I’m Tara, a Melburnian creator
The name “acacia bees” holds a special place in my heart. It’s a reflection of my appreciation for Australian native flora, particularly the resilient and diverse acacia trees in our landscape. Just like bees play a vital role in pollinating and nurturing our environment, I’m committed to nurturing your brand and ideas, helping them thrive in the competitive landscape.
Driven by values
Ultimately, it’s this passion and my drive to work and live within my values that enables me to create great work with great clients. I’m excited to bring the worlds of design and communication together to help you achieve your goals. Whether it’s through stunning visuals, persuasive words, or strategic campaigns, I’m here to help you share your story with the world.
My core principles are rooted in a deep respect and care for the natural world and human experience. I have a deep commitment to sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, empathy and continual learning.
Education
2018 – 2019
VCE Certificate
Highvale Secondary College
I undertook Unit 3 & 4 Core English, Further Mathematics, Psychology, Geography, and Media Studies, completing VCE with an 80.60 ATAR.
While at the school, I worked on the Annual Magazine from 2015-2018 in hand with Mr Thomas Barton. During 2018, I was a member of the ‘Year 11 Peer Support Leaders Program’, helping Year 7’s adjust to high school life. In 2019, I was a member of the Senior Debate Team, debating against teams from competing schools each month.
2020 – 2024
Bachelor of Design and Media & Communications
Swinburne University of Technology
With majors of Communication Design and Public Relations respectively, minoring in Social Media.
While at university, I have held several positions on PixelSwin, Swinburne’s student-run photography club. See more information under ‘Experience’.
2022
Logo Trend Report 2022-2023
Bill Gardner via LinkedIn Learning
Exploration of emerging design trends, symbolism techniques, and industry insights within a two-decade trend archive.
2023
Marketing: Copywriting for Social Media
Michaela Alexis via LinkedIn Learning
Crafting compelling content for social media platforms, utilising copywriting formulas and tailored strategies.
2023
Writing a Compelling Blog Post
Starshine Roshell via LinkedIn Learning
Creating engaging content for a blog format, and understanding the evolving blog landscape.
Experience
2022 – Current
Freelance work
Following high school graduation and to further support my university studies, I have undertaken various freelance tasks in the realms of communications and graphic design.
Of particular note is that I am asked annually to continue to create my alma mater high school’s 56+ page magazine independently, with sole creative control. This involves sorting through several thousands of photos from various school events, proofreading all provided copy and using Adobe InDesign to execute the creation of the magazine.
2022 July – Current
Millar Merrigan
Undergraduate Social Media & Marketing Officer
Under this role, I work on the social media platforms for Millar Merrigan, ensuring that all copywriting, imagery and content are created on schedule, and ensuring that everything occurs in line with the MM strategy and design direction.
This position has included coordinating the company’s internal and external newsletters, as well as other various marketing communication tasks.
2021 May – 2022 June
PixelSwin
Events Lead
Responsible for the ideation, planning and execution of club events and community engagement. All events required forms to be submitted and had to be aligned with both PixelSwin’s purpose and Swinburne’s values. During this period, the club was the recipient of the ‘New Club of the Year’ award.
2022 February – 2022 June
PixelSwin
Vice President
Supported the President with tasks and duties, ensured that the club continued to run smoothly by ensuring deadlines were met, and made key decisions swiftly and in line with the club’s essence.
2022 June – 2023 April
PixelSwin
President
Ensure all departments within the committee are functioning well, and that the club continues to function within its mission to achieve our purposes as outlined in the constitution.