This week's guest is Paulina Paige Ortega - creative director, art director and founder of Actual Studio.
Born in the Philippines, Paulina was staging elaborate Barbie photo shoots as a child that, looking back now, were her first foray into fashion editorials. She studied graphic design, began her career at one of the Philippines’ most awarded agencies, and eventually made the brave decision to start again in Australia.
From working at the clothing store Incu, where she found the creative community that would shape her career, she went on to creative direct Par Femme and ELLE Australia, before founding Actuel Studio with her business partner, David Caon.
And this week marks an incredibly special new chapter with the launch of PERSONA, created with her dear frriend Grace O'Neill. PERSONA is a portrait of the most interesting and captivating women of our time - singular and obsessive in its approach, with each issue dedicated entirely to one woman - the debut being the glorious Bella Freud. It’s a beautiful and ambitious idea, and one that feels so distinctly Paulina: considered, curious and underpinned by a strong point of view.
In this conversation, we talk about building a creative practice rather than simply chasing a career, the role relationships play in shaping a creative life, and what becomes possible when you choose collaboration over ego. Paulina moves through the world with such grace and generosity, but beneath her gentleness is a formidable creative conviction.
I’m so excited to be sharing this conversation in the very same week PERSONA makes its way into the world.
Follow Paulina: @actual.studio @paulinapaige
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