Lex Talk Design

In this episode of Lex Talk Design, we sit down with Brisbane-based photographer Dee Van Der Merwe - founder of Pixel Punk and a visual storyteller with over 16 years of experience capturing everything from weddings and families to global brand campaigns.
Dee’s work goes far beyond aesthetics. Known for her editorial, emotive style, she has a rare ability to capture not just how a moment looks… but how it feels.
Together, we explore the reality of working behind the lens - from the psychology of working with people, to the physical demands of the job, to the creative tension between trends and authenticity.

In this episode, we cover:
Why great photography is far more about people than cameras
How to make clients feel comfortable (even when they hate being photographed)
The pressure of shooting in high-stakes, fast-paced environments
The surprising physical demands of commercial photography
How social media is shaping (and sometimes diluting) creative trends
The balance between following trends vs. staying true to your style
Using AI tools to streamline editing and stay competitive
The reality of imposter syndrome in creative industries
Why humility, curiosity, and adaptability are key to long-term success

Key Takeaways
The best photographers aren’t just technical - they’re deeply empathetic
Creativity often comes down to trust: “Just trust me, it’ll look good”
Trends come and go - authenticity is what actually lasts
You don’t need permission to start… you just need to start
Confidence grows through action, not before it

Dee’s Advice for Creatives
“You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Do you want to be a photographer… or just wonder what it would be like?”

About Dee Van Der Merwe
With over 16 years behind the lens, Dee is a trusted visual storyteller for couples, families, brands, and entrepreneurs seeking imagery that is powerful, emotive, and full of energy.
Her signature style is editorial, heartfelt, and atmospheric - creating work that becomes a lasting legacy. In the branding space, she’s known for producing bold, engaging content that connects deeply with audiences and reflects the true essence of a business.

Connect with Dee
Pixel Punk: https://www.pixelpunk.me/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixel_punk_pictures/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pixelpunkpictures 
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/

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 design
The difference between entrepreneurial thinking and business management
How COVID reshaped the way design studios approach growth
The rise of small, highly specialised creative teams
Why systems, structure, and financial awareness are essential for sustainable studios
How creatives can build businesses that support - rather than limit - their creativity
Connect 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/

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/

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/

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/