Lex Talk Design

Lex Design Agency
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Hosted by Lex Design Agency's, Renee Ballard, we're speaking with all the talented creatives and creators about the business of design. From architects to fabricators, from content creators and interior designers, we hear how they’ve shaped the design industry, and how it's shaped them. Subscribe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Follow: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

Episodes

  1. Damian Hinks: Turning Creative Talent into a Sustainable Design Business

    6 HRS AGO

    Damian Hinks: Turning Creative Talent into a Sustainable Design Business

    In this episode of Lex Talk Design, Renée sits down with Damian Hinks, a long-time figure in the Australian design industry and founder of The Commercial Creative. With more than two decades of experience spanning print production, music management, agency leadership, and consultancy, Damian has spent the past nine years helping creative professionals transform their studios into sustainable, profitable businesses. Together, Renée and Damian explore the complex relationship between creativity, entrepreneurship, and business leadership - and why many designers struggle with the commercial side of running a studio. They discuss how the creative identity often sits in tension with the responsibilities of business ownership, why talking about money still feels uncomfortable in many creative circles, and how studios can build systems that allow them to grow without sacrificing their creative vision. The conversation also looks at how the design industry has shifted in recent years, particularly following COVID-19, with many studios moving away from the traditional “bigger agency” model toward smaller, more specialised teams doing high-impact work. Damian shares practical insights from his work advising creative businesses, including the importance of clear systems, healthy financial awareness, and surrounding yourself with the right people to support growth. This episode offers a thoughtful look at what it means to be both a creative and a business owner - and how designers can build careers that are not only creatively fulfilling, but also commercially sustainable. In this episode: Why many creatives struggle with the business side of designThe difference between entrepreneurial thinking and business managementHow COVID reshaped the way design studios approach growthThe rise of small, highly specialised creative teamsWhy systems, structure, and financial awareness are essential for sustainable studiosHow creatives can build businesses that support - rather than limit - their creativityConnect with Damian Hinks Learn more about Damian’s work and The Commercial Creative: Damian’s website: https://damianhinks.com/The Commercial Creative: https://www.thecommercialcreative.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianhinks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommercialcreative Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    54 min
  2. Quick intro Lex Talk Design Season 2 hosted by Lex Design Agency Renee Ballard

    SEASON 2, EPISODE 11 TRAILER

    Quick intro Lex Talk Design Season 2 hosted by Lex Design Agency Renee Ballard

    Lex Talk Design is back for season 2 and we're chatting with all the talented creatives and creators around the world, about the business of design. My favourite part of doing season 1 was talking to all sorts of design people, and hearing their unique point of view, on their specific industry.  This season, we’ll head down that path again. I’m chatting to everyone from graphic designers, artists, photographers, business strategists and design leaders, and I’m asking them all about their career journeys, how they got here and what advice would they give their younger selves?  We’re also talking about their creative process, their corner of the design and their creative process, and then on to the big picture, what they think their industry needs more of to make it stronger.  The first episode is out tomorrow, available on all the usual channels, subscribe now. Lex Talk Design Season 2 starts tomorrow. See you soon! Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    1 min
  3. Bernadette Wilson on community, collaboration and the politics of space in Australian architecture

    05/05/2025

    Bernadette Wilson on community, collaboration and the politics of space in Australian architecture

    In this episode of Lex Talk Design, host Renee Ballard speaks with architect Bernadette Wilson about her diverse career in architecture, her insights on the politics of space, and the supportive nature of the Australian design community. They discuss the importance of education in architecture, the intersection of music and design, and the challenges of delivering projects in a collaborative environment. Bernadette shares her experiences and thoughts on how architects can navigate their careers while maintaining a strong sense of community and support. Bernadette Wilson has worked on all sides of the architecture industry.The importance of community and support in the Australian design industry.Projects often get canceled or end up on the cutting room floor.The politics of space influences architectural design and hierarchy.Education plays a crucial role in shaping architects' careers.Music and architecture share similarities in rhythm and harmony.Good design is felt intuitively; you know when it's right.Australian architects often punch above their weight internationally.Designers can be hired for their distinct style or for their ability to deliver to a brief.The architecture profession can be a tightly knit community.Connect with Bernadette Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernadette-wilson-2936611a/  Follow Monash University: https://www.instagram.com/monasharchitecture/ Lex Talk Design Podcast, where we speak with all the talented creatives and creators about the business of design.  Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Subscribe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DKAN5j9xUy0FeOuFpWACJ?si=jIVjXJtDS3uOPJybeJzL8A   Subscribe Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2454031 Follow: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/ Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    37 min
  4. Creative Producer, Desmond Chung, on how AI is reshaping the creative industry, the impact of the democratisation of media, and how his love of pop culture shapes his work

    28/04/2025

    Creative Producer, Desmond Chung, on how AI is reshaping the creative industry, the impact of the democratisation of media, and how his love of pop culture shapes his work

