8 Things Scott and I Learned at the Melbourne Design Show

In June, Scott and I had the incredible opportunity to present my art at the Melbourne Design Show. It was a rich experience filled with discovery, connection, and growth. Here are 8 key lessons we learned along the way, insights that will shape the future of Romulus Folio and our creative practice.

1. Choose Contextual Work

Selecting pieces that resonate with the specific audience is essential. We curated design-focused works that aligned with the Melbourne Design Show context, drawing on feedback from our Melbourne Design Week exhibition the month before. Tailoring our presentation made a significant difference. No art was specifically made for the show, we just chose existing works that we have since learnt to identify as best suited for this context.

2. Having a Gallery Space Makes a Difference

Although my contemporary up cycled shipping pallets remained at Romulus Folio, inviting Design Show visitors to our gallery opening allowed them to experience the full exhibition—including those pallets, deepening their connection to the art and its ties to the Fishermans Bend space. Holding the opening on the second night was a great way to invite and engage visitors beyond the show floor.

3. Community and Context Matter

Our exhibition opening for Tides and Transformations – Fishermans Bend coincided with The Gladstone residents’ monthly social night, blending art, place, and community. It was a vibrant celebration that welcomed many new faces from the Design Show, helping us foster meaningful relationships in a welcoming environment.

4. Space Can Surprise You

An unexpected extra space across from our stand allowed us to display an impact wall sample. This surprise opportunity showed us how a dedicated wall showcasing our materials and textures would have been a powerful way to capture attention and invite curiosity.

5. Collaboration is Key

The Design Show reinforced the importance of working with others who complement our skills and vision. Meeting talented artists and interior designers opened doors to exciting future collaborations and expanded our creative network.

6. Know Your Audience, Know Yourself

Understanding where our practice naturally meets our audience and where it doesn’t is vital. Staying true to what matters most to us helps build authentic connections. Sometimes experiencing disconnects is necessary to clarify where we want to go next.

7. The Power of Story and Space

While full backstories aren’t always requested, the tactile nature and materials of a work can often speak for itself. What truly resonates is the experience of connection and engagement. Some people prefer to recognise their own stories in a piece, finding personal meaning in form, texture, or tone. Others want the backstory to take with them, as though placing it between the pages of a new book. Either way, the work becomes part of a larger narrative. Most often I’m asked for a story behind a piece, and then their story or what they have to say about their connection with the piece follows. That’s always my favourite part. Knowing how other people see a piece and what it means and the ways it speaks to them.

8. Keep Evolving

Each new experience, piece of feedback, and connection is a step forward. The Design Show highlighted opportunities for growth and reaffirmed the ongoing journey of Romulus Folio and my own artistic path.

What’s Next: Décor + Design + Winter Exhibition

We’re back at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre this month for the Décor + Design Show, where you can find us at Stand AA1. This is a trade-only event, but one of the things we love most about Romulus Folio is that our gallery at The Gladstone is open to everyone.

That’s why we’re inviting the public to experience our Winter Exhibition, running from 9 July to 3 August at Romulus Folio in South Melbourne.

Join us for the Opening Night on Thursday 18 July from 5:00–7:00pm — a warm, intimate evening of bold art, community, and conversation.

Romulus Folio continues to be a space where art, community, and transformation meet, and we’d love to welcome you in.