The Octopus Academy is a Naarm/Melbourne based multidisciplinary graphic design studio who specialise in Communication Design.
Like our namesake The Octopus, we’re adaptable, curious and enjoy problem solving. We approach each project with inventive thinking, a love of playful experimentation, and a drive to keep evolving.
At The Octopus Academy, we provide a comprehensive range of design services, including brand development, visual identity, publication design, promotional materials, packaging, environmental graphics, and digital design. Our digital capabilities extend to the visualisation and development of websites and digital assets, with expertise in platforms such as WordPress and Squarespace.
We have partnered with clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including Community and Social Impact, Education and Research, Sustainablilty sectors, Local and Federal Government and Healthcare. This diversity enables us to bring nuanced insight and tailored solutions to each engagement.
As a small, agile studio, we offer a flexible and responsive approach. We take the time to understand our clients’ communication challenges, as well as their products, services, and strategic objectives.
Grounded in experience and guided by an understanding of audience and market, we deliver design solutions that are both visually refined and commercially effective.
Nichole Allder
Communication Designer
Nichole holds an Honours degree in Communication Design from RMIT. She began her career in exhibition and museum design before spending near a decade in London, where she worked across retail design in the fashion and luxury sectors as well as brand development and strategy.
Since returning to Naarm/Melbourne, Nichole has worked with a range of brands, agencies and institutions, particularly within higher education, local and federal government, sustainability, healthcare and research sectors and select branding projects.
She has a strong interest in clear, purposeful communication and values the role of design in informing, educating and engaging people. With a commitment to thoughtful, collaborative work, Nichole continues to take on projects that contribute to meaningful outcomes through effective communication design.
Ben Allder
Illustrator / Communication Designer
Ben graduated with an Honours degree in Communication Design from RMIT before moving to London, where he designed and illustrated for leading brands including The Future Laboratory, Soho House, and MTV.
On returning to Australia, he focused on community-centred design projects, collaborating with academic institutions and local government departments. Drawing on his training in Continuous Improvement (Green Belt certified), Ben has also developed and implemented streamlined design and operational frameworks across a range of projects.
Ben is the founder of Banana on Cat through which he produces commissioned illustration work for a range of brands and creative projects. He also facilitates community-based illustration initiatives, bringing people together through accessible and engaging visual storytelling.