Jess Kelly is a graphic designer, author, educator, and business owner, though she might humbly tell you she’s just a “pretty average designer.” But what Jess does is anything but average.

Through her design studio, The Design Dept, and her weekly blog, which she’s written for over five years, Jess reflects on creativity, parenting, business, and the honest highs and lows of building a life that matters. Most recently, she’s stepped into a new role as a STEM educator at Ballarat Tech School, bringing her empathy, clarity, and creative thinking into classrooms full of future engineers, coders, and designers.

Friendly isn’t enough of a word to describe Jess. When I met her a year ago, I remember her bubbly greeting of KiaOra! and her collection of amazing shirts that we’d see every day of The Design Conference. I saw her confidently meet new people by asking about the best thing that had happened to them that day, rather than the typical “so, what do you do?”.

In this episode, Jess and I talk about quiet impact, redefining what success looks like, and why there’s dignity (and power) in doing the kind of work that doesn’t always win awards, but makes the world turn more smoothly.

From typesetting school readers to inspiring kids who’ve never used a mouse before, Jess reminds us that creativity can be both gentle and transformational.

As I do with all my guests, I asked Jess what she’d do on day two if she came into $100 million. Please enjoy the ever warm, intelligent, and insightful, Jess Kelly.

Connect with Trish: www.instagram.com/trishjohnstone

Learn about Oath + Stone: www.oathandstone.com.au

Apply to be a guest: www.oathandstone.com.au/creativebones

When you speak with Greg Branson and Carol Mackay, you’re not just talking to seasoned creatives, you’re sitting with two of the most generous minds in the Australian design industry.

I met them a year ago at The Design Conference in Brisbane. What started as an unassuming chat in the sun turned into a discussion that changed my perspective on the way I value my time and skills. Getting the impression that I was with my people, I quickly accepted their invitation to join them for breakfast the next day, where the creative experiences around the table ranged from regional to metro, freelance to agency, and graduate to veteran.

After co-founding and running Mackay Branson Design for decades, Greg and Carol pivoted to build the kind of business they wish they'd had while running a studio. That business is the Design Business Council; a resource, a guide, and a lifeline for creatives learning how to lead, charge, and grow.

Carol’s superpower is translating the hard-to-digest into plain, practical guidance, shaped by her experience designing for courts, ombudsmen, and emergency services. Greg’s fascination lies in systems, structure, and the business sideof creativity. Together, they research, mentor, and reimagine what a sustainable creative practice looks like.

What stood out to me in our chat is how aligned they are in values and vision, not just as collaborators, but as life partners. We spoke about the messy middle between art and commerce, the future of creative education, the soft skills no one teaches, and why generosity and curiosity are their chosen legacy.

Whether you’re just out of design school, in the thick of running your own practice, or navigating what’s next, this conversation will offer insight, clarity, and maybe even a little creative therapy.

So what could two people who have seen it all, possibly do with their time after winning $100 million? Keep listening for my chat with the dream team that is Greg and Carol.

Connect with Trish: www.instagram.com/trishjohnstone

Connect with Greg and Carol: www.designbusinesscouncil.com

Learn about Oath + Stone: www.oathandstone.com.au

Apply to be a guest: www.oathandstone.com.au/creativebones

Chloe Wickham is a designer whose work sits at the intersection of creativity, business and behavioural insight. With a degree in Business and Design from Griffith University, Chloe’s path began with a love of art and a desire to help out with her dad’s business, and quickly grew into a passion for strategic, purposeful design that connects with people and shapes the way we live.

Freshly graduated, Chloe is now building her freelance practice from regional Victoria, and in this episode, we speak aboutwhat it’s really like to move from the structure of university to the ambiguity of creative entrepreneurship.

We speak about routine and rest, black-and-white thinking vs the grey, and how both city streets and bushland walks can shape your creative output. We’ll also dig into the psychology of design, the impact of visual communication on behaviour, and why Chloe believes design should always serve people and the planet.

Want to know how she would spend day two if she had $100 million in the bank? Please enjoy this thoughtful and energisingconversation with Chloe Wickham.

> Connect with Trish: https://www.instagram.com/trishjohnstone/

> Learn more about Oath + Stone: https://www.instagram.com/trishjohnstone/

> Apply to be a guest: https://www.instagram.com/trishjohnstone/