INSIDE VOICES

BEAR X LIV MCGOW

Liv and I first met at a party in our mutual friend’s Shumpus (shed/rumpus) at about 15 years of age, no doubt up to no good! We have stayed friends since, always making time for a boogie at a festival, or brainstorming creative ventures. Liv has an eye for beauty and a talent for design - she is responsible for BEAR’s branding. We love Liv.

Give us an elevator pitch.

Liv. Long black with a dash of milk. Creative. Sports fan. Sucker for good packaging. Jack of all trades, a master at none - I like to have my fingers in a lot of pies, to keep things fresh and interesting.

As a freelance graphic designer, you get to exercise your creativity - who is your dream client? You’ve already ticked BEAR off your bucket list hehe.

Of course, BEAR! Once upon a time, I dreamed of working for a surfing magazine - I had a real love for print, and tactility. Now, I honestly have no dream client. I love helping people, particularly people I know and love, bring their vision to life.

What never fails to inspire you?

Before I began studying graphic design and marketing, I had my heart set on becoming an Architect. Creatively, I'm fascinated by architecture and how it fits (or how it doesn't) within the landscape. I could spend thousands of hours admiring both of these things, and photographing them.

One Tasmanian Treasure you’re willing to share.

It's a hard task picking just one, so i've decided to leave you with two.

Walk - Hartz Mountain, I've hiked this track in the snow, rain and shine. Always magical, with a new perspective to offer each time.
Experience - Floating Sauna, Lake Derby - our first sauna plunge experience that took my breath away (literally).

3 songs that belong in every road trip playlist?

My road trip playlist is often filled with songs of artists who I've seen perform at past festivals (any chance to reminisce, i'll take it).

Ball Park Music - It's nice to be alive
The Wombats - Tokyo
Royel Otis - Oysters in my pocket

And a rogue fourth, Iris - Goo Goo Dolls

You have a way with a film camera, tell us the attraction?

There's something magic about film - a greater appreciation for the imperfect perfection of the grain, the off-guard moments captured. In the digital world we are surrounded by, it's nice to escape to the world of film where a photo is appreciated for what it is, and not what it isn't.

What is the most unique/special stay you’ve had?

Bruny Island Hideaway - everything about this stay was so special. My partner had booked this spot as a birthday gift. We made homemade pasta on the woodfire stove, and gazed at the stars in the warmth of the outdoor bath. And, i can't forget the architecture - simple, minimal and cosy.

Your work in Brand & Marketing which has taken you to New Zealand multiple times! Can you give us some must-dos for an NZ itinerary?

I think i'm officially an adopted-kiwi. New Zealand feels like my second home, and shares so many similarities with home, Tasmania.

Often when i travelled across the ditch, i've been on photoshoots so i've seen some pretty speccy spots, but i have also travelled outside of work too.

North Island - Piha Beach, Waiheke Island
South Island - Wanaka, Lake Matheson, Queenstown

Your passport has seen some stamps! Where is one place you’d love to return to, and one place you’re desperate to see?

Milos - the destination bundled all my favourite things in one - food, beaches and adventure.
Iceland and Morocco are high on the list - the natural beauty and contrast of these two places interests me most.

Tell us a story from your recent time in the NT?

My partner and I jumped on the hop-on-hop-off bus for an afternoon walk at Waliup Gorge and Sunset at The Olgas. After a speccy sunset, we were driving home and were treated to a view of the supermoon rising above Uluru - just wow.

Supermoon - the Olgas, Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Stray beautiful,

BEAR.

BEAR X Liv McGow

INSIDE VOICES

BEAR X LIV MCGOW

BEAR X Ella Lamplugh