When I got back form Melbourne last night there was a parcel waiting for me from LYNX. I knew exactly what it was going to be! The LYNX Expression Series had Photographer Extraordinaire Dan Boud take a portrait of me and the photos have been printed in this limited edition book. One for my mum me thinks!
You can view the book online here: http://campaigns.lynxeffect.com.au/expression-series/dan-boud
Where do you live? I live in Maroubra Beach, Sydney. Moved here over 10 years ago now (was previously living in the city). Very much in love with the sunlight, fresh air and sleeping to the sound of waves crashing.
What do you do? What don’t I do?! I sincerely do what I love and through Zen Garage (my latest and perhaps last project) I’ve found a way to combine all my passions into the one project where I’m free to promote whatever it is I’m into at this very moment.
Any claim to fame? I founded the Australian Infront design community in 1999 (it’s still running today). That got me places and helped me to learn how to build communities (I now run quite a few). Infront got me on the cover of the Sydney Morning Herald twice and helped to get my work published in magazines as well as speaking at Semi-Permanent Design Conference in front of 3,000 people.
What inspires you? Family and my upbringing mostly. I’m a child of the 80’s. All the stuff my Dad was into when I was a kid I’m into now. Cars, bikes. I was a skater and still love skate culture today. I used to be in a 3-piece rock band in university and still play the guitar these days. I’m also really inspired by Japanese culture (I used to do trips to Japan every year as a kid as my parents did business there).
How do you express yourself? Online, mostly. I’ve become a bit of a social media marketing expert, and have been coined a social media influencer. I’m not massive on taking selfless though. I’m more into blogging (I find it therapeutic and I love that I’m documenting my life), and for the past 6 months I’ve been getting into photography a lot (specifically shooting models).
Does what you wear reflect your personality? I don’t think so. I used to wear it on the outside when I was younger. Heels, leggings, dreads. I wasn’t quite punk, or goth, just somewhere in between. These days I tend to wear only black, white or grey and I very rarely wear anything with prints on it (unless it’s my own Zen merchandise which also only comes in black, white and grey).
What’s the one article of clothing you can’t live without? That’s a tough one! Probably my black Levi’s 510’s.
What style trends should we look out for in 2015? Personally. I think much more black and white. People just look better in it. When I see kids wear my Zen gear they 100% look better in it that wearing T’s with cars or bikes on their chests (sure I love cats but I’m not about to wear a jumper with cats all over it).
Is there an “Australian style for men” and if so what does it mean to you? I’m guilty of it myself, but it’s overwhelming how many guys just revert to wearing a T-Shirt, jeans and sneakers.
What’s your go-to gadget?
iPhone, for sure. MacBook a close 2nd.
Got body art? (if yes) What do you love about it? Tough stickers. No bull, they make me feel stronger.
Any stories about some of the art? I have a few pieces, all of which were done on the night (a year after) between my Father’s passing away and Kurt Cobain’s passing away. They all represent Yin Yangs to me (at least in my mind). One is an MC Escher piece featuring 4 lizards in a circle, another is a biohazard symbol and another is Itchy & Scratchy fighting in a cloud of arms and legs, bombs and knives.
Got a beard? (if yes) What’s with the Beard? I don’t have a chin, so I have a beard.