Story Time with RDS
"Life is a constant evolution; roll with it."
This mantra has become my guiding star. You see, I never planned to be a cartoonist. Never! I even tried to steer clear of it, initially pursuing a BA in Graphics, only to find myself secretly inking characters during illustration projects.
I tried to shake it off again, landing a dream job at Disney. Lion King 2, The Goofy Movie, Aladdin, 101 Dalmations… I worked on some iconic films! But even that couldn’t fully quench my thirst for something different.
Burnout set in, and I traded my animation desk for diapers and bedtime stories. Years flew by, and then… it happened again. I decided to display some of my old university illustrations while decluttering mountains of baby clothes and toys at a local market.
And that, my friends, was the turning point.
Launch of Running Duck Studio
The response was overwhelming. Suddenly, I was embracing my quirky illustrations and realizing that making a living from art – despite all the “you can’t make a living as an artist” warnings – was actually possible.
The momentum was unstoppable. I used my earnings to purchase a 1970s caravan and, after months of sweat, tears, and a healthy dose of frustration, transformed it into a charming mobile gallery.
For seven years, I crisscrossed Southeast Queensland (and ventured beyond the border a few times) with my quirky caravan, participating in countless markets. But the early mornings and late nights eventually took their toll.
Launch of Tawny Trails
In 2021, I decided to embrace a new chapter. I founded Tawny Trails, a vibrant art and lifestyle trail that showcases the region’s incredible talent. My little corner of the world now has a permanent home within the trail, a cozy studio nestled within a spacious covered area, surrounded by a playful display of retro and vintage treasures.
I’ve been opening my studio doors every last Sunday of the month since then. Time flies when you’re having fun!
