Embracing Change and Community: Paloma Hodgin’s Creative Journey

Paloma Hodgins is a Master of Design graduate from the Queensland College of Art and Design, Griffith University. With a family background steeped in creativity, following this path took Paloma from Australia to London and back again. Now, as she continues to build new networks and inspire others, Paloma shares her insights on creativity, collaboration, and the future of design.

In this interview, Paloma discusses her evolution as a designer and her aspirations for the future. Her story is a testament to the power of collaboration, and the impact mentors, study, and creative communities can have on your journey.

Thank you so much for being our latest Creative Spark, Paloma. Let's start the interview by discussing how you got interested in design.

I grew up in Queensland mining towns, but our house always had creativity and art. My mother was a commercial artist, as was my grandfather before her, so it was just something I always lived with.

We were always drawing and creating at home because we had limited access to communities. I remember my mother taking every opportunity to use her art and design skills in every way she could, and my sisters and I were along for the ride. I went to boarding school, and the art room was like a safe space to be confident.

When my parents purchased an Apple Macintosh computer during my first year at QCA, there was no turning back — I distinctly remember using Photoshop blend modes and deciding to use them all in one project because I couldn’t decide.

I have always wanted to be a designer; however, it was not until I worked in London that I discovered my strengths and passion for the industry. I found myself in creative advertising agencies and discovered I thrived in the conceptual creative areas. I worked with some incredible creatives and teams there, allowing me to play with ideas rather than aesthetics. I had some great mentors and made wonderful friends.

How has your creative identity evolved?

This is such a difficult question, and my creative identity has definitely changed over time. If I had to put a word to it, it might be ‘collaborative’. I work best in teams and thrive when I am involved with creative communities.

I was not the best designer at university and was definitely distracted, but we were a talented cohort, so when my friends started working, I got internships at the design studios where they were working. I’ve always leveraged the power of the creative community, so I am passionate about supporting creative networks today.

As a younger designer, I would describe myself as curious, and every decision, including leaving Australia, has meant a huge shift in my design journey. The biggest realisation is that I have predominantly been a freelancer, whether in long-term contracts with creative agencies, my clients or a sessional design tutor. After almost a decade abroad and taking time off to raise my young children, relocating to Australia meant I was faced with building a new creative network. Communities like TYPISM and TDC allowed me to connect and start over.

The biggest shift in my creative identity was undertaking a Master of Design at QCAD in 2020. I see design differently now and from many different perspectives. My collaborations and connections from this experience were the most valuable.

Can you tell us about some impactful projects and experiences you’ve had?

The project that stands out to me is one I worked on during my agency days in London. Our team was responsible for a community art space in Bethnal Green called Rich Mix (CULTURE FOR A CHANGING CITY).

This project had all the limitations of the usual council and historical requirements. The outside of the building could not be touched, but the branding and interior spaces could be anything. Research and development were key; to serve the young communities, we needed to design it to fit their needs.

I remember spending days walking the streets, taking pictures, and collecting people’s opinions and perspectives. It was one of those projects that really could make an impact, and we had complete creative freedom. You rarely get the time and scope to do this on a project. It’s been redesigned since, but it still exists. >> https://richmix.org.uk/

How have cultural and social influences shaped your work?

I passionately support emerging creative communities and volunteer at Never Not Creative, where I connect students and graduates with industry and internship resources.

I have also joined the QLD DIA council to help drive advocacy for our design industry and encourage further cross-disciplinary collaboration — this is how the large freelance teams work and how we can support each other. I also actively seek to promote and establish creative communities and opportunities in regional areas.

What challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped you as a designer?

My biggest creative challenge was confidence, particularly after having children and repatriating back to Australia away from my design community.

Balancing work and family was extremely challenging, and I lost all sense of purpose and direction as a designer. This was part of the reason I looked into teaching at University and TAFE as a way of having flexibility. I see so many mature-age design students struggling with new career paths, and I can empathise with the work and the toll it takes.

The best thing I did was apply for the AGDA mentee program, which is where I met you, Dominique, and you helped me gain the momentum I needed to gain more confidence.

What are your aspirations for the future of your creative work?

I enjoy working with passionate and talented design students, and their views are refreshing and interesting. There is value in new perspectives, and the changes in our industry will require new approaches.

I will continue to advocate for design communities and emerging talent. I see my future with more time as a creative and for my self-initiated projects as my children age.

I aspire to help make change in our design communities, to help promote fair and ethical opportunities, and to educate and remove unpaid internships — I know I did it in the 90s, but I don’t believe anyone should work for nothing.

Paloma’s journey highlights the transformative power of community and collaboration in shaping a designer’s identity. Her ability to adapt and thrive, from the vibrant streets of London to reconnecting with the Australian design community, underscores the importance of resilience and networking.

As Paloma continues to advocate for fair opportunities and support emerging talent, her story serves as an inspiring reminder that creativity, when nurtured within a supportive community, can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.

You can connect with Paloma on LinkedIn.