SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING RED
Fine Wine Studio wouldn't exist without
Harry Styles
The Origin Story
Hiii, I’m Tess! Long before I poured my creative energy into brand and wedding stationery design, I moonlighted as a One Direction fangirl, which (naturally) piqued my interest in PR. I had it all planned out: a PR degree, my dream job… Harry Styles spotting me from stage and instantly falling in love. Although *that* love story has yet to come true, my passion for pop stardom led me to a pursue a career in marketing, where I fell in love with graphic design. And, well, the rest is history.
In 2020 (amidst *you know what*) I started “working for myself”. What began as a freelance gig soon grew into a full-blown design studio. These days, I work with couples and brands, creating designs that bring people together, spark emotions, and leave lasting impressions. It’s all about the feeling, and I’m here to make it a good one.
The Designer
You know those people knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up? The ones building Lego cities or designing MySpace layouts at age 10? That wasn’t me, or at least I didn’t think it was… until a friend recently unearthed an old Christmas card I sent her in 2012, complete with my head Photoshopped next to Harry Styles. So, I guess you could say, like strawberries on a summer evening, graphic design always was my calling, and Harry Styles really did get me here.
When away from my desk, you’ll find me out for a morning beach walk with my kelpie x border collie pup Maple, taking pictures of the sunlight sparkling on the ocean, or spending waaay too much time at the bottle shop searching for the perfect bottle of rouge (I’m a chilled red kind of gal, if you were wondering).
The Meaning
Initially, I came up with the name ‘Fine Wine’ as a simple ode to timeless design (read: ages like fine wine). But as I continued to mull over the art of winemaking and the values held by those who do it best, I found more meaning than I could have imagined.
→ Winemaking is an art of intention – unrushed, deliberate and with a deep appreciation for the process. This is exactly how I approach design.
→ The best winemakers don’t just aim for great taste; they strive to create something evocative and transcendent – embodying feelings, places and experiences. This is exactly how I approach design.
→ Great wine is meant to be savoured & shared. This is exactly how I approach design.
(MY APPROACH)
The Intimacy of Being Understood
My approach centres on time and space- allowing creativity to breathe and ideas to mature, ensuring the flavour notes suit your palette. After all, working with a designer should be fun, exciting and inspiring. There’s a certain kind of intimacy that comes with being understood, and that’s what I aim to tap into with every design project.
This is my love letter to intentional, timeless design. Design that evades trends and doesn’t just stand out, but stands the test of time. So, shall I get you a glass?
The Intimacy of Being Understood
Just as great winemakers chart their own course, experiment boldly and transcend trends – I do the same. Crafting rich, full-bodied brand identities & stationery suites that truly embody who you are.
My approach centres on time and space- allowing creativity to breathe and ideas to mature, ensuring the flavour notes suit your palette. After all, working with a designer should be fun, exciting and inspiring. There’s a certain kind of intimacy that comes with being understood, and that’s what I aim to tap into with every design project.
This is my love letter to intentional, timeless design. Design that evades trends and doesn’t just stand out, but stands the test of time. So, shall I get you a glass?
