FEATURE ARTICLE collectors to create a striking diorama that brings together all 12 auspicious animals from the Great Race.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR INTEREST IN DRAWING?
From a young age, I felt a deep compulsion to draw. I was captivated by Disney animations and quickly developed a passion for creating my own characters. What fascinated me most was how animators could so vividly convey a character’ s emotions— the subtle expressions, the movement, the storytelling through gesture. It sparked a desire in me to understand and master that same ability: to bring characters to life and communicate their inner world through art.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A PROFESSIONAL ILLUSTRATOR?
I began my creative journey at the Central School of Art and Design in Perth, where I completed an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design, specialising in illustration and multimedia. Eager to broaden my skill set and explore new creative technologies, I went on to complete a Bachelor of Multimedia at Curtin University. This combination of traditional and digital training laid a strong foundation for my career in visual storytelling and design.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT COIN DESIGN?
I enjoy bringing characters and animals to life, capturing their spirit and essence through design. My journey with the lunar coin series began with the 2013 Year of the Snake, a project that holds a special place in my heart. To better understand the creature I was portraying, I arranged to handle a large python— an unforgettable, hands-on experience that deepened my appreciation for the snake’ s quiet strength.
This encounter inspired me to focus on the snake’ s charm, patience, composure, and control. Rather than emphasising fear or danger, I aimed to reveal its elegance and mystique, portraying a creature that moves with purpose and grace.
This thoughtful approach shaped not only that design but also how I approach every animal in the series— with curiosity, respect, and a desire to tell a deeper story through symbolism and movement.
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