Michelle also wanted to be mindful of her impact on the environment and her cards are printed waterless on 100% post-consumer recycled paper and are all blank inside, so they are suitable for many applications.

See more of Michelle’s lovely RedPanda Paper Goods on her website.

How have you got to where you are today?

As a child I always enjoyed drawing and being creative, becoming more focused throughout high school. I continued my passion at university with a Bachelor of Fine Art at QCA.

As my experiences broadened my focus shifted to graphic and web design. Computers satisfied my impatience and need for instant gratification. I then went on to study Design and also Multimedia.

While I was still studying I started a magazine called ‘bearing Skateboarding Magazine’ with some friends. This was a huge learning curve and laid the foundation for me as a print designer but also taught me some valuable lessons about running a business.

Since then I have worked as a graphic and web designer for many varied places.

In a few words, describe yourself…

I’m not the first to talk, but I will always share my thoughts.

What are you spending your time on at the moment?

I’ve recently been working for GOMA and I am now starting work on some websites for a client, and of course RedPanda.

Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?

I make a cup of tea or coffee, put on some music, look at some blogs and google, google, google. Or perhaps that is the procrastination process!

At the end of the day, it’s my job and I have to be able to sit down and plug in. With more experience I’ve found this easier to do. You learn how to access that part of your brain where you’ve collated ideas or concepts that may come in handy.

Of course sometimes it just doesn’t happen that easily. That is when I pick up a book or magazines and look for inspiration.

You have to enjoy the process because if you’re a perfectionist like me you are less satisfied with the final result.

What or who inspires you?

Creative people, cultural places – particularly Japan and its contrasts, patterns in nature and old fashioned things. Anyone who has overcome diversity and documentaries about adventurers like Tim Cope. My 2 year old inspires me because he sees wonder in the simple things.

What are you most proud of?

RedPanda – because it is entirely my animal.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a child I wanted to be a mechanic like Charlene (Kylie) from Neighbours or a vet or park ranger, like in A Country Practice.

I remember an activity I did at my grandparent’s house was gluing greeting cards into a scrapbook! I like the idea that this fascination has come full circle.