    Today’s guest is Desmond Chung. Desmond is based in Hong Kong, where he is the Vice President of Creative Management with blockchain and web3 specialist brand, Collectiv. Before arriving at this role, Desmond has spent the past ten years working in all areas of content creation and media production throughout Asia.  Desmond Chung’s career is anything but linear. He studied finance/law in Tasmania, Australia, moved to Hong Kong over ten years ago, where he’s VP Creative Management with blockchain and web3 specialist brand, Collectiv. In our episode, Desmond shares his experiences working in content creation across television, film and online platforms. He introduces me to the term, democratisation of tech, and we cover what’s different in the commercial creative landscape between Hong Kong and Australia. We also delve into what is a blockchain game, where Desmond valiantly tries to explain to me what it is, using layman terms.  About Desmond Chung:  Desmond’s career is peppered with countless achievements, some of them include his time as Creative Director of Talon Sports where he grew the esports and gaming platform’ s social media following up to over 600K followers. He’s produced live online-tournaments, that clocked-up over 10 million liveview streams and then, capitalising on the momentum, Desmond successfully secured sponsorship deals with Paris Saint-Germain football club and Nike.  Shifting away from the gaming landscape, Desmond has also worked in film and television production, strategising, shooting and producing ad campaigns for global brands such as Qantas and apple, and he’s also currently working on a new film project. Follow Desmond Chung: https://www.instagram.com/teslaink/  Connect with Desmond Chung: linkedin.com/in/desmondchung More about Collective: http://collectiv.co Lex Talk Design Podcast We’re speaking with all the talented creatives and creators about the business of design.  Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Subscribe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DKAN5j9xUy0FeOuFpWACJ?si=jIVjXJtDS3uOPJybeJzL8A   Subscribe Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2454031 Follow: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/ Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    1h 1m
  5. Jo Kellock, CEO Design Institute of Australia, on how Australian design can lead product development, boost the economy and reduce waste

    21/04/2025

    Jo Kellock, CEO Design Institute of Australia, on how Australian design can lead product development, boost the economy and reduce waste

    Jo-Ann Kellock, CEO of the DIA shares her insights and strategy for how Australian design can lead product development, boost the economy and reduce waste. Jo-Ann Kellock has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) since 2015. Jo has spearheaded initiatives to enhance Australian designers' competitive success while leading organisational restructuring efforts. With over twenty years as a design advocate, Jo-Ann brings extensive leadership experience from previous roles including Executive Director of the Council of Textile & Fashion Industries of Australia and the Australian Design Alliance. Her career spanning business, education, and not-for-profit sectors provides a comprehensive understanding of design through practice, education, and commercial application. In 2014, the DIA recognised her outstanding industry contributions with an Honorary Fellowship. Follow Jo Kellock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-kellock-54725220/ Follow the DIA:  https://www.instagram.com/design_institute_au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-institute-of-australia/posts/?feedView=all Lex Talk Design Podcast We’re speaking with all the talented creatives and creators about the business of design.  Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Subscribe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DKAN5j9xUy0FeOuFpWACJ?si=jIVjXJtDS3uOPJybeJzL8A   Subscribe Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2454031 Follow: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/ Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    59 min
  6. Content Creator David Leigh Dodd & ‘I Am Not Kate Moss’ icon, Denise Ohnona, on going viral

    14/04/2025

    Content Creator David Leigh Dodd & ‘I Am Not Kate Moss’ icon, Denise Ohnona, on going viral

    A photographer, videographer and viral content creator, David Leigh Dodd, is an Australian who is living the dolce vita in Rome, Italy. David gives us a masterclass in how to approach making content, from what goes in, and more importantly, what to take out.  During our interview, David shares his love of pop culture and how it inspires his creative collaborations. He has worked with everyone from Paris Hilton, to the cast of Muriel’s Wedding, to rock legend, Wendy James. Joining us later in the call, is one of his greatest collaborators, British model-icon, Denise Ohnona. Denise is the woman behind ‘I Am Not Kate Moss’ and she shares with us her career in creating witty and wickedly funny moments, in the spirit of positive parody.  Follow David:  https://www.instagram.com/davideographystudio/ https://www.instagram.com/doddywood/ Follow Denise: https://www.instagram.com/iamnotkatemoss/ Lex Talk Design, where we speak with all the talented creatives and creators. about the business of design.  New podcast out every Tuesday: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2454031 Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Subscribe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DKAN5j9xUy0FeOuFpWACJ?si=jIVjXJtDS3uOPJybeJzL8A   Follow: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/ Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    54 min
  7. Creative Director Tamzyn Adding, founder of Miss Lolo & The Beige Epidemic, on the joy of colour

    07/04/2025

    Creative Director Tamzyn Adding, founder of Miss Lolo & The Beige Epidemic, on the joy of colour

