Ollie Rae

Ollie, known professionally as 'OR Creative', is a maker-of-things based in Naarm (Melbourne, Australia). They have a busy brain that is always observing the world, making connections, and transforming these inputs into ideas for creative projects. Trained in communication design but uninterested in disciplinary boundaries, they work across design, illustration, events development, and arts education.

Through making, Ollie hopes to play their own small part in building a future that they would like to live in. They enjoy collaborating with community-focussed organisations, small businesses and fellow creators, on projects across the arts and cultural sectors. Their favourite projects centre on events and experiences that encourage active interaction and engagement from the audience. Previously, this has included developing, promoting and facilitating all-ages music events with Amped Up, City of Merri-bek’s FReeZA committee.

In their spare time, Ollie can usually be found enjoying the work of other creatives. They have a particular passion for local music and would love to collaborate with more musicians (if that’s you, consider this an invite to reach out).

'Frenetic Aesthetics' publication

Creative adaptation of an academic paper by Matthew J. Raimondo (student work). The design works alongside the text to enhance the readers’ understanding of the ‘observational horror’ film genre.

'Dyson Stringer Cloher' vinyl gatefold

Hypothetical re-design of Dyson Stringer Cloher's self-titled album (student work). The re-design visualises a repeated theme in the lyrics of the album — the idea of being lonely vs. being alone. The artwork was created using collaged illustrations painted with acrylic paints.

'All Together Now' event identity

Promotional materials and signage for an all-ages gig run by Amped Up, City of Merri-bek's FReeZA committee. Stylistic choices were informed by the intended audience of teenage music fans.

'Makers in Merri-bek' event identity

Promotional materials for an annual makers’ market in Brunswick. The DIY-vibes of the event are represented using visual cues such as cut-out shapes and paper textures.

'Glenroy Festival' event identity

Promotional materials and signage for a family-friendly festival in Glenroy. Saturated colours and playful illustrations reflect the vibrant local community.

Acknowledgement of Country

The School of Design and Architecture respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and knowledge-keepers of the lands, waters and sky that surround us, where we work, learn, create, communicate and make place. We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded and this always was and will always be Wurundjeri Country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to make a better world through design.

We extend our acknowledgement to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, alumni, real-life clients, and knowledge keepers, who have contributed to our own education diversity and growth. We will continue to ensure that staff and students respectfully honour ancestral connection to Country and Place in everything that they do.

We are dedicated to the notion of design to make a better world and we acknowledge that making tools, shaping place, sharing stories, making meaning, wayfinding and collaborating have long been and continue to be both central and integral to First Peoples' cultures. We recognize that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural contributions have continued relevance to design practice and commit to: reconciling ancestries of design and contemporary practice as well as pursuing culturally and professionally appropriate ways to engage with a diverse population of colleagues, industries and clients. In a time of treaty-making and voice we understand that there are overlaps between caring for Country and the sustainable production of goods, services, experiences, products and buildings.

Guided by the principles of respect, reconciliation, and reciprocity we undertake to indigenising and decolonising design practice by dismantling colonial structures and challenging biases that have marginalised Indigenous voices and design.

As students of SoDA you will be given opportunities to both engage with and educate yourself in Indigenous creative practices and cultural protocols through a lens of inclusivity, diversity, respect, mutual understanding, inter-cultural dialogue in all aspects of design practice. Indigenous people have been telling stories, making tools, and connecting to Country through visual media, placemaking and place marking for more than 60,000 years and these practices are part of an ongoing, evolving and live tradition.