A Design Challenge
Like No Other
Fast, Focused, and On-Brand
The biggest challenge was time. With tight deadlines due to conflicting schedules among contributors, we had to complete all seven submissions in just two days. On top of that, reaching QFNTC’s Chair of the Board, Cameron Costello, proved challenging. As someone deeply involved in multiple committees, numerous large projects and volunteer roles, his availability was unpredictable, making it tricky to get the necessary approvals and input from him and the board.
There was also the challenge of branding. While QFNTC had a logo and a website (only recently designed), there were no established brand guidelines for print materials. This meant I had to define a cohesive visual style while ensuring all seven submissions looked consistent and professional. And, of course, making sure they aligned with the style of the website.
Despite the challenges, the final submissions were met with outstanding feedback. Not only did QFNTC love the polished and professional presentation, but even within government circles, there was talk about the quality of the submissions. Most importantly, all seven grants were successful! A testament to the power of well-structured, on-brand submissions.
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how everything came together under such tight time constraints. This project reinforced the importance of being prepared, staying calm and embracing the process, even when the pressure is high. And, perhaps most importantly, it was a reminder that leaning on family and friends for support—whether it’s driving kids to activities or sorting out dinner—can make all the difference when work gets intense.
This was a mammoth effort, but an incredibly rewarding one. It reinforced how strong branding and thoughtful design can elevate important submissions, helping organisations like QFNTC secure the funding they need to continue to bring to life engaging Indigenous tourism to Australia and the rest of the world.
To navigate these hurdles, I focused on collaboration, working closely with whoever was available at any given time. This included working with Celia Newlands, Cameron Costello’s Project Co-ordinator, who was invaluable in keeping things on track and ensuring we had the necessary input when it was needed. And rather than waiting for finalised content, I sent through updates in real time, allowing documents to be checked whenever an opportunity arose. Structuring the documents with a clear and consistent heading hierarchy and incorporating large, striking images of relevant Indigenous locations ensured they were easy to read and visually engaging.
Kathryn did an incredible job pulling together our grant submissions under serious time pressure. She ensured everything was professionally presented, visually strong, and on-brand. Her ability to collaborate and adapt made the process smooth, and the final submissions were met with great feedback. A fantastic job!
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