CAREER PROFILE: RENEE TRATTLES

Welcome to our October edition of our journal series ‘Career Profile.’ Each month we sit down with inspiring people doing inspiring things in their careers, to discuss what inspires them. Join us for this month’s career musing with Renee Trattles, who has led an inspiring creative career whilst based in Brisbane, QLD. Prior to becoming the Photographer & Retoucher at DISSH, she worked as Creative Director of the Australian Online Fashion Boutique, Charcoal Clothing.

Explore Renee’s career path, advice and day-in-the-life-of musings.

SAY HELLO TO OUR october MUSE: renee trattles.

First things first, how did it all begin and what was the lightbulb moment that led you to pursue a career in Graphic Design, Marketing and Photography?

I don’t think there necessarily was a lightbulb moment. I was always interested in graphic design and photography but always saw them as more of a hobby and never a career. It wasn’t until I started working in the fashion Industry that I began to realise it was a possibility, and also opened my eyes to how many other exciting creative roles exist within the industry.

You have led an inspiring career journey, tell us about your biggest career highlight to date?

Thank you! My biggest career highlight would probably be my involvement in the creative direction and photography for Charcoal’s first ever swimwear campaign ‘Off Tropic’. It was a multi day shoot on a small island off Bali, so the shoot prep and organisation alone was incredibly challenging but was an incredible experience and a campaign I'm very proud of!

On the flip side, what have you found most challenging?

Often when working in smaller teams, you have to wear many different hats. When coming straight from uni this isn’t something you are necessarily prepared for, and it’s up to you to take the initiative and work things out for yourself.

Renee’s career highlight: Charcoal’s first ever swimwear campaign ‘Off Tropic’

What advice would you give someone looking to head down a similar career path as you? Are there any short courses or study pathways that you would recommend?

My university degrees on paper definitely helped me in getting my first ever graphic design job, in saying that I learnt so much more from the internships and honestly even YouTube for photography/design than from my Advertising or Design degree. I’d recommend a short course to learn the programs and technology involved if you don’t already have those fundamentals, but for any creative field the best experience is hands on experience so reach out to brands or even freelance creatives/photographers for internships or to help assist on shoots etc be willing to do the not so glamorous jobs to watch and learn.

Here at RÈLIER we believe in building a strong and inspiring network of people. Do you have a mentor or close network that you look up to and lean on for advice? 

I don’t have a mentor as such, but I know I could always go to one of my past managers for any advice. She was also a very fundamental person in giving me the confidence to continue in this field and lucky to have her as a friend. I follow so many Australian photographers on Tiktok and I feel like that platform is less polished and more real so it is actually a nice way to communicate with other creatives.

What do you love most about working for DISSH? 

The women I work with, not only do they share similar values but everyone is so talented in their respective fields and it’s so cool to see a predominantly female team killing it and supporting one and other. Being part of something that is growing so quickly out of little ol Brisbane is also super exciting!

A day in the office, what does this typically look like for you?

Always different! If I'm not on shoot it usually involves a lot of photo retouching, prepping images for the website, booking models + H&MU and organising shoot days. Other days might be assisting the brand and ecom teams with whatever they have going on that week.

What are your goals for the next 12 months and what are you most looking forward to?

I’m still relatively new in my role at DISSH so I would love to focus on just doing the best I can in this role and cementing it as my own and hopefully bringing some new ideas.

Arabella Ombre Skirt - DISSH

What does workplace culture mean to you and why is it so important to champion?

A Collaborative, inspiring and open environment. Since being at DISSH we are encouraged to ‘practise calm’ and this has been a big one in helping me bring the best version of myself to the office each day, and you can really see this across the entire team. It makes for a more enjoyable workplace and one you want to be part of.

Just for fun, we would love to know what you are currently watching, reading, and listening to. 

I’m a sucker for reality TV hahaha! So currently watching Below Deck and also jumped on the Matilda’s bandwagon and watched their documentary The World At Our Feet. I’m also loving @hmdfilm_ on TikTok she is a British Fashion Photographer and does amazing photography lighting breakdowns.

My current playlist has a good mix of Peggy Gou, Jungle and Masego. Podcast wise I’m listening to The Diary Of A CEO and Shameless.

Finally, what is your absolute favourite piece from DISSH’s current collection that you’ll adding to your own personal wardrobe?

I have actually just purchased the Arabella Ombre Skirt, love me a tonal ombre moment and the Theo Contrast Tank, such a staple!