Our developing culture is shaped by the arts; but these critical industries are not just the underpinning of our social heritage. The arts, cultural and fashion industries collectively contribute $122.3 billion to the Australian economy, with the fashion industry alone accounting for $27.2 billion. It's clear that the arts and creative industries uplift Australians across the board.

This is the driving inspiration behind our Creative Showcase initiative – a platform that seeks to spotlight emerging creative minds, and support them in their creative careers. We invited the RUSSH community to enter a creative work – a six to eight page editorial shoot – to be judged by a panel of experts. 20 finalists have been shortlisted, and from these, three will be selected as winners. One by our readers, one by our editor and of course, one overall winner chosen by our judges.

All experts in their fields, our Creative Showcase judges know what it takes to create a powerful and impactful image, and feeding that creative process is not just about screen time. "There's a lot of content, but not all of it carries intention," says Creative Showcase judge Nariné Salmasi. Finding strength in perspective and understanding that while trend offer inspiration, work that offers something unique always reflects its creator. Ultimately, imaging making is an important way artists and creative "to share their perspective and connect with others," says Creative Showcase judge Nikki James.

Below, we share our discussions with the Creative Showcase judges, reflecting on the importance of human creativity and the advice they would share with emerging creative minds.

Nariné Salmasi, General Manager of Marketing at Omoda

Inspiration is sometimes hard to come by. How do you stay creative in your work at a design-led brand like Omoda?

For me, creativity is discovered by observation, not just within fashion or design, but through architecture, music, film, literature, and technology. At Omoda, we approach creativity with a future-focused lens, but we stay rooted in cultural relevance. I make a point to step outside of the digital ecosystem and engage with our real world, like exhibitions, street culture and travel. These all feed the creative process in ways the digital world can’t. It’s about staying curious, not just inspired.

Why do you think visual storytelling is so important?

Visual storytelling allows you to communicate complexity with immediacy. In a world where our attention is now more fractured, strong visual narratives create better emotional connections. They invite the viewer into a world rather than just asking them to look from the outside. It’s not just about aesthetics… it’s about resonance. Good visual storytelling transcends any trends and taps into something more enduring… a feeling, a memory, a statement, which makes it so important.

We live in a time where we’re constantly surrounded by imagery. How do you personally decide what stands out from the noise?

What stands out for me is what feels more considered. There's a lot of content, but not all of it carries intention. I’m drawn to work that shows clarity of concept, restraint in its execution, and a unique perspective. Something that feels authored, not assembled. If it makes me pause, then I know it’s doing something right.

In a world that is being exposed to more and more AI-generated visuals, do you think platforming human creativity is important?

Absolutely. AI has its place as a tool, but it lacks the lived experience or emotion and imperfection that makes human creativity so compelling. There's an essence to human-made work…a sense of vulnerability, a risk and a nuance that can’t be replicated by AI. Platforming human creativity isn't just important, it’s essential if we want to preserve cultural integrity and continue evolving our creative industries with authenticity.

Nikki James, Digital Marketing Manager at Camera House

In your opinion, what role do images play in shaping culture and community?

I feel images are paramount in shaping culture, as they cross language and distance barriers, allowing creators to convey emotions and share nuances of their worldview. Images can challenge societal views, guide cultural conversations, and give communities a shared visual language to express themselves.

What’s the last image, photo, or artwork that really caught your attention?

I can’t pin down a singular image, but I’m primarily inspired by impactful storytelling and am partial to portrait photography. Most recently, the entries coming out of the National Portrait Gallery have caught my attention, they share in-depth points of view and well-thought-out compositions, which I find extremely interesting.

Do you think it’s important to champion human creativity?

Absolutely, supporting creativity is so important, as it allows people to share their perspective and connect with others. That’s why it’s central to what Camera House does. Through our local in-store workshops and community events, it’s more than just gear for us, we want to give creators the tools and knowledge they need to tell their stories exactly as they envisioned.

Do you have any advice for image makers and photographers on how they can make their work stand out?

The best advice I could give is to use your own perspective as your strength. You can draw inspiration from trends and classic styles, but the work that truly stands out is the work that reflects your personal view of the world. Along with taking time to plan before you even begin shooting, to really lock in the message and emotion you want to convey is invaluable.

Sly Morikawa, Visual Artist and Photographer

What keeps you inspired and creative day to day?

Long walks and long drives, taking the time to observe and reflect. That being said, feeling inspired and creative isn’t something I try to sustain every day. I’ve found that ideas, confidence and motivation will come in waves, and it’s much easier to accept that natural ebb and flow rather than force anything. I’ve recently finished up an exhibition so my priority right now is to rest and allow myself to feel bored again. Emptying the mind so I can make space for something new.

Visual storytelling is one of our most culturally significant forms of media. Why do you think it’s so impactful?

It doesn’t need to rely on the limitations of language or culture to convey an idea or emotion. The immediacy of an image taps into our instinct, and there’s room for interpretation based on our own experiences. I think it’s these elements that allow visuals to resonate with a wider audience.

Do you think social media has changed the way we value or interpret images?

