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Narelle Jones Advertising and Design: creativity infused with passion

Jobs, Land and Economy
A woman in black top and red cap sits at a desk on which is a laptop and two books. In the background is a large photo of a dry landscape comprising two hills ochre red and pale green in colour.

Narelle Jones Advertising and Design is an Indigenous owned and operated small business with its sights set high.

Having worked as a well-travelled graphic designer for most of her adult life, Cairns-based Narelle Jones decided to take the plunge and settle in one place to start her own business, working to diversify her skillset as she went.

‘After working for publishers and freelancing mainly on books and magazines, I decided to set up my business as a sole trader in Cairns in 2011,’ Narelle said.

‘It had become my home base, after years working in many parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory, south-east Queensland and even Fiji.’

‘While I started out primarily as a designer for the print media, I have since diversified into many areas that require design input. This includes all manner of signage, promotional items, branding, posters, websites and illustrations, among other things.’

Narelle’s approach – an astute balance of fashion and function to produce ‘innovative visual stories’ – has led to an extensive client list, including federal and state government departments, sandstone universities, corporate clients, the Commonwealth Games, and Aboriginal health services in FNQ and WA.

Her experience has emphasised the factors that bring success, as well as the challenges inherent in her line of work.

‘I would like to think that the quality of my work is a key to success, and I try to make sure that every customer is happy with the end product,’ she said.

‘This leads directly to the challenge, as the graphic design space is very price competitive and I will often need to put in the extra time and effort to produce quality outcomes without direct reward.’

Narelle also pinpoints registering her business with Supply Nation’s Indigenous Businesses Directory – the database of verified Indigenous businesses – as a pivotal factor in growing her business.

‘I have been supplying Australian Government agencies since starting out, but my business has increased since becoming registered with Supply Nation.’

As far as the future is concerned, Narelle Jones’ approach and outlook are emblematic of the value-adding effect of empowering Indigenous business operators.

‘I am the senior partner in our business (no employees at this stage), but I subcontract to other Indigenous operators.

‘In ten years’ time I hope to have an office in Cairns and in Perth, employing maybe a dozen designers and web developers. I can do anything!’

Find out more

To find out more about this Indigenous business, visit Narelle Jones Advertising and Design

The Australian Government’s Indigenous Procurement Policy is assisting thousands of Indigenous owned businesses to grow so they can be a source of wealth, training and employment for Indigenous Australians.

Indigenous businesses can register for free with Supply Nation’s Indigenous Business Direct (IBD). The IBD is Australia’s leading database of Indigenous businesses.

Read more about other businesses benefitting from the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) such as Chemworks, DCL Locksmiths and Security and Integrity Health & Safety.