Beci Orpin has a way of bringing joy into everything she creates, from her bold, playful illustrations to immersive large-scale installations. Raised on feminist ideals and a deep sense of independence, she entered the creative industry with a fearless approach, embracing experimentation as an essential part of her process.

Her work—instinctive, hands-on, and deeply connected to her surroundings—has made her a defining force in Melbourne’s creative landscape. Now, as she takes on the challenge of renovating her Brunswick home, she’s approaching it with the same thoughtful balance of past and present that defines her art. We caught up with Beci to chat about the evolution of her process, the role of risk-taking in her career, and what’s on the horizon.

Your creative style is so distinctive—bold, joyful, and full of energy. Are there any particular parts of your approach that’s stayed the same since you first started out?

I would almost say all of it! My creative process is pretty much the same as since I was at uni. 80% of it is thinking, research and sketch booking. The actual making part always comes in the last 20%, I’m a close-deadline worker. My process used to stress me out, but I’ve been working for so long now I’m very accepting of it, and I know that's how I do my best work. 

Did you always know you’d end up in a creative career, or was there a moment that made you realise it was the path for you?

For as long as I remember I knew I wanted to draw for a living, it's almost like it wasn’t a choice for me. I feel lucky I’ve been able to make that happen.

Your work has this amazing balance of softness and strength. As a woman in the industry, have you ever felt the need to challenge or defy expectations placed on you?

My mum was a strong feminist and I grew up on a steady stream of feminist kids books and marching for women’s rights on the streets. Because of this I never saw my gender as a disadvantage, more as bonus. My career started in the streetwear industry in the '90s, and although the patriarchy was in full effect, it was also being female and having a female edge to my work which lead to my success. I definitely faced challenges but because of my upbringing I didn’t think twice about taking them on. 

Taking risks is often part of the journey. What’s one risk you took early on that ended up being a game-changer for you?

Probably starting my freelance career as soon as I finished uni? It wasn’t intentional, it just kind of happened, but it was a happy accident. I also travelled overseas and did some cold calling on people’s work I admired.  This was just before the internet was in full effect (no websites, no email, no social media!), so I was literally knocking on doors with a paper folio in my hand, but it paid off in so many ways.

With the rise of digital tools and AI, how do you see traditional, hands-on design fitting into the future? Are you looking to adapt or stay more true to the tactile approach?

I think it’s naive not to embrace technology as it arrives, so I’m not anti-AI. I’m hoping it will be a good tool to utilise, similar to when Illustrator and Photoshop were introduced (as opposed to human-replacing evil). That being said, it’s one of the reasons my work has moved into more tactile and experienced-based installations, they are things which AI can’t recreate. 

We know you’re working on renovating your home at the moment—how much of your artistic style is coming through in that, and have you made any choices that surprised even you?

Actually the choices that have surprised me is that I’ve gone way more traditional than I thought! I think people are expecting it to be whacky colours and shapes, but it’s not going to be that. The house is a utilitarian 1880’s terrace, which had an 1970’s Italianate renovation, so I’m trying to pay homage to both of those things. There might a be a bit of out-there tiling and some pops of colour, but mostly the choices are sympathetic to those two existing styles.

Your garden is beautiful—did you have a certain vibe or feel in mind when you started planting? What are some of your favourites growing at the moment so we can try to replicate!?

Thank you,  it’s such a joy! I actually worked with friend and landscaper Jimmy Sing (of Sun and Sing). I gave him a brief of "wild with lots of flowers" and he did all the hard work. It has loads of flowering perennials and grasses, (in Summer I call it the Hyper-Meadow). My favourites are Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Coneflowers. Jimmy also planted a Sumac tree for shade which has beautiful red fruit which we harvested for the first time this year. 

Melbourne has such a strong creative community. Are there any spots around your neighbourhood—like cafes, galleries, or just places you love—that you find yourself going to for inspiration?

My studio and house are both in Brunswick, we have lived here for almost 18 years and I’ve seen it change so much in that time. For local galleries Neon Parc, Daine Singer and HoneyBones. My weekly go-tos for food are Juanita Peaches, Iris Bakery, Good Days, A1, Very Good Falafel and the Sporting Club/Bahama Gold for drinks. I love urban nature environments and walk the Royal Park grass circle almost everyday. I’m a keen but terrible tennis player — learning tennis uses a different part of my brain which can be refreshing — I frequent both West Brunswick and Princes Park courts.  

If you had an extra day in the week, just for yourself, how would you spend it?

A float in the ocean, a dig through a junk shop, a long lunch, hang with my cat Chip and some gardening. 

We know you're working on multiple projects at the moment, can you tell us more about what's coming up and also what you're most excited for this year?

I’m working on my first large-scale public art project which will be installed in June in the High Country — it’s huge for me and very exciting. I’ve just completed working on art direction/vis comm for a kids exhibition at Scienceworks which opens at Easter — working with team at Museums Vic has been incredible. And I’m collaborating on some furniture design with Dustin from Softer Studios for Melbourne Design Week in May.