February 25, 2015
STYLIST MARSHA GOLEMAC
About a year ago Melbourne stylist and creative director Marsha Golemac changed her way of thinking. “I began closing the door on a few aspects of my career, which made my focus a lot stronger,” she says. “Since then I have had opportunities that I probably would not have had if I had kept on saying yes to everything.” Part of her success can be attributed to her partnership with photographer Brooke Holm (interviewed here). The duo work regularly across a range of projects and bring a fresh take on presenting products and brands, including Habbot, Lightly and Kate and Kate. “I find the process and the result rewarding – pure and simple,” Marsha says. “It makes me happy.”
Which five words best describe you? Passionate, clumsy, direct, ambitious, affectionate.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I quit my day job as a stationery and homewares product developer over three years ago. I was no longer being challenged and I simply wasn’t using my brain as much as I could have been. I wasn’t happy and the thought of being in a comfort zone was far from comforting. Without knowing what I really wanted to do, I decided to make the change. All I knew was that I wanted to do something that really made me think – really think and something that allowed me to explore this creative side that I had kept quiet since childhood.
I started with craft-based projects, workshops, visual merchandising, installations, paper art and styling. I wanted it all, I just wanted to create. I put my list of “I want to work with these people” together and called, emailed, sent letters, etc. People were generous with their time and knowledge and within two weeks of quitting my job I was working on a shoot. I found that once I was out on my own I progressed a lot quicker. You have no choice but to keep pushing yourself to be better, to learn more, no one will do this for you. I no longer do a lot of the things I did in my first year of working independently and I am really proud of that because it means I have moved forward. I’ve eliminated the “likes” and now I focus on the “loves” - and that big love is creating beautiful imagery.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Just be nice. I cannot emphasise this enough. I have worked with many talented creatives, most of them collaborative, generous and kind. Though there are people within the industry that believe that being a creative gives you the entitlement to be harsh. Honesty is essential but a bitter attitude doesn’t make you better at your job, being aware, perceptive and committed does.
What’s your proudest career achievement? I cannot put it down to one thing, rather I would say that I am proud of my progression of late.
What’s been your best decision? Saying goodbye to one career and starting a new one. It’s daunting, it’s risky but oh-so fulfilling.
Who inspires you? Ettore Sottsass, Sven Lukin, Prostoria, Kenzo, Jay Z, Dan Hocking, Brooke Holm… just to name a few.
What are you passionate about? My city, my heritage, my work and above all my family.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My dad’s parents.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Travelling through Croatia for three months exploring it’s architecture and urban environments.
What are you reading? A Peripheral Moment: Experiments in Architectural Agency by 3LHD, Njiric+, Randic-Turato and Studio UP.
images courtesy of marsha golemac; photography brooke holm