Jenica Smith, Designer, Design Montage
Find something you are truly passionate about; something that will make you jump out of bed in the morning ...
Jenica Smith is one creative who knows that sharing a personal story can inspire many others in turn. Founder and creator of design website Design Montage, Jenica interviews creatives from all over Australia, sharing their passions, dreams, processes and the stepping stones that got them where they are today. A designer with a passion for both the digital and print realms, Jenica has worked in advertising and marketing agencies for more than ten years and was named a finalist for the Queensland Emerging Design Leader Award this year as part of the Queensland Smart Design Awards. Between work, Design Montage and studying a Master of Digital Design, Jenica found time this month to work on a collaborative design piece with young designer Hanna Mathilde for the Terrible Twos exhibition at Bleeding Heart Gallery. The Weekend Edition caught up with Jenica at favourite cafe Desmond & Molly Jones to discover her perfect weekend.
How do you like to start your weekend?
I usually try to catch up on missed sleep from the hectic week, and then have a lazy lunch with friends. My fiance works on Saturdays, so I enjoy having this day to myself.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
I love strolling through the fresh food and flowers at the Brisbane markets. The colour and energy there is really motivating.
How do you like to unwind?
Good conversations with friends and then a remedial massage. I also love watching a good comedy movie.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
A nice spinach and egg breakfast around midday, followed by an afternoon pottering in the garden while my two staffies follow me around.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Some new planting in the garden. With spring just around the corner, it’s definitely time to get out there!
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Dinner at my parents’ house with my brothers, sister and each of our partners. It always ends up being a hilarious night of laughter and stories.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Wedding dress shopping with my sister.
What are you reading at the moment?
Kevin Finn’s latest Open Manifesto, Issue 6.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by so many things – people who are pursuing their dreams, conversations about design and creativity, and reading biographies.
What was your childhood dream?
Originally I wanted to be a ballerina. But I was really too uncoordinated for that, so set about becoming an artist. I then didn’t really have the patience for that either … but my art teacher suggested graphic art. And luckily, that’s where I’ve ended up.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Going back to uni to do my master’s degree. This inspired and motivated me to create Design Montage, which has become an integral part of my life as a designer. Also, being named a finalist for the Emerging Design Leader category in this year’s Queensland Smart Design Awards.
What is success to you?
A great work-life balance. And having enough money to do the things you want to do.
What are your words of wisdom?
Find something you are truly passionate about; something that will make you jump out of bed in the morning. And I love this John Ruskin quote: ‘The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it but what they become by it.’
Only a local would know … you can get sunburnt in five minutes in the Queensland sun.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Quick walk with my dogs
Relax … In the garden
Dine … Punjabi Palace, West End
Indulge … Chouquette, New Farm
Shop … Handmade Naturals, Highgate Hill
Catch-up … Brown Dog Cafe, Woolloongabba
Be inspired … GOMA
