Stuart Flynn – Designer
Experience – 29 years | BA Design – Illustration
With a BA in Design and years of hands-on experience across branding, digital design, illustration, and Photoshop, I bring top-tier creative expertise to the Sunshine Coast. As a sole trader, I offer a rare mix of artistic depth and strategic insight—working closely with clients to craft standout visuals and smart advertising that gets results.
“Stuart is a gifted creative. Multi-skilled, he can apply his attuned design senses to pretty much anything. Just as importantly, Stuart has the commercial acumen to know that delivering fresh creative must answer a brief, including budget and timing – this is what really makes his clients’ day. Here’s to many more collaborations together!”
Creative Director, Belong Creative
My Design Philosophy
Every brand has a soul. Let’s find yours.
You’re not just selling a product or service—you’re sharing a story. One infused with personality, passion, creativity, and culture. When you can distil that essence into a single sentence, you unlock the gateway to deeper connection and sustainable success.
That’s where I come in.
As an illustrator with a flair for strategy and a toolkit powered by AI, I don’t just design—I craft visual identities that sell. I blend custom-made creativity with cutting-edge AI to generate scroll-stopping concepts fast, and then refine them with a human touch that tech alone can’t replicate.
I’m passionate about uncovering what makes your business unique and translating it into visuals that resonate. No fluff, no templates—just strategic, custom-crafted design that reflects your voice and attracts the clients you deserve.
Design isn’t just about looking good. It’s about feeling right—and moving your audience to act.
What gives me an edge: AI, Illustration, Diversity, Experience, Training
What gives me an edge? Relentless curiosity and 30 years of applied design thinking.
When I first applied to study Illustration in 1989, there were only 20 places statewide—fewer than 5% of applicants were accepted. Determined, I enrolled in a night school Associate Diploma in Graphic Design, which paved the way for my eventual acceptance into the Illustration degree. In 1995, I was invited into the honours program.
Back then, computer design was in its infancy, and while my software skills were just starting, six years of rigorous study had given me something far more lasting: deep design theory, typography, composition, and the principles of effective visual communication.
My first job paired me with a designer-slash-salesman who taught me commercial reality fast. From there, I spent 25+ years sharpening both my digital craft and strategic instincts—serving as art director, studio manager, brand guardian, and even the “New Idea guy.”
As brand manager at BMF Advertising—Australia’s Agency of the Decade—I helped win hundreds of awards, including a Gold Lion at Cannes. While there, I completed the prestigious Award School night course in creative strategy and wrote a side project: Extreme Nouns, a reference book that’s sold hundreds of copies globally.
But my biggest edge? I never stopped learning.
I dedicate up to three hours a day to mastering design, tech, business strategy, and AI illustration—staying ahead of trends, tools, and techniques. Passion drives my progress—and that energy shows in every project I touch.
Services
Print and online design/communication from the ground up – bonus services include AI and digital illustration, photography & music production.
Design work includes brand development, WordPress, strategy, finished art, finessing of typography and images using the latest Adobe Suite products, print management, Midjourney, Chat GPT, MailChimp EDMs, iBooks, photography, retouching and social media strategy.
What I don't do
- Quicky jobs – Any job done properly requires consultation, planning, execution and administration
- Large Ecommerce sites – Shopify platform is worth considering for multiple products
- Clients who pay late – I’m a small business and can’t afford the overheads of chasing money
Education and training
Formal graphic design qualifications.
BA. Design – Illustration, Assoc Dip. Graphic Design, Award School, Business Studies, advanced courses on Photoshop. Regular in house courses at award-winning agency BMF Advertising.
Design and business subjects have included:
- Typography – 2 years
- Illustration – 6 years
- Printmaking – 3 years
- Graphic design – 6 years
- Photography – 2 years
- Art History – 2 years
- Drawing – 6 years
- Advance Photoshop – 2 days
- Business Studies – 6 months
- Accounting – 6 months
- Office Administration – 1 year
- Idea strategy – 6 months
- Print production – 1 year
Continued Design Training
I continue to spend many hours a week doing online research into new technologies and design trends including many of the products from the Adobe Creative Suite.
Clients I've worked with
Renault, Lion Nathan (XXXX gold, Toohey’s Extra Dry), Foxtel, Bpay, Weightwatchers, Elle Bache, OPSM, IKEA, Foxtel, Commonwealth Bank, Aldi, Lamb, Beef, Ty the knot, Providence Wealth, Rheem, Paloma, Urban Growth, Ideas Hatchery, Nurture Parenting, RISA, Aussie Home Loans, McDonald’s, Gillian Adams Day Spa, Wentworth Hotel, Novotel, Scouts Australia, Living Health, Netball Australia, Adelaide Fringe, Dairy Vale, Hyde Park Dental, The Clyde Hotel, Chunky Custard, Planet Square, Stufly, Jai Sounds, Saatchi & Saatchi, Pulp, BMF, Corporate Express, Headmark, PPR.
Adelaide, Sydney and now the Sunshine Coast
Born in 1970 and raised in Adelaide, South Australia I’ve always had an interest in creative. I had a passion for illustration as a boy, drawing for up to 5 hours a day, so when I left school I spent 6 years studying graphic design and then majoring in illustration to turn my passion into a practical trade. I spent the next 16 years working among some of the top agencies in Australia, contributing to many award-winning campaigns. Art Director (pulp, DP ink) , Studio Manager – (PPR), Senior Designer (BMF Advertising). Advert ideas has been up and running since Nov 2013 providing only top graphic design solutions.
Prices
Packages are calculated according to estimated hours plus contingencies. Please find a detailed price structure here on my prices page.
The Studio
Mountain Creek – Sunshine Coast – Queensland
Come and meet me for a coffee in Mountain Creek to discuss your next project. Enjoy a view of the lake for a casual chat while I get to know a little about your business. I can work directly with you on-screen in our design space. Or if you are more remote we offer screen sharing, zoom and available by email or phone.
