About meI’m Rachel, founder of Paper & Desk, a freelance design studio for marketing assets, with a specialty in publications like reports and magazines.
I work with clients in Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra.
Beyond aesthetics and your goals…
I care about how you experience the design process!
I aim to make the process smooth, and I support you through what’s needed to help you get a clearer picture of things. So even if you’ve never worked on a design project before, I’ve got your back.
My back story
I’m a graphic designer who stumbled into the creative arts while attempting to start a career in – of all places – academia!
Many years ago, I thought I’d become an economics lecturer, so I enrolled in a Doctorate in Law and Economics. The problem? My writing wasn’t great. So I took an internship as a magazine writer to sharpen my skills, knowing I’d eventually need to write a thesis. That detour changed everything. The publisher invited me to try magazine design, and I quickly realised I was far more drawn to the creative process than the academic path I was on.
So I pivoted! Once the PhD was complete, I enrolled in design school, graduated, and began working as a designer by day while taking on freelance projects at night. Over time, those late-night jobs grew into a body of work, and the confidence to build something of my own.
That’s how Paper & Desk was born. It began with early business ideas and late-night design sketches on a plastic Officeworks desk in the same bedroom where I wrote my thesis and completed design school. Those humble, chaotic beginnings slowly grew into what is now my design studio in Brisbane’s CBD.
I still can’t quite believe I’ve been a graphic designer for over a decade. Today, I work with both private and government clients to design marketing assets and publications that elevate their brands. My experience spans a wide range of sectors, including fashion, food service, lifestyle, real estate, health, education, research, resources, consulting, horticulture, agriculture, and events. Most clients find me online or through word of mouth, and I’m fortunate that many continue working with me as they move between roles, allowing me to explore new industries over time.
When I’m not in the studio, you’ll usually find me reading about personal finance, assisting with communications workshops, or out camping.
Testimonials
Big thank you for your professionalism and dedication
“I just want to say a big thank you for your professionalism and dedication. No task was ever too big for you and you were so efficient at putting the magazine together. Finally, I love the look of the mag. The colours, design and layout work really well… it is amazing. Thank you so much for all your hard work and enthusiasm!”
— Jo, Queensland Ambulance Service
Organised, responsive, and a fantastic communicator
“Rachel is not only a truly talented creative designer with a sharp eye for layout and publication design, but she’s also incredibly organised, responsive, and a fantastic communicator. She brought thoughtful, strategic recommendations to the table and helped us navigate some tricky stakeholder feedback with grace and professionalism.”
— Camille, Rio Tinto
Incredibly talented… world-class editorial designer
“Rachel blew my expectations out of the water. Apart from being incredibly talented, Rachel is a joy to work with. She's fast, responsive, reliable, patient and direct in the very best way. I have had SO many compliments on the design. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a world-class editorial designer and creative partner.”
— Emma, Progress Magazine
Why clients work with me
Effective design
With my design experience, I’ll help you create designs that are on brief, on brand and on point with your audience.
Efficient delivery
I deliver on time and will work with you to create a schedule that allows for revisions while meeting deadlines.
Easy to work with
I keep you informed and ensure easy communication throughout, so you always know where things are at.
Let's get started