PADC to Open Emergence Creative Collision '26 with The Spaces Between
- The Marketer
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Perth Advertising & Design Club will open the 2026 Emergence Creative Collision with a panel event held over lunch at The Fire Station Busselton
The Panel, hosted by PADC Co-President Leigh Wood, consists of Ben Yew (ONE Bunbury) Carma Levene (The Marketer Australia), Clare Reid (Longform Creative), writer and performer Dennis Power, multi-disciplinary creative Nicholas Kempt, and Tim Kerr (Brainstorm Design), a mix of local South West and Perth Metropolitan creatives willing to share stories of when things go sideways.
Leigh Wood described the theme of the panel:
"Last Emergence Collision we talked about The Spaces Between - the artistic and creative pursuits, outside of the day job, that fill our creative hearts."
"This time we're turning attention to the bit that pays the bills. How do creative founders stay mentally fit, creatively motivated, and what magic can happen when things don't go as expected."
When asked what to expect from the event, Clare Reid explained:
“As the opening session for this year, we’re kicking things off with a peek behind the curtain of creative business ownership. Each panellist comes from a different discipline—animation, music, graphic design, strategy, photography, film, writing, even fire performing—yet the sacrifices, lessons, and successes are eerily similar.”
“With some panellists at the very threshold of their founder’s story, and others many (many) years in, this conversation is about connecting career creatives at all stages of the ride.”
“Over lunch, we’ll get into it all—what sacrifices were worth it, what absolutely weren’t, how we stay mentally healthy amongst the often-isolating experience as a solo-preneur, and the practical ways we make our livings as commercial artists. Yes, we still eat.”
Ben Yew added:
"Being a creative can feel lonely. One Bunbury taught me that stories connect us, and the best conversations happen when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and real."
"That's what The Spaces Between is all about."
Carma Levene said:
"I don't really identify as a purebred creative, but I do believe I approach my work with a creative spirit - and I can certainly talk about the challenges of being a solo operator!"
If you've been looking for an excuse to head south, why not join the impeccable vibes of Emergence Creative Collision 2026 on the 20th of August?
This event is free, but registrations are required.
The panel will kick of a full program of powerful Creative Collision events across Bunbury celebrating creativity and technology.
Visit Creative Tech Village Humanitix page for the full event listings here.
