My journey.
I’m Cressida Beale, a Melbourne-based visual artist, designe, and stylist with a diverse career spanning architecture, art, and business. My journey is shaped by a commitment to creativity, innovation, and community impact. From architectural projects and pro bono initiatives to founding and supporting small businesses, I’ve embraced opportunities to collaborate, problem-solve, and make a difference.
My career in architecture—spanning awards, competition successes, and pro bono work like the FOCHTA Community Centre in Malawi—has deeply influenced how I view and interpret landscapes in my art. Since transitioning to full-time painting, I’ve sold over 100 self-represented works, completed multiple commissions, and collaborated with designers and architects on unique projects.
Key Skills & Experience
• Art & Design: Brand development, graphic design, and a portfolio of over 100 sold paintings and commissions.
• Entrepreneurship: Launching and growing my small business, including supporting Durance Armadale (a high end Fashion & Homewares Boutique) in Visual Merchandising, e-commerce, sales, and marketing 2019 - current.
• Leadership: Board member of FOCHTA, Partnerships Manager ( March - July 2025) & coach for Global Sisters, and involvement in community initiatives like school fundraisers and CanToo cancer research.
• A 16 year Career in Architecture, working in London , Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, on award winning national and international Projects across all sectors of the market .Both Large and small in scale.
• Project Management: Event planning, art exhibitions & Visual Merchandising (e.g., Durance Shop)
• Decorating , Styling & Visual Merchandisings- Private Clients and Retail.
• Diversity & Inclusivity Advocate: As a proud dyslexic, I celebrate neurodiversity and draw strength from different ways of thinking, fostering inclusivity in my work and collaborations.
Community Contributions
• Annual art donations
• Pro bono work for FOCHTA and other NGOs.
• Fundraising efforts for CanToo and local schools development.
• Partnerships Manager for Global Sisters ( March - July 2025)
Achievements
• Successfully transitioned from architecture to full-time art & design , blending technical precision with creative expression.
• Featured in media and magazines for my art and design work.
• Supported and coached fellow entrepreneurs, particularly women, in navigating e-commerce and business development.
• During my architectural Career won various awards for Projects worked on at Tobias Partners and Sam Crawford Architects
I thrive on finding creative solutions, connecting with people, and building sustainable, impactful projects. Let’s connect to explore opportunities or collaborate!