You’ve built a studio called Brave, which already says so much about the mindset behind it. Why “Brave”? What personal experiences shaped this philosophy, and how does it influence both your life and work beyond design?
Brave is where creativity meets courage. Born not as just a business, but as an idea, Brave stands on one simple principle: to create work that matters, with people who inspire. Life is nothing but a series of choices. The bolder you are in making them, the freer you are from regret. That freedom unlocks the courage to keep choosing braver paths. I’ve found that this mindset has shaped my life even more than my work. Because at the heart of it, I feel you’re never too small to be Brave.
What’s one non-design ritual that grounds you, whether it’s coffee, journaling, or even a guilty pleasure scroll?
I find art everywhere, whether in the clothes and jewellery that attract me, or in the home we’ve lovingly created. One ritual outside of design that anchors me each morning is tending to my plants. I spend about fifteen minutes with them: watering, cleaning, and re-soiling. This simple act of care grounds and steadies me. Those quiet moments do more than calm my nerves; they clear my head and help me organise my thoughts for the day ahead. Interestingly, the busier my day becomes, the more instinctively I am drawn to my plants. Often, in the stillness of nurturing them, I find that an idea sparks before I sit at my desk.
Many creatives recharge through different art forms. Do movies, music, literature, or travel inspire you? Share a recent example of how something outside design sparked a new perspective for you.
Travel is my solution to everything - whether it’s a broken friendship or a failed assignment. Exploring new places and environments refreshes my mind.
When I was younger, I was drawn to the maximalism of travel, admiring ornate buildings, grand traditions, and layers of culture. Today, I find myself equally moved by simplicity and the power of ideas.
Take the Sea Organ in Zadar, Croatia, for example: it consists of a series of marble steps that lead into the sea, where waves push air through hidden pipes to create a variety of musical tones. The more straightforward an idea is, the more extraordinary it can feel. Experiencing such brilliance in its purest form humbled me and reshaped my perspective. It reminded me that we are all connected through the power of ideas and the language of design.
Running a studio is demanding. How do you create balance between the Brave hustle and your personal life? Or do you think the two naturally overlap?
I love to do more. And I don’t see work and personal life as competing forces, I see them as chapters of the same story. The hustle excites me, whether it’s racing toward a deadline or helping my daughter prep for her class. Both matter equally, both fuel me in different ways. The day may feel short, but when you love every part of it, balance isn’t something you chase; it’s just a default setting.
From branding and digital to immersive experiences, your portfolio reflects boldness and joy. How does that spirit shape the work you deliver, and how do your team’s dynamics and rituals keep everyone motivated and connected?
I believe the real magic begins the moment you crack a bold idea you truly believe in. From there, the work flows almost like a song; you can’t help but hum along. As a team, we believe that brave stories are never forgotten. And in the pursuit of such stories, it doesn’t matter who sparks the idea; once it’s in the room, we all champion it. What keeps us connected isn’t only the work, but the humour threaded through it. The laughter between deadlines, the inside jokes in late-night brainstorms, that’s what makes Brave feel alive. Boldness drives the work; joy keeps us together
Meeting people often shifts perspective. How do your interactions with team members, clients, or even strangers fuel your creative energy?
People have a way of reshaping your thinking like nothing else. The moments I treasure most with my team, clients, or even acquaintances are when the ‘work hat’ comes off; when conversations are raw, human, and real. That’s when you realise ideas and insights aren’t confined to boardrooms; they’re universal. Deep down, we all laugh at the same quirks, get moved by the same stories, and find joy in the same little things.
What’s one life lesson you’ve learned outside of design, maybe from sport, an event, or even just downtime - that you now bring into your work philosophy?
Back in school, I was on the student council, a badge I wore with pride and worked tirelessly to live up to. Looking back, the greatest lesson I carried from that time was simple yet powerful: consistency beats everything. When you show up, day after day, you don’t just achieve something, you grow into it, you find purpose in it. That same lesson has shaped my approach to business. Many believe advertising is only about selling great ideas, but in truth, it’s about the discipline of consistently coming back with better ones, day after day. Consistency has been my compass ever since, guiding me through work, life, and every goal in between.
If you weren’t building brands, what else could you see yourself doing? Something brave but completely outside the design world?
If I weren’t working in design and building brands, I could see myself pursuing a completely different path, one that embraces adventure in the natural world. I would likely find joy in studying animals and exploring forests or oceans, observing life in its raw and unfiltered state. This would be an experience far removed from design, and I doubt I would miss it. There’s something profoundly humbling about learning from nature, the rhythms and resilience it displays that continues to resonate with me today.
What advice would you give to other agencies or creatives trying to cultivate a similar culture that supports life beyond design?
I’m not great at giving or following advice, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: life inspires work. The fuller you live, the richer your work becomes. Ideas and craft don’t just come from a desk; they come from observing, absorbing, and experiencing the world beyond it.
Read more articles in the Print Edition of Issue 69