The experiences that inspire my work
The path that shaped my work
My creative journey began backstage, photographing live music and rock icons
CIRCA 2006
Back in 2006, I spent a couple of years immersed in the live music scene, photographing more than 50 bands. Most weekends you’d find me just outside the mosh pit with a 70–200mm lens in hand, waiting for the perfect moment.
I covered festivals in Byron Bay and Phillip Island, and for a time was shooting weekly at the Great Northern Hotel in Byron. What captivated me most wasn’t just the musicians up close on stage, but the electric exchange of energy between performers and their audience.
Matt – or Suffa – from the Hilltop Hoods 2006 | Photo by Simon Guthrie
ESP Logo and branding | Design by Simon Guthrie
Early on, I branded a surfboard company making waves in Byron Bay’s underground scene
CIRCA 2008
Back in 2008, I created the branding for Ed Sinnott’s company, ESP Surfboards (www.espsurfboards.com). I worked on everything from the name and logo to decals, stickers, signage, product photography, and all the essentials needed to bring the brand to market.
Of course, that also meant building a website. This was before WordPress and drag-and-drop site builders; everything was hand-coded in Dreamweaver. It was painstaking work, but it opened my eyes to something bigger: the power of building a brand from the ground up, the impact of a small team of focused minds, and the incredible reach of the internet.
Advancing my craft under one of Australia’s top commercial photographers
CIRCA 2010
Following my time in live music, I was eager to develop a strong foundation in studio lighting and portrait photography.
I gained invaluable experience assisting some of Australia’s leading commercial photographers on large-scale studio productions for clients including NSW Health, AstraZeneca, Wittner Shoes, and the Australian Ballet.
Combining this practical training with my background in branding and design gave me a unique perspective—one that continues to shape my work today and enables me to deliver greater value to my clients.
Fashion Portrait | Photo by Simon Guthrie
ezycollect.io UX design | UX design by Simon Guthrie
UX Design in Practice: Crafting Meaningful Digital Journeys
CIRCA 2018
In 2018, I expanded my practice into User Experience Design, applying psychology, usability, and strategic thinking to create digital experiences that capture attention and drive conversions.
Earlier in my career, the digital landscape was still emerging, and concepts like user journeys and usability were not widely applied.
Today, a focus on UX is essential for businesses looking to attract, convert, and retain customers. My hands-on experience allows me to deliver digital solutions that truly work.
Today, I bring luxury property projects to life through considered design & strategy
CIRCA 2020 – 2025
Selling luxury property off the plan requires a wide range of design skills across digital and print. I develop branding, logos, and style guides, design websites and digital marketing assets, and create site hoardings, billboards, full-page magazine ads, marketing brochures, direct mail, and display suites. I also direct photography and video shoots. Every touchpoint demands a deliberate, cohesive approach to be effective.
Branding luxury projects follows the same principles as launching any brand. Whether it’s a multi-million-dollar development or a medium-sized business, bringing brands to life is a process I am deeply passionate about.
Ohana Collaroy | Project Marketing by Simon Guthrie
