Rhys is a professional photographer, designer, and award-winning marketer with over nine years of experience in the creative industry. In 2020, Rhys founded Southdown Creative and has gone on to contribute to heavyweights such as Rolling Stone Australia, Happy Mag, On Two Wheels, The Rubens, RASHAYS®, and Taronga Zoo.

Rhys studied at Western Sydney University to obtain his bachelor in Design Studies, followed shortly by his Masters in Marketing (graduand). Rhys also pursued another career path in education at Charles Sturt University with a scholarship for a Master of Secondary Teaching which he then dropped out of as Southdown took off.

Growing up in Camden, New South Wales, Rhys has continued to support his community through sustainability and conservation efforts, coaching field and indoor hockey, and being involved in several youth and mental health programs, such as SPOTLITE.

Rhys has had a deep love and passion for animals, nature, and exploration from a very young age. When Rhys isn't in the office, he's photographing Australian wildlife or living his best nerd-life as a collector and competitor of several trading card games.

Awards

ROAR Award for Marketing Excellence
Camden Council Australia Day Arts & Cultural Award
Camden Local Business Award Finalist (2021, 2023-2025)
WayAhead Mental Health Matters Awards Finalist
Camden Council Youth Volunteer Representative

Publications

Rolling Stone Australia
Happy Mag
Taronga Zoo