photographers.
And there’s an exciting new twist this season too. We’re not just recording the podcast, we’re filming the whole thing you for Youtube.
TESTIMONIALS
TOM TRIPODI | CREATIVE CONSULTATION
"I was connected to Sally while seeking a mentor for my Capstone Project in the final semester of my advertising degree. She responded promptly, listened to my thoughts and helped me ideate the best way to utilise my existing skillset and craft a meaningful project. After an unexpected disruption, she helped me bounce back, reinvigorated my passion for the project and identified a way to move forward."
ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR SUMMER!
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