CREATIVE MINDS! PASSION MEETS BUSINESS
Twenty Years of Coeducation at Mentone Grammar: Creative Minds
Creativity has long been a defining part of a Mentone Grammar education. Through a broad range of visual arts, design and media subjects, students are encouraged to think independently, embrace innovation and develop the confidence to bring their ideas to life.
At the heart of this is the School’s light-filled Creativity Centre, where students have access to industry-standard facilities and technology. Purpose-built studios include professional printing presses, a fully equipped photography studio with a range of film and camera equipment, an extensive collection of art and design materials, and suites of iMacs equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud. The School also has a dedicated professional film studio, green screen and recording booths. These spaces allow students to experiment, collaborate and develop creative skills that are increasingly valued across a wide range of industries.
For many Mentonians, these opportunities have laid the foundation for rewarding creative careers.
Mentonian Isabella Svojtka (Class of 2018) now works as a Production Coordinator at Melbourne-based production company, MOO while also freelancing as a producer within the independent filmmaking industry. She coordinates and produces brand campaigns and television commercials, managing everything from pre-production scheduling and logistics to on-set support and final delivery.
Isabella recalls that a work experience placement organised through Mentone Grammar became a defining moment in discovering the career she wanted to pursue.
“I spent a week shadowing editors who were working on two feature films and it completely opened my eyes. Watching the creative process unfold and seeing how all the tiny details came together to make something cinematic, that experience made me realise this wasn’t just something I loved, it was something I had to be part of.”
She also credits the School’s arts and drama teachers with recognising her potential and encouraging her from an early stage.
“That encouragement gave me a sense of confidence and belonging that carried me into the industry after school.”
One of Isabella’s career highlights has been post-producing the television series Roads Unknown, created by fellow Mentonian Jess Zahra (Class of 2008). The series follows Jess on a motorbike journey across India.
Reflecting on the experience, Isabella says:
“It reminded me exactly why I do what I do: to tell stories that connect people, celebrate diversity, and highlight the beauty of shared experiences. It reaffirmed that creativity, when fueled by purpose, can genuinely make an impact.”
Mentonian Hunter Griffin (Class of 2015) has also transformed his passion into a successful career. As the founder of Ohh Hunter Jack Productions, Hunter works as a freelance photographer and videographer for corporate clients across Melbourne, including Mentone Grammar, where he particularly enjoys photographing the Performing Arts productions. “All of the productions at Mentone Grammar are outstanding, but I especially love photographing the MG Rock bands. I enjoy capturing the vibrant stage lighting, fun costumes, and the passion on the students’ faces. That’s when photography really comes alive.”
Hunter credits his Studio Arts classes in Years 9 & 10 with sparking his passion for photography and inspiring him to pursue a creative career.
“The class was a very positive, realistic environment, with no expectation to be perfect. It gave me the opportunity to take a brief and build an idea around it, which really encouraged my creativity.”
The confidence Hunter developed through Studio Arts continued to grow, and in Year 11 he received his first photography award at Mordi Fest, hosted by Kingston City Council. His winning photograph was selected for public display, marking an early milestone in his creative journey.
He believes being willing to take on opportunities, even unpaid ones early in his career, helped establish his business.
“One of my friends is a boxer and I did some filming for his marketing just for free. Then all these sponsors needed content done for their businesses. So, one free job turned into ten paying jobs, and I’ve been working with these businesses for around the last three years.”
While networking has certainly helped grow his business, Hunter says standing out is just as much about authenticity as it is about technical skill.
“Talent is not original, it’s your personality that you put into each photograph.”
Fellow Mentonian Cameron Moorhouse (Class of 2016) has forged a creative career through craftsmanship. Working as a cabinet installer in architecturally designed homes, Cameron regularly combines technical precision with creative problem solving. Outside of work, he is passionate about sculpture and handcrafted furniture, with multiple projects always underway.
Cameron says the habits he developed at school, particularly patience, attention to detail and thorough research, continue to influence the way he approaches his work today.
“I learned the importance of taking your time and doing something properly, without rushing or cutting corners. Even if it wasn’t intentional, I think a lot of those traits came from my schooling. In class, we learned to research thoroughly and take care with everything we did. It’s so much easier to do something right the first time than to have to do it over again.”
As part of the School’s 2023 Centenary celebrations, Cameron was commissioned to create a commemorative sculpture for Mentone Grammar titled A Story of One’s Voyage. Affectionately known by students as “the boat”, the artwork has become a much-loved feature of the School.
“My sculpture seeks to act as a personification of my voyage through Mentone Grammar in the form of a decorated vessel. It is merely a parable in the sea of stories and individual experiences that pass through the School’s gates year after year.”
His advice for aspiring creatives is to , “embrace your individuality and trust where your creativity can lead”.
“The creative trajectory is forever increasing; where wits dull, athletic skill diminishes and physical appearance becomes plagued by time, the fire of creativity burns hotter than ever. Therefore, my advice is to let your creativity burn and do not be ashamed or nervous about it. Everybody is creative and expressive in their own way; you just need to find your way and let people witness the things that you can achieve.”
As Mentone Grammar celebrates 20 years of coeducation, the journeys of Isabella, Hunter and Cameron demonstrate the lasting impact of a creative education. By fostering curiosity, innovation and confidence, the School continues to empower students to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions through the creative industries.
Written by Caroline Kinnear