Design for Change – Entries Open!
- Words by Peppermint
Designers – do you want to make a positive, lasting difference in the world? If you’ve got a big design idea and need some assistance making it a reality, we’d love to help! To support creative ideas and help foster global change, Peppermint is offering one up-and-coming Australian designer $500 towards the tuition fees for the course of their choice (across any design discipline, including fashion, graphics, furniture, product, landscape, jewellery, web and more). You might have already started your course this March or you could be planning to do so later this year. It may be degree-length study or a short program that will help you learn new skills. All we ask is that you have a vision for social change or environmental responsibility, and that your chosen course will help you work towards this goal. Entries will be judged by a panel of experts specialising in various aspects of design and sustainability, including Ben Peacock, Founder of Republic of Everyone agency; Kelly Elkin, Fashion Designer and Founder of ALAS sleepwear; Kent Gration, Sustainable Furniture Designer and Creator of Wambamboo and Kelley Sheenan, Designer/Editor of Peppermint.
To enter, please email your answers to the following questions (along with a supporting document containing visual representation of your concept or business idea) to hello@peppermintmag.com with the subject line ‘Design for Change’ by 5pm, Friday 28th March 2014. Hit us with your best pitch!
1) How do you plan to use design to create positive change in the world?
2) What is your background in this area?
3) How will your work stand out from others already working in this field? What will be your point of difference?
4) Which course (at which institution) do you plan to study/are currently studying?
5) What is your five-year plan to bring this idea to fruition?
#peppermintdesigncomp
Need help finding the right course? There are a number of great institutions you can apply to in Australia, including (but not limited to) the following. Check out their design programs and get inspired!
Billy Blue College of Design
Shillington College
Open Colleges
International School of Colour and Design
RMIT University
University of Tasmania
School for Social Entrepreneurs
Centre for Sustainability Leadership
Raffles College of Design and Commerce
University of Southern Australia
University of Queensland
The Permaculture Institute
SEED International
Sydney University
University of Canberra
Terms and conditions: Competition is open within Australia only. Closing date is 28th March 2014. This competition is facilitated and funded by Peppermint Publishing Trust. Prize money is non-transferrable and non-exchangeable. Funds must be paid directly to the institution (or to the competition winner if tuition fee payment has already been made – proof of payment will be required in this instance). Winner will be notified by Wednesday 9th April 2014. Proof of enrolment to the agreed institution (as outlined in your application) will need to be provided within 12 months of the competition closing date, and payment must be made to the institution within this period also. The judges’ decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
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Look, I don’t want to make anyone panic but IT’S DECEMBER!!! If you’re planning to give homemade gifts, you’re going to have to act fast. …
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“We are in unprecedented times in the United States, at least in terms of having a government who openly and unabashedly disparages, rejects and causes harm to trans folks and other marginalised groups, including immigrants. So my team decided I should make a piece of art that included the words ‘You Belong Here’ that people could hang in their homes, and this piece was born.” @LisaCongdon 💕
These words were spoken by Lisa in our latest issue, and they are now more relevant than ever. Our latest issue is full of creativity, inclusivity and belonging. Our cover is the front door, welcoming you into our house of hope. You are welcome. You are valued. Take a seat at our table.
YOU BELONG HERE. 🫶
Issue 64 cover artwork by @LisaCongdon
At newsagents and stockists now.
#PeppermintMagazine #EqualRights #LGBTQI+ #Equality #YouBelong
As issue 64’s gorgeous cover artwork by artist @LisaCongdon proudly proclaims: you belong here. Yet for trans and non-binary people, acceptance still remains hard won – and increasingly under threat.
In our latest issue, we spoke to actress and transgender rights advocate @GeorgieStone, multi-hyphenate life coach, pilates and meditation teacher, diversity educator and runway model @RudiLandmann, artist and seven-time Archibald finalist Kim Leutwyler (@CarlosBob) and multidisciplinary artist Sunday Jemmott of @SundaysArtClub about their wins and worries – and why belonging matters deeply.
Read more from our ‘Transforming the Narrative’ feature in issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!
