About Paper & DeskHello, I’m Rachel
I’m the founder and designer at Paper & Desk, a Brisbane-based freelance graphic design office that specialises in publication design.
I work with clients locally in Queensland and interstate (New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory), and am open to international collaborations.
A short back story
I’m a graphic designer who stumbled into the creative arts while attempting to start a career in – of all places – academia!
While I was working on a Doctorate in Law and Economics, I interned as a magazine writer to improve my thesis writing. This later led to a magazine design opportunity at the same publishing business, which I loved! So, once my PhD was done, I enrolled in design school to learn more about the world of design. I took on freelance projects in the evenings while employed as a designer, eventually gathering enough experience and work to launch my own full-time design office, Paper & Desk.
I’ve been a graphic designer for over a decade, and still love what I do. These days, I help corporate communications teams bring their company’s story to life through impactful publications, by way of reports, prospectuses, magazines, and other multi-page documents. My experience covers a wide variety of sectors, including fashion, foodservice, lifestyle, real estate, health, education, research, resources, consulting, horticulture, agriculture and events… to name a few! Most of my clients find me through an online search or word of mouth, and I’m fortunate that many bring me along when they move roles, giving me the chance to keep working together and explore new industries along the way.
When I’m not in my office, you’ll find me reading about personal finance, assisting with communications workshops, or out camping.
What my clients say
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“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
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“We have only engaged Rachel for the first time and we were very happy with her design work. She was given the brief and she is very prompt working with a short deadline and changes. I will certainly recommend her to my colleagues or anyone looking for good design work. Thank you Rachel!”
Izzy K, University of Queensland
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“I was very happy with the signage designed for me by Rachel. Customers have complimented me on the signs on several occasions. In addition to designing the signage, she made some very insightful suggestions on how to use the designs for marketing purposes. I do highly recommend her.”
Rani V, Rani’s Cuisine
Bigger projects don’t mean bigger problems, if you work with the right designer.I believe that big projects (such as magazines and reports) shouldn’t come with extra stress, like having to chase your designer for updates, or worse, missing deadlines because of your designer’s poor time management.
Why my clients work with me:
Effective design
With my design experience, I’ll help you create stunning publications that are on brief, on brand and on point with your audience.
Efficient delivery
I’m a designer who delivers on time and will work with you to create a schedule that allows for revisions while meeting deadlines.
Easy to work with
I stay on the ball with my design work, keeping you informed and ensuring easy communication throughout the design process.
Need something designed?