MEET OUR TEAM
Laura Noonan
At Mills + Franks we work with the best team in the industry to ensure only the finest service for our clients. Today we introduce you to Laura Noonan, our resident Art Director, Graphic & Digital Designer.
How many years have you worked in the industry?
I have worked as a designer now for 7 years, starting my first role as a designer alongside my first year of university at a boutique wedding and events stationary business called Essentric.
What companies have you worked for?
I have had the pleasure of working for various agencies/businesses including Semi Permanent and most recently Groundswell Productions, where I worked with clients in the likes of Merivale, Solotel, Aperol Spritz and Moet Hennessy. Currently venturing on my own I have the ability to delve into contract roles – currently with ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) in partnership with DNSW on the Great Southern Nights initiative, whilst simultaneously servicing various clients of my own AND working with multiple incredible teams including Cloud Concepts Web Development, Carlotta + Gee and Mills + Franks!
What are your career highlights?
Without sounding like a brag, I feel very lucky with all the opportunities I've had in my career so far – both being employed and working for myself. I feel every experience has made me who I am now. However, I think I have gained the most amount of confidence as a creative and learnt the most valuable lessons as a freelancer – making my own decisions, working alongside various teams and having the ability to funnel work that I personally value has been the most rewarding and valuable learning experiences. I am involved in community related events that are very fulfilling, such as being a part of the Pop-up Parties team, in partnership with Shellharbour City Council, who are currently bringing live music gigs and now festivals to the south side of the Illawarra!
What parts of your job are you most passionate about?
My whole life I've just loved to create or make things. The fact that I can turn this into a livelihood is a bonus. I wouldn't even call what I do a job. It's actually difficult for me to find hobbies that don't involve even the slightest amount of creative crafting/design of some nature. So if I were to say what I'm passionate about, it's all of what I do; creating things for people, delving into a challenging process and coming out the other end with unforeseen outcomes is damn fun and finally, seeing how my work translates in the real world and creating experiences for others so empowering.
What is your most unforgettable hospitality experience to date?
I think the best experience was a set menu dinner at Biota in Bowral. It was a 5-course dinner and dessert with paired wines, with all food sourced from the Southern Highlands. Sadly, they aren't there anymore but that one immersive food experience was truly memorable.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I have no choice really. It sounds cliche, but it's who I am at heart and I couldn't imagine any other journey for me. I'm also very much a team player and I live for the people I work/collaborate with. Nothing keeps me more motivated and inspired than working amongst ambitious, inspiring people who love what they do too (and have a great sense of humor, of course).