When you step into The Forefront, everyone notices something different. For some, it’s the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. For others, it’s the vibrant artwork lining the walls. And then there are those who are drawn to the quiet determination of our members, deeply immersed in their craft.
Among those driven creatives is Bec King – founder of Brisbane’s newest creative studio, Gussy.
After earning her Bachelor of Graphic Design from Griffith University, Bec sharpened her skills across both Australia and the United States. Her design philosophy, rooted in art, storytelling, and the human experience, has helped her deliver meaningful branding and marketing for some of the country’s leading real estate brands.
But for Bec, sticking to just one path was never the plan.
“I’ve always loved what I do at The Agency, but I knew I needed to carve out something of my own – a space where creativity and purpose could collide in new ways.”
That vision became Gussy – a boutique creative studio based here at The Forefront, dedicated to helping small businesses and creatives build powerful personal brands, websites, and design identities.
We sat down with Bec to learn more about her journey, her passion for design, and what it really means to go solo.
What inspired you to start Gussy and go solo?
Bec: After working in big agencies and national companies, I realised I craved that personal touch – doing things where the approval doesn’t come from a boardroom but from someone’s partner at home, or someone’s mate they just had to show. I wanted to take my experience, skills, and know-how from those high level corporate days and apply them to businesses that usually get overlooked like mom and pop shops, creatives, and solopreneurs. There’s a real gap in the market for top-tier design that’s accessible to people who don’t have a big budget, and that’s where Gussy comes in. I don’t believe in doing vague quotes and them being based entirely on who you interact with or how much income you’re projected to bring it. I believe in project based pricing and clear upfront pricing structures.
How did working in Australia and the United States shape your perspective on design?
Bec: Working in both places gave me such a well-rounded perspective – not just through design, but from working in a ton of different industries. In the U.S., it’s all about bold, loud design – brands that have something to say. In Australia, there’s this blend of clean and thoughtful design with a real focus on storytelling. That mix, paired with the experiences I gained outside of design, gave me the confidence to push boundaries while staying true to the human connection at the core of it all. It’s about combining my experiences with my clients to make a brand stand out – whether that means speaking boldly or telling a quieter, more intimate story. You should pick your brand / website designer closely – make sure it’s someone you trust, someone you vibe with, someone you respect. I know I’m not for everyone but the people who find me are honestly people I would invite into my house for a weeknight dinner and I love that.
Where do you find your biggest creative inspiration?
Bec: Honestly? People. I know it sounds SOOO cliche, but hearing their stories, understanding their quirks, and translating that into design is where the magic happens. I grew up in a super sarcastic, loud, and opinionated family, so I’ve always loved hearing people’s wildly specific ideas on things. I’m all about listening to them rant about obscure stuff they love (even if it’s something I don’t vibe with). Other people’s obsessions fascinate me – it’s where I get a ton of inspo from. Pop off kings and queens, I see you!
Are there any new design trends or techniques you’re excited to experiment with?
Bec: With the rise of AI and robots taking over the world, I’m loving experimenting with what AI can bring to the table. Most of the time, it’s just bad ideas, but it helps me visualise my first, second, and third thoughts – basically, showing me what I don’t want and saving me a ton of time to focus on the bigger picture and the final execution. But it’s also great for pushing me outside my comfort zone. When I need to bring in an animator, developer, sound designer, or copywriter, it gives me a clearer vision of what I want. Lately, I’ve been diving more into motion, animation, and movement, and that’s where my freelance network steps in to help bring the ideas to life when I need a little extra muscle.
Why did you choose The Forefront as the home for Gussy?
Bec: The Forefront’s energy is unmatched. It will become a thriving hub for creatives and entrepreneurs, and it just felt right for Gussy to start off here. It’s not your average office space – it’s a community that gets what it means to build something from the ground up. I sit between two guys that are in completely different industries from myself but it feels like a team. We are all rooting for each other and there’s no ‘office politics’ because we are all on the same wavelength of levelling up and finding community. Forefront also puts on a ton of events that are amazing for networking that the wider community can come to. It’s worth a visit.
Bec’s story is a reminder that the boldest moves often lead to the most rewarding paths. With Gussy now finding its home at The Forefront, she’s ready to help other creatives and small businesses bring their brands to life – with purpose, passion, and plenty of personality.
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Learn more about Gussy here: www.gussy.studio
🚀 Are you ready to take your own leap? Join Bec and other innovators building Brisbane’s future at The Forefront. Book a tour today.