Definitely, for better and for worse. We have so much access to imagery, whether it’s old or new, and that’s become an invaluable resource for inspiration, referencing, knowledge, and discussion. However the amount of content we’re exposed to every day means the value of a single image is often reduced to a split second of our attention. Unfortunately the wider context behind each image becomes lost. It takes time and consideration to create an image and understand its true value, but the nature of social media doesn’t always allow for that same time or consideration on the viewer’s part.

As a creative mind, what's the best advice you've ever received.

Done is better than perfect.

Adele Perry, Managing Director or AP Reps photography and stylist agency

In a saturated media landscape, what makes an image timeless to you?

When the creative team know their craft so well – they collaborate seamlessly to make magic and tell a story.

Do you think the way people consume images today has changed how creators make them?

Yes, of course, so much more content is required and it moves so quickly. Editorial differs from advertising but days where the number of shots are so high leaves no time for finesse.

How can visual storytelling help bridge different communities or perspectives?

Being inclusive and mindful of the audience and the market - telling the story sensitively.

What creative advice would you share with your younger self?

Keep everything – don't throw it away ... it all comes back into fashion in some way and you'll wish you still had it ...

Jess Blanch, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at RUSSH

What keeps you inspired creatively?

When it comes to image-making I am endlessly inspired by films. Even in fashion and art photography I am drawn to vignettes or cinematic framing, perhaps because I am always just as interested in the environment around the subject as the subject itself. I’ve always loved Super 8 mm films - Derek Jarman’s for example - along with student and low budget films that make their way out as you can truly feel the freedom with which they were made. I feel like it is easier to create images when you have clear commercial perimeters, but when you have total control, you need a really big attitude and I love how this spirit comes through in experimental student films. Ridley Scott and Park Chan-Wook’s early films are an example of this.

What was the last visual, art or creative work that moved you?

Very large question. I’m going to answer this with regards to fashion campaigns as I feel in this age of the celebrity campaign it is more and more rare to be moved by one. I adored the Bottega Veneta ‘Craft is our Language’ campaign as it spoke to saying something quietly with intention. The hands tell the story and while yes, they used celebrities (like Julianne Moore) they were people who really know their craft like the writer Zadie Smith to musical Jack Antonoff. The whole thing felt very sincere and something you wished you were a part of. I also loved the recent Cartier LOVE campaign with Jacob Elordi and Sophia Coppola for all of the extremely obvious reasons.

How do you see the role of visual storytelling in the world of publishing evolving?

I wish I had a crystal ball to tell what’s next for publishing as based on the transformation of the industry over the last 25 years, who really knows? AI is going to make it an interesting conversation but I feel at the core human beings will always be drawn to image making that makes them feel something regardless of the format. The power of film and video, in my mind, is something that will continue to reach audiences more deeply than ever. I’m influenced by who makes something and let’s hope the audiences of tomorrow will be too.

Having built an enduring and loved magazine title led by its visuals, what practical advice would you give to looking for a career in image making?

Just make imagery that feels personal to you. Don’t look at what other image makers are doing and having success with. Ask yourself what your unique perspective is? The best examples of this I’ve seen are the works of the photographer Ethan James Green and Purienne. Back in the day we used to publish Ethan’s visual essays and his imagery always told such a personal story. They were memorable and one hundred per cent his own. Today he is shooting some of the biggest covers in the world. The same with Purienne who used to shoot for us in the early days - always the same kind of imagery, a relatively unknown girl looking hot in somewhere like Ibiza. Just himself and his camera. I once asked him to shoot a known model and really had to convince him to do it. He now obviously shoots Saint Laurent campaigns. I think the practical advice translates as ‘find your lane and stay in it’ and don’t expect it to happen in the first years, or even decade of your career.

Hannah Cooper, Executive Fashion Director at RUSSH

What do you think makes a powerful image in today’s world?

Emotion. If an image evokes an emotional response from you, that is powerful.

You’ve made a career from styling and directing the perfect image. Where do you start when planning a new shoot?

It can start in many ways, an inspiration from a certain collection; a shoot idea that came from seemingly nowhere that has been on my mind for years; I can sometimes sit down to start ideating and the creative just appears. I always make sure I'm open minded and always looking even when I'm not 'working', the shoot can come from a location you stumbled across whilst taking a short cut, or from a drawing your children create. The harder part comes when you then streamline and start to produce the shoot. Restraint can be your best friend here oftentimes, and is just as important as the big idea.

What are some of the creative works that keep you feeling inspired?

Art in all forms always, and my peers. I am constantly gallery hopping, I was recently in Paris and caught the Meg Webster instillation at the Bourse De Commerce, I was in awe. It invigorated me.

What advice would you give to aspiring image makers?

Keep a strong message or purpose to your work. A discerning viewer is always looking for integrity, if there is no message, it shows. Also have fun, enjoy the process, joy also shows in an image.

The RUSSH Creative Showcase 2025 is proudly supported by our partners Omoda and Camera House. 

Both partners share RUSSH’s commitment to creativity, innovation and self-expression, representing a passion for pushing boundaries and seeing the world through a fresh lens. The RUSSH Creative Showcase is a celebration of imagination, craft and the creative spirit that drives our community forward. Their partnerships have helped bring this to life in 2025.