Hi! I’m Natalie, a graduate from the Australian National University with a passion for creative thinking, problem solving and connecting with people. 

MY EXPERIENCE

With four years of design study and over two years of professional design experience, I am excited to continue developing my career. 

Studying a double degree in Design and International Relations has given me a strong toolset for critical thinking and adaptability. The ANU’s design program is unique; it is not restricted to any one discipline. Instead, deep immersion in a range of digital, practical and theoretical methodologies helped me develop creative agency and a skillset for responding to the complex challenges of today. 

As an in-house design lead for nature conservation non-profits, I learned how to resolve design challenges whilst balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders. Collaboration with ecologists, Indigenous knowledge holders, park rangers, construction workers, local communities and sponsors who funded the program was one of the most rewarding challenges of my role. 

WHAT MAKES ME TICK 

For me, people are the most exciting and invigorating part of any project. I have a deep love for connecting with people and discovering something I can learn from them. I believe that humans are at the centre of every design challenge, which is something to not lose sight of in a world that’s evolving so rapidly.  

I am passionate about travel and am globally minded. Though I grew up in Australia, I also spent four years in Tokyo with my family as a child and returned on a high school exchange program for three months when I was sixteen. I studied abroad at the University of Leeds in England, and recently completed a six-month working holiday in Japan. These formative experiences have inspired me to keep seeking new experiences internationally wherever possible. 

I highly value constant learning, and find joy and inspiration in growing my perspectives, world view and expertise.  

AREAS OF DESIGN THAT EXCITE ME 

  • Human-centred design approaches 

  • UX design and co-design 

  • Problem identification strategies 

  • Visual communication and graphics

  • Stakeholder communication 

  • Collaboration and teamwork

SOFTWARE PROFICIENCY

  • Adobe Creative Suite (high competency in Illustrator & InDesign especially)

  • Procreate 

  • HTML & CSS (preliminary competency)

  • Miro 

LANGUAGES

  • Japanese (advanced conversational) 

  • Spanish (elementary proficiency) 

PREVIOUS CLIENTS & EMPLOYERS

The Ginninderry Conservation Trust
Canberra, ACT (1 year).

Wildbark at Mulligans Flat, Woodlands and Wetlands Trust
Canberra, ACT (1 year).

The Australian National University
Canberra, ACT. Contract graphic design work.

UniLodge at the ANU
Canberra, ACT. Contract graphic design work & community role.

Australia Latin America Emerging Leaders Dialogue
International volunteer organisation, based in Melbourne and South America. Graphic design work.