Photos: @NickCog, @KateLukePhotography for @DangerousFemales, Kim Leutwyler, @RissVisualStudio
#PeppermintMagazine #YouBelong #TransLivesMatter #NonBinary #HumanRights
Who’s going to the sold out Liberty Fabrics Showcase in Brisbane or Melbourne? 🙋♀️
To say we’re excited is an understatement! Maybe we’re biased because our lovely Laura (Sewing Manager) is walking in the fashion parade along with many other incredible sewists in our community, but also - there’s SO many good things: retail stalls featuring exclusive products, rare finds and all things @LibertyFabrics, and sneak peeks at brand-new quilting and fashion collections, including the Liberty Fabrics Spring/Summer ‘Floral Rebellion’ collection.
Also - Liberty legends Mary-Ann Dunkley (Head of Design) and Anna Buruma (ex-Head of Archive) are flying in from London especially!
Keep an eye on our socials this weekend for BTS! 🌸🌼🌺
Brisbane 7/2/26
Melb 14/2/26
From @Laura_The_Maker:
If you know me irl then you probably know that I only do one take for my reels so enjoy this vid of me saying thousands of words about an exciting collaboration I’m participating in for 2026!
Thanks to the teams @2GreenZebras @Regent_Street_Fabrics and @StyleArc for including me on the runway. I absolutely can’t wait!
Obviously I’ll be hoping for enough scrap fabric to make some kind of accessories…
#libertyfabrics #libertyfabricsshowcase
🌻 The Paddington 🌻
This is a much-loved staple, created for Issue 50 in 2021. We love seeing the #PeppermintPaddingtonTop continually popping up in our feeds!
How stunning is our model Elon MelaninGoddessEfon – she told us it was one of the first times she had been asked to come to a shoot with her natural hair. 🌻
We worked with South African patternmaker Sarah Steenkamp of @FrenchNavyNow_ to create this wardrobe essential – the perfect puff-sleeve blouse. Raglan sleeves make it the ultimate beginner sew, plus the gorgeous back buttons let you add your own personal twist.
Pattern via the link in bio! 🪡
Photos: @KelleySheenan
Fabric: @Spoonflower
Model: MelaninGoddessEfon
“In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country. Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal and punishable by law to wear, make, or distribute. As purveyors of traditional craft, we felt it appropriate to revisit this design.”
Crafters have often been at the heart of many protest movements, often serving as a powerful means of political expression. @NeedleAndSkein, a yarn store in Minnesota, are helping to mobilise the craftivists of the world with a ‘Melt The Ice’ knitting pattern created by @Yarn_Cult (with a crochet pattern too), as a way of peaceful protest.
The proceeds from the $5 pattern will go to local immigrant aid organisations – or you can donate without buying the pattern.
Raise those needles, folks – art and craft can change the world. 🧶
Link in bio for the pattern.
Images: @Gather_Fiber @NeedleAndSkein @a2ina2 @KyraGiggles Sandi.204 @WhatTracyMakes AllieKnitsAway Auntabwi2
#MeltTheIce #Craftivism #Knitting #CraftForChange
TWO WEEKS TO GO! 🤩
"The most important shift is moving from volume-led buying to value-led curation – choosing fewer, better products with strong ethics, considered production and meaningful stories. Retailers have real influence here: what you buy signals what you stand for. At Life Instyle, this means using the event to discover and invest in small-scale, planet-considerate brands that align with your values and your customer’s conscience. Consumers don’t need more things; they need better things, and retailers play a key role in selecting, contextualising, and championing why those products matter."
Only two more weeks until @Life_Instyle – Australia`s leading boutique retail trade show. If you own a store, don`t miss this event! Connect with designers, source exquisite – and mindful – products, and see firsthand why this is Australia’s go-to trade show for creatives and retailers alike. And it`s free! ✨️
Life Instyle – Sydney/Eora Country
14-17 February 2026
ICC, Darling Harbour
Photos: @Samsette
#LifeInstyle #SustainableShopping #SustainableShop #RetailTradeEvent
