“You never know what path to take, only until you look back and see the stepping stones it took you to get where you are now…”

– MEGAN STEWART

UPDATED AS PART OF THE 125th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Meg is the (small) person behind SMEC Eyewear, the creative, bold solution to lacklustre mass-produced frames. The brand grew from the frustration of being unable to find unique, and well-made eyewear from local brands. With a background in jewellery design combined with gold and silversmithing, Meg took matters into her own hands. Self-described as extremely loud and incredibly motivated, Meg brings big ideas to each design as she crafts locally-made, accessible eyewear.

Australian made and designed products is at the core of SMEC, however the irony of it being driven by British woman isn’t lost on us. 

What first brought you to NM TAFE, and what did you hope to achieve when you arrived? 

I’d moved from England 6 months prior to starting and to get into university, I needed to undertake a TAFE course (schooling is a bit different and you can leave in year 11). I turned 16 in the summer and it was my Mum who found North Metro! I had always been creative and had chosen art as one of my GCSE (ATAR) subjects. TAFE had creative opportunities that I didn’t believe were available in England, including the Advanced Diploma of Jewellery design. It was between that course and textiles, I decided to go with jewellery because it was something different and I had never heard of a course like that before. 

Which project, experience, or person most shaped your creative direction?

Phwoar, tough one! Being able to make, and be hands on is something that will always stay with me. But I created a copper and labradorite necklace for the end of year grad show, I had a bit of help setting the stones and seeing it finished makes me smile. I was incredibly harsh on myself as a maker (and still am!) back then, but seeing how far my skills and design aesthetic evolved was incredible. 

What’s a defining memory or moment from your time at TAFE that has stayed with you?

There are two memories. The first was wondering whether I could do the course! I was in a mixed cohort and the experience other students had was incredible (looking back, the reason was because they had at least 10 years on me!). I learnt so much from being with older students, it pushed me to think outside the box. The other was one of my last lectures before I graduated, when Louise Dickmann talked about how attending uni can help open doors. One thing she said has stayed with me ever since: ‘You never know what path to take, only until you look back and see the stepping stones it took you to get where you are now.’ That’s exactly how I’ve seen opportunities ever since, they’re stepping stones to get where you want to be.

How did studying at NM TAFE influence the way you work or think today?

NM TAFE taught me so much. After school, I finally felt free to express myself, whether I shaved my head or wore a button-up in the heat. It was a space where I could experiment without fear, and that freedom shaped my work. While classmates created traditional pieces, I pushed myself to make something different—collar tips, asymmetric earrings, exploring every avenue of creativity. NM TAFE nurtured that curiosity, prepared me for uni, and laid the foundation for who I am today. I’m forever grateful for the skills, the space (I still think about the anodising room), and the incredible lecturers. I want to carry forward that encouragement to emerging creatives and inspire them to never give up.

What are you working on now, and what drives your current practice?

In my final year at uni, I developed an eyewear range, which developed into SMEC Eyewear and has now snowballed into a brand. This year I travelled to Paris for my first international trade fair which was eye opening to say the least. In order to gain stockists, buyers and clients, I need to continue to build brand recognition, integrity and trust into the brand. What drives SMEC is the passion for Australian, locally made products but also legacy. I want SMEC Eyewear to still be going long after I’m no longer here, to serve as an example that creativity is worthwhile as a career no matter how difficult it becomes. 

What milestone or achievement in your career feels most connected to your TAFE experience?

Attending SILMO in Paris was the milestone that connects back to TAFE. It was my first big step and led me to Europe. It’s where I first worked with titanium (and broke plenty of saw blades!). Without that leap into the jewellery workshop, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What does being part of NM TAFE’s 125-year creative legacy mean to you?

It means everything! TAFE often feels overlooked—just like creative pathways. Without spaces like this, what would the world look like? I hope aspiring photographers, designers, and makers feel inspired to take the path less travelled. I’m lucky to have had support, even when it wasn’t smooth sailing. Really, what do you have to lose? Choose the course, choose the industry, but most of all, choose you.

Tell us a little about your experiences since. Where have you worked? Where do you work now?

I feel rather lucky that I’ve had a variety of experiences!

I’ve worked selling gold and silver bullion, travelled to mine sites to sell diamonds including Argyle pink diamonds, I’ve worked on social media and OOH (out of home) campaigns for online and high street retailers including Najo jewellery and Oscar Wylee.

I’ve been exposed to travelling on location for photoshoots and meeting potential models for shoots. I’ve since moved into digital marketing and now internal communications working for the State Government.

How did you get your first design job or solo exhibition?

I upskilled during COVID by doing an online graphic design course, allowing me to apply for a variety of jobs and allowed me to move to Sydney. After graduating, I studied at the ANU school of Art & Design. It’s a niche industry to work and proved difficult to find a role (and workplace) that I enjoyed. It takes a lot of time, personal growth, gaining experience and developing your skills.

What advice would you give to current Art & Design students studying at NM TAFE right now?

It’s not easy, and it’s really hard at times to pursue your passion but don’t give up and don’t let your passion or creativity go to waste. You don’t know who you’ll meet or the experiences you’ll have along the way. Apply for any and everything you can and don’t be afraid to upskill, get out of your comfort zone.

What can Perth and Western Australia do to support graduating diverse range of Art & Design students more?

Canberra has a huge creative scene, with a tight-knit community. This is due to the ANU and UC (University of Canberra) and the creative degrees that are available. There is also the Design Canberra festival that is held across the month of November and celebrates every form of art and design including ceramics, furniture making, glass blowing, jewellery and objects. The Canberras Potters society and the glassworks also plays a pivotal role in the community, in unison with the yearly Undercurrent Markets at the National Portrait Gallery. Perth doesn’t have a creative community and this is reflected in the lack of artistic courses, organisations and events. Craft ACT supports the ANU with annual awards at the end of year grad show.

What do you think are the most important qualities in an emerging designer or artist?

Grit, passion and the gift of the gab. You need to know your field but don’t get competent in your knowledge, utilise recommendations of people you should meet and connect with. Through my creative practise and work life, I have connected with machinists, graphic designers, copy writers, photographers, models, local artists and international industry experts. Don’t burn bridges, you’ll never know when you might cross paths again.