WHY I STARTED STUDIO HIBISCUS

I spent more than 20 years working as an art director and designer for major retail brands. While I loved the creativity, I gradually realised I wanted my work to have a different kind of impact.

Rather than creating campaigns to sell more products, I wanted to help organisations making a positive difference.

Studio Hibiscus grew from that idea. I now work with community organisations, ethical businesses and purpose-led brands, using design to simplify complex ideas, tell meaningful stories and inspire positive change.

Do you need to tell a story?

I create designs that connect and endure.

With decades of experience across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, I bring both global perspective and local insight to every project.

  • I help small business and organisations with design branding so that they can tell their unique story.

    • Brand strategy & design

    • Logo design

    • Website design

    • Signage

    • Sustainable print design

    • Illustration

    • Art workshops

  • I have been an art director and designer for over 20 years, and worked in ad agencies in Melbourne, Sydney, London and Auckland. Whether working with big retail brands like Myer and Marks & Spencer, through to solopreneurs in the wellness space, I’ve always enjoyed working with good people.

  • • Diploma of Graphic Design, Swinburne University

    • Graduate Certificate of Design  Monash University 

    •Graduate Diploma of Secondary Teaching, Victoria University 

    • Change the World as a Sustainable Graphic Designer: online course by ethicaldesign.co

  • When I’m not busy creating art & design, you can find me:

    • hanging out with my hubby, two kids and backyard chooks

    • attempting pretzel yoga moves

    • walking along the beautiful Kororoit Creek

    • curling up with a good book

    • sparking joy, Marie Kondo style

    • camping with family and friends

    • tending to my chilli plants and my house plant addiction

FEATURED WORK
See my projects

FAQs

  • My happy clients include social organisations, environmental groups and small business with creative, ethical and sustainable visions:

    Brimbank Council, Friends of Kororoit Creek, Grassy Plains Network, Maevcon Construction, Maribyrnong Council, Meditation Makeover, Morrison Air, Precycle Pantry, Red Hill Truffles, Satori Hair, Whispa Wellness.

  • I'll save you time.

    One of the major benefits to working with me is the time you will save thanks to my experience in design and knowledge of best practices.

    My starting point with any project is to look for an idea that communicates the strategy.

    I also embed sustainability into my design process, whether it’s advising clients on recycled paper options, or recommending digital file optimisations.

  • I fell in love with hibiscus plants when I went on a surfing road trip up the east coast of NSW. They always seemed to be out the front of the retro beach shacks in the cute country towns I stopped at.

    When I had the opportunity to design my new surfboard, naturally I added hibiscus flowers all over it.

    Hibiscus flowers make me think of tropical paradise, surfing holidays with friends, and modernist architecture.

    Take me there now please.

  • Sustainable design doesn’t have to cost more. It can actually help you make more money, and it also helps you feel proud to be doing something that helps people, makes you money, but doesn’t trash the planet. Find out about my ethics here.

  • Every project will have its own process and time requirements, so drop me a line and let me know your time constraints. Then I can give you a realistic estimate on how long the design will take. As a guide - usually a brand identity will take 2-4 weeks.

  • Graphic Design is the art and practice of projecting ideas with visuals and text.

    I use my creativity, computer and drawing skills, time management, artistic and analytical skills to bring your brand, message or story to life.

    Asking myself and my clients on how we can achieve the best results in a sustainable way means that we can be responsible and holistic in our approach.

  • I have successfully coordinated graphic design projects for over 20 years, from concept through completion.

    I’ve worked with hundreds of clients to create vision, conceive designs, and consistently meet deadlines and requirements. I’ve also designed and taught a range of engaging art classes for children and adults in schools and workshops.

    • “ Save Money, save the planet” booklet design: Community wellbeing award, Brimbank Council

    • “Love where you live” anti-litter campaign, Beautiful Brimbank, Logo & bin wraps: Successfully helped to promote community involvement in anti-litter activities

    • Spiny Rice Flower poster campaign, Grassy Plains network: Successfully helped to uphold a permit refusal for a proposed subdivision in Altona.

  • I like to grab as much information about you and your business from the beginning. The best way to go about this is for you to fill out my design brief.

    Then we can chat over the phone, zoom, email or in person so we can nut out the nitty gritty of your project and make a plan.

    This is probably the most important part of the project. The more I understand you and your business, the deeper I can go into creating something unique.

    This is why I can offer a quality product that you will be happy with, and tells your individual story.

“The graphic design work was exactly what I wanted. Liz listened to us, had a great eye for detail and accuracy and was highly professional. The work was produced on time, within the budget quoted and the printers she recommended were very good.”

- JENNY MACAULEY, RED HILL TRUFFLES