DIARY 19

Five Minutes with Fella;

Jasmine Dowling

Jasmine Dowling creates magic out of everything she touches. A graphic designer by trade, Jasmine has worked with some of the world's top fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands, including MECCA, David Jones and Clinique.

With a quick scroll through her feed, we are certain you've lusted over one of Jasmine's typographic prints or stunning floral photographic artworks at some point over the past 10 years of her ever-evolving and envy-inducing Instagram gallery.

We were lucky enough to have a quick chat with Jas to find out more about her creativity, her travels + her life behind the scenes.

Imagery by Jasmine Dowling @jasminedowling

What do you do, and how did you get into your line of work?

I started sharing my illustrative lettering and everything else I loved at the time on social media while I was studying in 2013 and by the time it got to graduation I was creating in the lettering and graphic design space freelance full time so I ran with it. My business has definitely evolved over the last 9 years with the addition of more styling and photography work as I get to explore other facets of my creativity.

What’s your star sign? This means you are ...

I am a Leo which means I am always eager to impress.

Where in the world is your favourite spot to swim?

Growing up I have always holidayed at the Sunshine Coast in Queensland so I would have to pick Sunshine Beach.

My number one skincare secret is ...

Boring but essential - Sunscreen, even indoors.

What’s your top career highlight so far?

That is a hard one. Creating lettering for the David Jones Christmas campaigns were such huge moments for me. To go from working as a merchandiser in store to having my work in windows, bags, tv ads was definitely a pinch me moment.

Where’s your next holiday destination?

Over the weekend we got the news of Japan reopening for international travel so we are hoping to get there in the winter. It was our last pre-Covid trip so I have been craving going back for the last two years.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

I find a lot of inspiration in small moments of the everyday so for me it is all about being as present as possible to be open to noticing the small things whether it is scent, light, colour or texture.

Currently reading or listening to? (Book, podcast or playlist)

I am currently reading How To Do Nothing by Jenny Odell. During covid I felt my life and work blurred more than ever before with this focus on productivity in every moment so this book felt necessary.

Favourite local spot?

I love visiting the Gallery of Modern Art. My favourite type of day is visiting their exhibits, browsing and finding new books and magazines and the store then wandering down to fish lane for some cocktails at Bar Brutus.

Are there any foundations or causes close to your heart?

My brother was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a few years back so Diabetes Australia has become a larger part of our lives. There is a huge lack of understanding when it comes to such a common autoimmune disease here so it has been a great resource for my family.

Your favourite Fella swimsuit from the Del Sol Collection.

I have been obsessed over the Azure colour. I am a complete bowerbird at the moment collecting all things blue and Azure is the perfect shade. Style wise I love a Marco high-waisted brief and Julian top for ultimate comfort.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?

Say yes and you’ll figure it out later. This helps me not sit in a place of fear especially when it comes to exciting but scary work opportunities.