Queensland College of Art alumnus Jasmine Dowling was recently named Creative of the Year at the Cosmopolitan Women of the Year awards, capping off a stellar run that has seen her become one of the country’s most successful young creative entrepreneurs.
The Brisbane-based typographer and blogger studied graphic design at the Queensland College of Art – launching her freelance business, blog and online store during her final year at Griffith.
She is known for her stunning hand lettering projects and prints, and has also attracted a devoted following on social media, with more than 200,000 Instagram followers.
“I am such an introvert and I didn’t have any contacts when I started my business,” she said.
“It was through social media that clients were able to discover my work and I was able to build my own audience base.
“Social media has also made it possible for your work to go viral and be seen by huge numbers that weren’t possible before.”
Jasmine credits her time at the Queensland College of Art for giving her the freedom to experiment and the confidence to push the boundaries of design.
“I had design tutors that rewarded creativity, experimentation, the unconventional, and the not so perfect,” she said.
“That sort of attitude to design really helped me let go with my process and not be afraid to try something new.”
She is now one of the most in-demand designers in the country, withbig-name clients including IMG Models, Wittner, Maybelline New York, David Jones, Nike Australia, Max & Co, and Hallmark clamouring to work with the talented typographer.
“The projects where brands have put their full trust in me to try something new are huge milestones for me,” she said.
“On a recent collaboration, I was creative director, photographer and hand letterer.
“I was a little out of my comfort zone but they gave me so much creative control and trusted in that. I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out.
“I also recently did lettering for a Brisbane City Council campaign so that was super special because it meant I could see my lettering on billboards around my hometown.”
Jasmine said she was honoured to receive recognition for her work at the Cosmopolitan Women of the Year awards.
“At first I got shaky at the thought that I had to get up in front of a room of women that I look up to give a speech, but then honestly I was just in disbelief,” she said.
“I have worked by myself, for myself for so many years now that it really gave me a opportunity to sit back and look at what I have worked on and achieved.
“To be recognized for that work was so special and meaningful.”