When you speak with Greg Branson and Carol Mackay, you’re not just talking to seasoned creatives, you’re sitting with two of the most generous minds in the Australian design industry.
I met them a year ago at The Design Conference in Brisbane. What started as an unassuming chat in the sun turned into a discussion that changed my perspective on the way I value my time and skills. Getting the impression that I was with my people, I quickly accepted their invitation to join them for breakfast the next day, where the creative experiences around the table ranged from regional to metro, freelance to agency, and graduate to veteran.
After co-founding and running Mackay Branson Design for decades, Greg and Carol pivoted to build the kind of business they wish they'd had while running a studio. That business is the Design Business Council; a resource, a guide, and a lifeline for creatives learning how to lead, charge, and grow.
Carol’s superpower is translating the hard-to-digest into plain, practical guidance, shaped by her experience designing for courts, ombudsmen, and emergency services. Greg’s fascination lies in systems, structure, and the business sideof creativity. Together, they research, mentor, and reimagine what a sustainable creative practice looks like.
What stood out to me in our chat is how aligned they are in values and vision, not just as collaborators, but as life partners. We spoke about the messy middle between art and commerce, the future of creative education, the soft skills no one teaches, and why generosity and curiosity are their chosen legacy.
Whether you’re just out of design school, in the thick of running your own practice, or navigating what’s next, this conversation will offer insight, clarity, and maybe even a little creative therapy.
So what could two people who have seen it all, possibly do with their time after winning $100 million? Keep listening for my chat with the dream team that is Greg and Carol.
Connect with Trish: www.instagram.com/trishjohnstone
Connect with Greg and Carol: www.designbusinesscouncil.com
Learn about Oath + Stone: www.oathandstone.com.au
Apply to be a guest: www.oathandstone.com.au/creativebones
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