My Design Philosophy
Every business has something unique to offer. A mixture of personality, creativity, passion and culture. If you can define that something special into once sentence, you’re half way there to unlimited success. I’m passionate about discovering the soul of your business and matching you with the clients you deserve. I offer top graphic design solutions for the best value for your money.
What gives me an edge: AI illustration, Diversity, Experience, Training
A degree doesn’t seem to mean much in this industry anymore, but when I applied for admission in 1989, the course had a quota of 20 people in the state. This meant that less than 5% of applicants were excepted each year, and I missed out on the first two attempts. So in the interim, I did an associate diploma in graphic design to achieve my goal of studying Illustration full-time. Once accepted into the Degree, I did a further three years as an illustration major and was invited into honours.
In 1996 computer design was still in its infancy. So I left school with minimal computer software skills by today’s standards. But after six years at uni, I understood advanced design theory, typography, balance, composition, and the principle of good design and graphic communication.
My first year was working alongside an unqualified but practising designer and gifted salesman. Under his guidance, I quickly got up to speed on the real-world version of commercial design. The following 25 years have allowed me to hone my technical computer skills and online experience to a new level each year.
During that journey, I’ve had roles as an art director for a print brokerage, a studio manager, a TV slide guy, ‘New Idea’ magazine guy and part of a more prominent advertising agency.
I was a brand manager for eight years in the Australian Agency of the Decade as part of the team that won 100s of awards, including a Gold Lion at Cannes. While at BMF Advertising, I also did a night course, ‘Award School,’ which taught me different advertising strategies and Art Direction skills.
At the end of the Award School course, I wrote an ‘Extreme nouns’ book to help future students. The book has since sold hundreds of copies worldwide, making me thousands in passive income.
But after all this experience and training, what gives me the most significant edge over my competition is that I love learning. I spend up to 3 hours daily upskilling on design, technology, apps, and business strategy and practising new techniques in AI illustration and cutting-edge techniques.
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.
About me – Stuart Flynn
Design history – 26 years and counting
With years of diverse experience and a BA in design, it’s hard to find someone more qualified in branding, digital design, illustration and Photoshop on the Sunshine Coast.
As a sole trader with a broad knowledge of design and advertising, I collaborate closely with you to deliver the best strategy and execution for your advertising needs.
The benefit of working directly with your graphic designer
Unlike other agencies, I don’t outsource work to juniors or overseas agencies, so I’m hands-on with your print, technical, imagery, branding, and online requirements, whether you choose to work side-by-side or remotely.
“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
The design 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.
