Building a Creative Studio and Raising a Young Family
In honour of International Women’s Day, we are proud to continue our Remarkable Women series — a collection of conversations with women within our community who share in the responsibility and privilege of raising children, and who bring creativity, thoughtfulness and strength to the many roles they hold in their lives.
In this edition, we meet Matilda Wilson, designer, founder of Matilda Wilson Creative, and mother to two young children, Banks and Murphy. Based in Australia, Matilda leads a design studio known for thoughtful, strategy-led branding, working with businesses across lifestyle, wellness and hospitality.
In our conversation, Matilda reflects on building a creative career from a young age, the moments that shaped her confidence as a founder, and the ways motherhood has contributed to her perspective on ambition, time and what truly matters.
To begin, can you introduce yourself in your own words and describe this season of life for you, both in the studio and at home?
Matilda: I’m Matilda Wilson, I’m a mum to two beautiful kids, Banks and Murphy and I’m a design studio owner and director at Matilda Wilson Creative.
This season of life for me is described as busy, chaotic but incredibly fulfilling and filled with joy.
Matilda with daughter, Murphy wearing the Sunday Dress, Natural Stripe
Before launching your own studio, what did your professional world look like, and how did you begin to realise you wanted to build something under your own name?
Matilda: Prior to starting my own studio, I worked at a lifestyle publication house designing a range of women’s magazines while freelancing on the side. The industry taught me a great deal about print and pre-press requirements, which I still use today on packaging projects and print materials.
It was great experience, but I was craving versatility. The role was quite repetitive due to the nature of magazines and deadlines, and I was looking for a deeper connection to my work.
I’ve always been passionate about the cultural side of design, I just hadn’t realised at the time that branding was such a strong avenue to explore that interest.
Instagram was also really favouring design at the time and traction was fantastic, which made freelancing feel quite organic and translated into paid work quite well.
When you finally made the decision, what felt most uncertain and what were you most confident about?
Matilda: I was very careful about this. I was living out of home and quite independent, so I made sure the work I had lined up covered my necessary costs of living and that I had a strong foundation.
At the time I worked within my publication role and freelanced after hours, often doing 12-hour days. My partner Jack was very supportive and it actually felt fun. There was a brewing excitement about what it could turn into.
Thankfully being 22 and naive also makes you fearless, and I’m so glad I backed myself and followed a passion-led career path.
Matilda with daughter, Murphy, and son, Banks.
When you launched Matilda Wilson Creative, what were you determined to do differently?
Matilda: I launched the studio with a commitment to donate 1% of income to environmental charities, which is still something I do each year.
I was also determined to be known as a strategic designer, someone that was smart enough to look beyond aesthetics and could speak with conviction about their work because there were layers to it. I’ve always loved culture and the way design permeates it, and I’m always looking for ways to weave this in or make the work centric to its intended audiences so it feels deeper.
Can you tell us about a project that marked a defining moment in your business?
Matilda: I’ve been very grateful to have some fantastic opportunities come my way and businesses who chose to invest in my brand and approach. From the very first year of operation I had support from larger entities who ultimately took a risk.
One project that stands out is designing the launch of Eight Sleep into Australia. It involved strategy, copy, design, advertising and output all interwoven. I was able to flex a lot of creative muscle and they really trusted the work.
Driving through the CBD of Sydney and seeing that work up in lights across multiple locations was incredibly special.
Was there a moment early in your business where you felt completely out of your depth?
Matilda: Haha, all the time — including right now.
I’m currently working on a rebrand that will roll out across 150+ locations Australia-wide while simultaneously working on one of the largest wellness brands in the country. I fluctuate between I am capable of hard things and have a seat at the table for a reason to what the hell am I doing.
From past similar experiences I know the best way through feelings of uncertainty is to knuckle down and work harder.
If you show them you’re capable before you tell them, you won’t have to say a word.
Is there something you protect now that you would have given away more easily in your twenties?
Matilda: Probably my time. I value it a lot more now and see its worth.
This stems from becoming a parent. We’re irreplaceable at home and saying yes to every single work opportunity won’t necessarily translate to fulfilment or great work. I try to say yes to what aligns with my values and who I connect with best, and do my best not to overextend.
How did you find the shift from one child to two?
Matilda: I found the shift to two children easier than zero to one. I had some experience under my belt and knew that tough times won’t last nor will the good ones.
Sometimes two can feel like a tornado but the joy is double. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Have you noticed yourself doing anything differently in raising your daughter compared to your son?
Matilda: Murphy is still so little that we haven’t lent too far into the principles of raising a daughter yet, but I anticipate a different weight to this role.
We want to ensure we raise a strong daughter who sees her worth, respects firstly herself and those around her and is confident in who she is.
There are plenty of gender stereotypes but at their core it’s about character.
Do your children see you working? What do you hope they absorb from that?
Matilda: Absolutely. They see two hard-working parents every day, both in a professional capacity and at home.
The work that goes into maintaining a household — cooking, cleaning, schedules and life admin — is not something we undervalue. We try to involve Banks in the upkeep of our home and have reward charts and incentives to show cause and effect.
I hope the kids absorb that hard work isn’t gender related and that hard work generates fun and freedom.
What does a “slow Sunday” look like in your house?
Matilda: A slow Sunday is my absolute favourite.
Nothing makes me happier than a home-cooked meal, herbs from our garden, music on, Jack and I sitting on our two little chairs and the kids playing outside.
I really hope this season of slow Sundays continues forever. It’s a beautiful reminder that life and richness comes from each other and simplicity.
Is there a small habit or ritual you return to when you need to reset?
Matilda: Being outdoors and disconnecting. Putting the phone down is a superpower and I always come back from a trip up north or camping with a better outlook.
We love hearing about family traditions. Is there something you’ve started with your children that feels especially meaningful?
Matilda: Every year around Christmas we travel up to Hat Head with the kids and our cousins to spend a week by the beach.
Each year brings new reasons to be grateful — often new babies and really special memories. I cherish this time deeply.
Five years ago, what did success look like to you?
Matilda: Five years ago I probably didn’t think too much about the long term. I was just starting out and wanting to build a career without knowing exactly what that could look like.
My focus on freedom, flexibility and putting life above work through a strong work ethic remains consistent.
What advice would you give women starting a creative business while raising young children?
Matilda: Firstly, if anyone is on this trajectory please reach out and chat — I would love to support you in any way possible.
My biggest piece of advice would be to remember why you started and what you’re capable of. It’s going to feel heavy and hard so often, but if you can do it while raising children, you can do anything.
I have such a deep respect for female founders with families, as well as their partners who support and work as a team. It takes guts and perseverance, but if your drive is coming from a place of passion and you care about what you do, it will be worthwhile.
Finally, what do you hope your daughter inherits from you?
Matilda: I hope Murphy inherits my ability to not worry about public opinion and to just be herself — whatever that may be — and know she has a family around her that will love and support her every step.
Matilda’s story reminds us that remarkable women are often building careers, families and meaningful lives all at once.
Through thoughtful work, strong values and a deep appreciation for family, she is shaping both her studio and the next generation growing up around her.
You can follow Matilda’s work at @matildawilsoncreative.