    Tamzyn Adding could also be known as the Queen of Colour. Her designs are renowned for being bold and balanced. A New Zealander who now lives in Queensland, Australia, Tamzyn draws inspiration from everything around her. Her creative process blends intuition, and technical know-how, to create stunning, vibrant designs.  A natural entrepreneur, Tamzyn has navigated the complexities of the business world and gained valuable insights into both the challenges and rewards of creative enterprise. Offering advice to aspiring creatives, she shares the importance of perseverance and authenticity as key to long-term success. Tamzyn shares how she uses colour to inspire a sense of freedom, positive energy and good mental health to the world.  https://thebeigeepidemic.com https://www.instagram.com/the_beige_epidemic/ Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    22 min
  8. Design Strategist - Renee Ballard talks 2025 retail design predictions

    31/03/2025

    Design Strategist - Renee Ballard talks 2025 retail design predictions

    Retail design direction will split into two distinct categories, those who use AI and those who don't. In 2025, Renee predicts we'll see two distinct trends in retail design emerge; brands that rely on AI for design direction, with their stores reflecting the latest (global) trends. And brands that will double-down on their commitment to solely express their unique DNA in 3D. Follow Lex Design Agency: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/ Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    8 min
  9. Samantha Hobbelen, Event Designer and Founder of Sapia Creative, on how she balances the brief, the vision and the budget, when creating luxury events around Australia.

    24/03/2025

    Samantha Hobbelen, Event Designer and Founder of Sapia Creative, on how she balances the brief, the vision and the budget, when creating luxury events around Australia.

    With over 15 years experience in the events' industry, Samantha Hobbelen is the creative force, and founder, behind Sapia Creative. Samantha is a natural entrepreneur, and she shared with us how she's applies her creativity, both conventionally and unconventionally, in building her brands. Samantha also took us through her creative process;  how she starts with the big picture vision, and then, if ever an obstacle hits - she utters - how can we reverse engineer this? Until she's brought that vision to fruition. And finally, we also shared our mutual love for Thomas Jolly's 2024 Paris Olympics' Opening Ceremony. https://www.sapiacreative.com.au https://www.instagram.com/sapiacreative/ Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    1h 5m
  10. Business Adviser - Damian O'Donnell shares what designers get right and wrong in business

    17/03/2025

    Business Adviser - Damian O'Donnell shares what designers get right and wrong in business

    With over 30 years as a CPA accountant, business owner and business adviser, working from Melbourne, Australia, Damian O'Donnell has worked with countless clients and companies, streamlining their finances and helping them to fortify their future. Damian has worked with all sorts of industries, including the design and creative fields, so he has firsthand insight into what makes our industry unique, and where we can watch out for common mistakes we all make.  Connect with Damian O'Donnell: linkedin.com/in/damian-o-donnell   Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    37 min
  11. Ruby Shields - Interior Designer, on making the move from advertising to interior design

    10/03/2025

    Ruby Shields - Interior Designer, on making the move from advertising to interior design

    Chatting with Ruby was a great reminder to fall in love with design, and fall-in with the community who loves what you love. Ruby has not wasted a second since joining the Australian design industry. She's won the Dulux 37th Colour Award in the student category, and was a two-time finalist in the 38th Dulux awards. She was also honoured as a Design Institute of Australia - Graduate of the Year, and named in the ‘30 Under 30’ cohort of 2023. Ruby's design style includes a fearless use of colour, signature, rich textures, and for her talent in create striking sculptural forms, within the built environment. Follow Ruby Shields: https://www.instagram.com/_studio.shields/ Ruby Shields' Studio: https://studioshields.com.au/ Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    55 min

  12. SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Why we’re talking to creatives and creators about the business of design

    Hello and welcome to Lex Talk Design. I’m your host, Renee Ballard and I’m a Design Strategist with Lex Design Agency. We specialise in retail design, but that’s only one part of the vast and varied world of the creative industries. We’re speaking with all the talented creatives and creators, to find out their unique perspective, and firsthand experience, of working in the business of design. We're based in Sydney, Australia, but we'll be talking with architects, interior and industrial designers, visual communicators, trend forecasters, finance people, industry associations, curators and educators, all around the world. Launching March 2025, subscribe now to find out how the (design) sausage is made!  Thanks for listening! Subscribe, follow, visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

    1 min

Trailers

About

Hosted by Lex Design Agency's, Renee Ballard, we're speaking with all the talented creatives and creators about the business of design. From architects to fabricators, from content creators and interior designers, we hear how they’ve shaped the design industry, and how it's shaped them. Subscribe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/lex-talk-design/id1797431854Subscribe Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SrN9hpHzI6cUjmDj2eRIK?si=64d95dca6e3c4401Subscribe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LexDesignAgency Follow: https://www.instagram.com/lexdesignagency/

Information

  • Creator
    Lex Design Agency
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lex Talk Design
  • Show Website
    Lex Talk Design