August 06, 2010
stylist & writer andrea millar
It's always interesting to see the path someone takes with their life. I first met stylist and writer Andrea Millar about five years ago when she was style director for real living. She has gone on to work at Belle and Habitus magazines. But is perhaps best known for her work with the (sydney) magazine. Her most recent cover with Catherine Martin, pictured above, was not only incredibly beautiful, but something of a coup too. Andrea is a bit of a quiet achiever in styling circles. She gets on and gets the job done, which I find admirable. Another impressive achievement was her house recently featuring as the home of the month in UK mag Living Etc. And, yes, she is funny too!
Which five words best describe you? Friend, mother, funny, passionate, honest.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since? After I left uni I was Editorial coordinator at Inside Interior Review & Architectural Review magazines for Niche Media. In my first job I had to do everything from pack boxes, style on shoots and write copy... strangely... I still do all those things as a freelance lifestyle stylist and writer.
What's the best lesson you've learnt along the way? When your heart and mind disagree on something, listen to your heart.
What's your proudest career achievement? Being part of a launch title is challenging but exciting stuff. I've been part of the launch team for three successful magazines, INSIDEout, Real Living and Habitus, so the work I have done on these is something I'm proud of. I'm also proud at the end of the day when lovely pictures and good words come together to tell a story. Not sure I have any one super duper achievement though...
What's been your best decision? Hmmm... to keep doing work I'm passionate about.
Who inspires you? Most of the people I meet everyday inspire me in some way. I think everyone has magic in them. I've harnessed my observation skills with what I do for a living, so I quickly pick up on inspirational qualities in people. Whether it's a kind heart or ability to put together a knock out outfit or someone who can draw beautifully or invent a new building, or even nurture a child, I take inspiration from everyone.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about a lot of things - design, art, architecture, children, photography, film, family, travel, friendship, people, fashion. I am either very passionate about something or I don't give it a second's thought. Don't ask me to organise the food for a dinner party, it would send me into a flap. (But I'll happily style the food and table!)
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Barack Obama, I'd love to pick his brains about stuff. I also just love him.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I have a few. Learn to paint. Write a book. Start a home wares business. Live in South America with my family for a year.
What are you reading? I'm reading a book called Geography of Home - writings on where we live by Akiko Busch.
images courtesy of andrea millar, prue ruscoe and the (sydney) magazine