ZVB Media Case Study
From designing posters and branding for local bands, to managing photography and event logistics for shows and small festivals, ZVB gave me a platform to experiment, build real-world skills, and collaborate with a talented network of artists, musicians, and makers.
It was hands-on, fast-paced, and wildly fun to take on a passion project that involved combining my interests, social life and professional skills.
Overview
ZVB Media began as Zed Vegas Bookings — a grassroots music venture I co-founded with my best friend, Justin Nichol, in 2014.
What started as a love for live music and local talent quickly evolved into a full-time passion project, where I wore multiple hats: co-founder, poster designer, live music photographer, and creative partner in every sense.
The Backstory
Justin had a vision: to help emerging bands across Sydney and the east coast of Australia get noticed, get booked, and build real momentum in their careers.
He brought me in to help design the visual side of it — gig posters, online promo, and photography. Before long, we were managing events at multiple venues, working with an incredible community of up-and-coming bands, and helping launch tours that reached beyond Sydney.
Through ZVB, I gained hands-on experience in:
Live event photography
Artist photoshoots for promo and press
Poster and merchandise design
Supporting the management of live gigs and tours
Building an identity and presence for a music-centric brand
A Personal Turning Point
In 2016, everything changed. Justin passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition.
Losing my co-founder, my best friend, and my housemate in one moment was devastating — but it also inspired me to carry forward the work we started, in his name.
Zed Vegas Bookings evolved into ZVB Media — a creative studio focused on photography, design, and memorial events that would honour Justin’s legacy and support causes he cared about, as well as continue to support the artists he worked with and wanted to see succeed.
Justinfest:
A Tribute in Motion
In the years following his passing, I launched Justinfest — a grassroots charity mini-festival held annually in Justin’s memory. It became a heartfelt way to bring people together, support emerging artists, and raise funds for the Heart Foundation and other causes.
Over three years, I organized and ran every part of the event — from securing venues and talent to designing all the promo, merch, and online campaigns.
Highlights included:
Full lineup curation, booking, scheduling and ticketing
All poster, merch, and digital design
Marketing and promo across social and venues
Photography and content coverage
Scott Russo (Unwritten Law) headlining the third festival with a world-first live performance of their acoustic album — Justin’s favorite
What I learned:
ZVB Media taught me what it means to build something from the ground up — with purpose, emotion, and real creative grit.
It was where I learned how to:
Design for music and emotion, not just aesthetics
Capture energy and authenticity through photography
Work with tight budgets, fast turnarounds, and DIY production
Build something that mattered to a community
It remains one of the most meaningful chapters in my creative journey, and I’m forever grateful for the lessons, the music, and the people it brought into my life.
Event Poster Artwork Examples
Justinfest Social Media Posts
ZVB Media Merch
Want to learn more?
I’m happy to walk through specific design flows, share prototypes, or talk through how I solve product and UX problems.