Hi, I’m Courtney, the Creative Lead at Courtney Kim Studio. I run this boutique brand design agency with a small team here in Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne boasts some of the coolest brands, arts, and music scenes, and it’s famous for its coffee, tram-filled streets, and unique charm—all of which inspire my work. Ever wondered what a day in the life of a Melbourne brand designer is like?
Join me as I take you through my typical day as a professional graphic designer and agency owner, immersing in Melbourne’s vibrant culture. I’ll share my favourite spots for coffee, lunch breaks, and after-work wind-downs. I’ll also reveal where I find my inspiration and recommend the tools we use daily. So, buckle up for an exclusive peek behind the screens!
9:00 AM Morning fuel: Melbourne coffee ritual
There’s no better way to start the day than grabbing coffee in the city known for it. I usually head to the same spot along Little Collins St for speed and consistency. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Bench Coffee, a boutique micro roastery cafe. I love their monochrome and minimal shop fit-out as I order my oat latte to wake up my creativity. Coffee is my morning ritual, a quiet ‘me’ moment before the day starts. It’s more than just a caffeine fix; it’s a moment to gather my thoughts, plan my day, and get inspired by the city’s buzzing energy. Melbourne’s coffee culture is like no other, and it’s a significant part of my daily routine. The rich aroma, the friendly baristas, and the beautifully crafted latte art all contribute to a perfect start to my day.
10:00 AM Desk dive: conquering emails and admin
Before the design magic happens, staying organised is crucial! Every morning starts with tackling admin tasks and emails lurking in my inbox. This is also when I assign priority tasks for the day, ensuring our team knows what needs to be tackled and when. It’s not the most glamorous part of the job, but it’s essential for keeping everything on track. I spend this time reviewing client emails, setting deadlines, and making sure that all our projects are moving forward smoothly. Staying on top of admin tasks allows me to focus more on the creative aspects of my work later in the day. Project management tools like Monday.com is a lifesaver for this process.
11:00 AM Review crew: feedback with the team
Design is a collaborative process. This is when I review the design work our team members have created. I typically go over reports, designs ready to be presented to clients, or marketing plans for the fortnightly cycle. It’s all about giving constructive feedback and ensuring everything aligns with the client’s vision, involving notes, team meetups, and sometimes creative workshop sessions. The goal is to fine-tune every detail, making sure the final product not only meets but exceeds expectations. These sessions are crucial for maintaining our high standards and ensuring that our work resonates with our clients’ brands. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and these review sessions foster a sense of teamwork and shared purpose.
12:00 PM It’s lunch hour!
Melbourne’s food scene is a designer’s dream. You’ll often find me at Brunetti, in a quiet corner overlooking Flinders Lane for a classic Italian fix. Depending on my mood, I go for their sandwiches, slices, or a sweet piece of cake. With endless Asian options around the corner, lunchtime is a chance to explore the city’s incredible flavours and refuel for the afternoon. Lunchtime is also an opportunity to take a break from the screen, get some fresh air, and recharge my creative batteries. Whether it’s a quick bite or a leisurely meal, I always make sure to savour this part of the day. Melbourne’s diverse culinary offerings never disappoint, and I love discovering new spots and flavours that inspire my work.
1:00 – 4:00 PM Focus time!
This is when I put on my noise-cancelling AirPods and dive deep into work. Designing doesn’t always mean creating on Adobe suites; it involves researching, conceptualising, drawing, presenting, and practising our presentations to effectively communicate our visual ideas to clients. It took over 10 years to harness our current process, and now, with a chill, like-minded team, I can focus my energy on designing.
This part of the day is all about getting sh*t done, where I can immerse myself in creative projects without interruptions. Whether it’s brainstorming new ideas, sketching out concepts, or refining designs, this focused time is crucial for producing high-quality work.
When juggling multiple clients and deadlines. I ensure that I don’t spend too much time on one task. We use Toggl, a time-tracking tool that helps me and my team manage our time effectively.
5:00 PM Unwinding or wine-ing
After a productive day, I commute home via tram, using this time to review my day or mindlessly watch the streets of shops and signs. Occasionally, I unwind with a glass of wine at fantastic bars like Dom Social, City Wine Shop, or Siglo, or hidden spots in the laneways. This winding-down ritual helps me transition from work mode to relaxation. Melbourne’s vibrant bar scene offers the perfect backdrop for this, with its cosy atmospheres and excellent wine selections. It’s a time to reflect on the day’s achievements, think about new ideas, and simply enjoy the city’s evening charm.
The Melbourne blend: work, life, and inspiration
Being a brand designer in Melbourne is about finding that perfect blend of work and leisure. I love this city, being so close to the beaches and forests, and fueled by the city’s vibrant energy, finding inspiration in every corner. Melbourne’s unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty provides endless sources of inspiration for my work. Whether it’s a stroll along the Yarra River, a visit to an art gallery, or simply soaking in the city’s street art, there’s always something that sparks creativity.
Want to see more of the Melbourne design life? Follow me on Instagram (@courtneykimstudio) for a fun, behind-the-scenes glimpse into life as a Melbourne graphic designer. Interested in working on your next project with me? Contact us today to schedule a chat over a delicious cup of coffee.