Naomi Akikusa

Graphic Designer, Creative Director

I’m Naomi Akikusa-Dawber—a designer, creative director, and co-founder based in Naarm/Melbourne. At the heart of my practice is an interest in tone and emotional clarity—the invisible work behind how things feel. I’m drawn to projects that ask for thoughtfulness, not just polish. That hold weight. That need a visual identity capable of carrying complexity, care, and intention. For the past decade, I’ve built a body of work across brand, design and cultural storytelling—most recently as co-founder of Play On Play Studio, an award-winning creative practice known for its playful, purposeful approach. At Play On Play, I led projects for clients across the arts, music, community and retail spaces, often building visual identities from the ground up. Our work was collaborative, expressive, and often deeply personal—and that shaped the kind of designer I’ve become. Before that, I was a core part of the Ladies of Leisure collective (2016–2020), an independent platform for women and non-binary creatives. My time there deepened my connection to community-led work, and opened up a wealth of creative friendships and collaborations that continue to shape my values today. It taught me how design can hold space, not just deliver outcomes—and that the most powerful work often begins in conversation. I bring a clear, intuitive creative voice, along with years of experience navigating the realities of running a studio—from early concept to final delivery, from brand strategy to art direction. I work closely with clients, often acting as a bridge between creative intention and visual execution. I'm not afraid of ambiguity—I know how to sit in the fog, listen, and find form.
My creative perspective has also been shaped by living and working across cities like Berlin, Bristol, London, Byron Bay and Melbourne—experiences that expanded my sense of what design can do, and who it can speak to.

Textile Design
Campaign Logo Design

Client: RAQ
Role: Textile Designer
Photographer: @radhika.photos
Creative Director: @sharkkana
Producer : @olivialaurajames_
Production Assistant: @chayldn
Art Director: @reneeeingram
Lighting: @alexjose.photo
Digi Op: @howimwastingtime
Retoucher: @radhika.photos

Branding
Social Media
Web Design

Client: Finesse
Studio: Play On Play
Role: Creative Direction, Conceptualisation + Lead Designer

Campaign Branding
Social Media

Client: Piccolina Gelateria
Studio: Play On Play
Role: Creative Direction, Conceptualisation + Lead Designer
Producer: Banalarama
Photographer: Zoe Coldham

Art Direction
Branding
Social Media

Client: RAQ
Studio: Play On Play
Role: Creative Direction + Conceptualisation

Album Art
Vinyl
Digital

Client: Feng Suave (Lustre)
Studio: Play On Play
Role: Conceptulisation, Creative Direction
Supporting Designer: Lucy Fry

Event Artwork
Social Media

Client: Finding Figaro
Studio: Freelance
Role: Creative Director + Designer

Publication Design
Print

Project: Personal
Brand: Pringle of Scotland
Year: 2016

Album Art
Vinyl

Client: Maple Glider, Pieater Records
Studio: Play On Play
Role: Creative Director + Designer
Photographer: Max D’Orsogna

Event Branding
Social Media
Merchandise

Client: Finding Figaro
Studio: Freelance
Role: Concept Creation, Creative Direction, Designer
Photoshoot Direction: Lucy Fry
Photographer: Max D’Orsogna

Event Artwork
Social Media

Client: Finding Figaro
Studio: Freelance
Role: Designer + Creative Director