If there's anything that's become more crucial in the online age, it's a knowledge of Digital & Social Media and how it's become essential to the creative sector. From videographers to social media managers, Collarts students are gleaning a well-rounded education of the industry while studying from home, as these expert guest speakers impart their wisdom on the ins and outs of working in digital media.

TODD WATTS

 Todd Watts runs Watts Design Co., specialising in brand activation, content, conceptual development for brands, TV, and film, and more, and working with big names like Netflix, Lexus, Cadbury, Twitter, and SBS (that's just scratching the surface). You may recognise him from one of our Collarts Connected livestreams earlier this year, touching on a collaboration with Kingdom Sneakers—and since then, he's still lent valuable pearls of advice on the possibilities of creativity and creating inspiring work.

ISABELLE CLARA MASON

Scratch is pet food but with a difference—healthier, cheaper, more sustainable—and you can tell they're different from your off-the-supermarket-shelf pet food just from their social media, managed by Isabelle Clara Mason. With a keen eye for fun, fresh and quirky content, students learned all about the importance of carrying a diverse skillset, the art of storytelling, and "future-proofing" your career.

CLARE MARTIN LAPWORTH

Melbourne-based photographer Clare Martin Lapworth is the creative behind CML Studio, delivering bespoke image campaigns, digital content, product photography, and more. With clients such as Australia Post, Rollie Nation, and Black Swan, Clare had more than a few things to say about navigating that professional relationship with pre-planning, discussions, and building your business.

OWEN RICHARDS

Agency Kidyounot is renowned for their innovative and meaningful approach to branding, and it's all thanks to Co-Founder and Creative Director Owen Richards. Founded in 2010, Kidyounot was born out of Owen's desire to create work that transcends barriers, being business-focused, culturally aware, and beautifully crafted. He gave our students are sneak peek into the inner workings of this award-winning agency: from their development to how Owen juggles being a graphic designer, creative director, and business owner.

DOMINIC HOOK

You can see Dominic Hook's passion for cycling and videography through his work: a portfolio full of campaigns and advertisements for the industry, which, according to his bio, stems from a childhood of creating home videos about himself and his three brothers. Youth can sometimes feel like a barrier, but for Dominic, it's meant taking on every opportunity he can, while he can—and it makes him uniquely positioned to offer valuable advice to Collarts students. His video footage was also used for Audio Engineering students to practice their Dolby Atmos skills on.

KATE STREADER

Beat Magazine's Digital Editor and Social Media Manager Kate Streader has been featured on our Collarts blog before, but in an intimate guest lecture, the Entertainment Journalism alumni has a lot to offer. Tackling the specific questions about how to make money online using sponsored content or paywalls, as well as how to set yourself apart in a saturated industry where anyone can start their own music news site.

SALLY BROWNBILL

Owner of The Brownbill Effect, a support service for creative individuals and the industry at large since 2013, Sally Brownbill trades in consultation and identifying how to build your business better. It makes her the perfect person to lend a helping hand to our Digital & Social Media students, who learned about the power of communication, the importance of having mentors, and improvisation.

KAT SOUTAR

It's Beautiful Here is 10 years old, and run by photographer Kat Soutar alongside another Melbourne-based photographer Scout Kozakiewicz. Covering weddings through the lens of their documentary/film style, Kat walked students through the journey of developing her style (a nod to legends Nan Goldin and Corinne Day), and how she balances being a fly on the wall while creating beautiful portraits.

OLIVIA GATT

Clemenger BBDO Art Director Olivia Gatt knows a thing or two about design. Creating from a philosophy of dedicated art and design principles, colour theory, and creative intuition, it's led Olivia to winning awards and stepping into the role of mentor. From her unique perspective, she had some nuggets of wisdom to say on how digital is turning analogue, empathy as a superpower, and how watching and listening can be your most valuable skill.