Project
While living in Melbourne and completing an Executive Master of Arts (EMA), I was invited to design a series of tailored creative development exercises and interventions to support emerging creative businesses that were struggling to translate their ideas into viable and sustainable practice. These activities were grounded in psychology and creative thinking and were guided by design-thinking techniques. They aimed to build both personal and professional creative confidence. Each exercise encouraged participants to connect with their vision, explore uncertainty through experimentation, and develop tools for creativity and decision-making.

Process
The program was delivered through one-on-one sessions and small group workshops, combining reflective discussion, visualisation, and creative problem-solving techniques. Participants engaged in activities such as creative mapping, narrative identity work, and prototyping methods that helped clarify values, refine vision, and identify pathways to sustainability. The process was iterative and responsive, adapting to the needs and goals of each participant while maintaining an emphasis on collaboration, agency, and applied creativity.

Outcomes
Using these methods, I supported the establishment of five new creative businesses and one publication, providing hands-on guidance in concept development, authentic branding, visual identity, logo design, website creation, video production, and audience engagement strategies. Beyond tangible business outcomes, participants reported increased confidence, renewed creative direction, and a stronger sense of connection to their work and community. While this was intended to be a process for one business, through word-of-mouth, I quickly found myself with additional clients. The approach demonstrated how arts-based and reflective processes can support early-stage creative industries.

Ongoing
The methodologies developed through this practice directly inform my current Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) and placemaking work in Harden-Murrumburrah and the broader Hilltops region. The outcomes furthered my interest in developing creative economies by supporting creative practitioners. By combining creative facilitation, co-design, and arts-led activation, I continue to apply these frameworks to support local businesses, artists, and community-led cultural initiatives – building sustainable creative ecosystems grounded in collaboration, care, and shared growth.