facesofsydney

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

What is your name & instagram handle?
Thembi Hanify / @thembihanify

What’s your hustle?
I’m a freelance art director and designer, and co-founder of women’s brand Mathys Sinclair.

What is your idea of success?
Being in control of your own time and your own money, and living in a flow of positivity and appreciation.

What’s your favourite movie, TV show, song or book (pick 1)?
National Geographic (does that count? Haha this is a freakin hard question, so many favorites)

What’s your guilty pleasure song?
Any late 90s/early 00s Usher

What’s your go to mid-week meal?
Tempeh and veggies cooked w coconut oil, turmeric, garlic, ginger, over rice

What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
Taking me on a camping trip out in amongst otherworldly desert rock formations / mountains with no one else around, and watching the sun set, the stars come out, and then the moon rise.

What does being a romantic mean to you?
Connecting with our inner true nature – love – and letting that be our guiding light for life, even when things get tough.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

What is your name & instagram handle?
Alexander Franco aka @captainfranco

What’s your hustle?
Label Manager @ Future Classic, Artist Manager for @ugottabwise and DJ/co-founder of @hlfwycrks

What is your idea of success?
No longer paying rent

What’s your favourite book?
George Orwell – Nineteen Eighty Four. Eerily feels like he predicted the future.

What’s your guilty pleasure song?
My son loves Rage on a Saturday morning and they always play Maroon 5 & SZA’s ‘What Lovers Do’. I have never liked a Maroon 5 song before but can’t deny that is a catchy bop!

What’s your go to mid-week meal?
Fried tofu salad with soba noodles

What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
Said ‘yes’

What does being a romantic mean to you?
Being spontaneous

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

What is your name & instagram handle?
Gianna Christella Hayes // @Hazey___

What’s your hustle?
My side hustles help pay my bills to help achieve my main hustle which is shifting and influencing a diverse range of individuals for the greater good through art and creativity.

What is your idea of success?
Success to me is being lost in this realm but trusting and nurturing every stage of your growth… knowing you will reach a space of comfort and fulfilment through the interactions and stages of your life path. Also, making mistakes and learning from them! that’s how we flourish.

What’s your favourite movie, TV show, song or book (pick 1)?
My favourite tv show is a cartoon from when I was youngster called The Proud Family. This show reminded me of my family so much! Also, Solange + Destiny child sung the theme song.

What’s your guilty pleasure song?
Sensual Seduction by snoop dog – I’ve never seen snoop look so fly w/ his fro and 70’s metallic suit!

What’s your go-to mid-week meal?
Cheesecake makes everything better.

What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
When my partner joined me in self-care sunday. Face masks + meditation!

What does being a romantic mean to you?
Truly caring for another being.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

What is your name & instagram handle?
@artbydale

What’s your hustle?
Freelance illustrator

What is your idea of success?
Being healthy, happy and well rested!

What’s your favourite movie, TV show, song or book?
Movie: GOONIES

What’s your go to mid-week meal?
Nachos!

What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
Stuck around and decided to be by my side no matter what! I don’t know really! As a guy I feel like we are the ones doing most of the ROMANCING!

What does being a romantic mean to you?
Being spontaneous, making him or her feel wanted and appreciated!

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

What is your name & instagram handle?
Tara Bennett – @theproviderstore

What’s your hustle?
I create and source slow made things for the home, with an influence from Japanese design and culture.

What is your idea of success?
Being excited to go to work. Also being able to build a little community.

What’s your favourite movie, TV show, song or book (pick 1)?
Mulan forever.

What’s your guilty pleasure song?
The Final Countdown :/

What’s your go to mid-week meal?
Steak and vino from the Rose in Erko.

What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
I actually find romance in simple things. Like two Saturdays ago coming home after a long day to a home cooked meal and a nice bottle of wine ready… too bad I fell asleep on the couch at 9pm.

What does being a romantic mean to you?
Doing the cute little things in life with the person you love.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

What is your name & instagram handle?
My name is Jamel & my Instagram handle is @fsjamel 

What’s your hustle?
My hustle is music and anything to do with it.

What is your idea of success?
For me the “idea” of success is knowing that what you are doing is leading yourself and others to live a better, healthier, happier life. To me “success” means creating something that empowers people to be themselves and reach their full potential as a human being. 

What’s your favourite movie, TV show, song or book (pick 1)?
My favourite book would have to be between “ the alchemist” and “the 7 spiritual laws of success” both those books keep me grounded and help me in life when shit gets real. 

What’s your guilty pleasure song?
My guilty pleasure song would have to be….. Jacquees ft trey songs – inside!! But I love my rnb so that’s shits fire idc what anyone has to say 😂 😅

What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
Haha most romantic thing would have to be when my partner buys me kicks 😉

What does being a romantic mean to you?
Well I’m Latino so being a romantic is second nature you know… sometimes I needa dial that shit down cause people think I’m trippen sometimes haha but being a romantic pretty much means to me anyway to keep it real… do what you feel and love unconditionally wether it be your partner, parent or homies always show love because you never know who might need it.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

What is your name & instagram handle?
My name is Lara King but I perform under the name “Lady King”. You can find me at @LADY.KING.MUSIC on Instagram

What’s your hustle?
I play, create, listen to, talk and teach music… It’s a heavy addiction.
I’m classically trained on cello and piano but I’ve recently found a liking for writing songs which birthed my musical project ‘Lady King’. When I’m not playing around on Soul, RnB, Jazz vibes I’m teaching music.

What is your idea of success?
To me success cannot be measured by title or status – It lies in the ability to do what makes you feel loved, inspired and productive. Success is being able to serve others willingly and gladly. I like to think success resembles a supreme sense of peace and love within and around you which reverberates within and around each and every person in your life.

What’s your favourite movie, TV show, song or book (pick 1)?
Oddly enough I have a strong love for music from the Romantic Era. Franz Liszt wrote a three part piano series called ‘Liebesträume’ which in German means “Love Dreams”. The last song (Liebesträume No.3) moves me in every way – I can listen to it time and time again and still feel just as emotional and excited as I did the first time. I recently read a quote where Liszt states “My sole ambition as a composer is to hurl my javelin into the infinite space of the future”. He’s certainly left a puncture wound in me…

What’s your guilty pleasure song?
I’m guilty for driving while screaming along to the song ‘Hero’ by Enrique Iglesias… BUT lining up Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero’ straight after. Back to back they’re a love duet without knowing it!!! Timeless classics to me.

What’s your go to mid-week meal?
Too easy… Chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner

What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?
I’ve had a special someone leave a note on my pillow saying “I love you darlin”… I recently discovered he left a bender at sunrise and snuck in while I was sleeping just to execute such a beautiful gesture. Romantic AF!

What does being a romantic mean to you?
Being romantic is being utterly obsessed and infatuated with love, whether it’s loving yourself or others – you just can’t help but live and breathe it. Symptoms can include: Getting carried away with ideas, always taking the scenic route, reading books & poetry, seeing beauty in everything and getting fulfilment from making others feel special.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

What’s your hustle?

Music is my main but also any/all things creative will always have space as my side thang.

What is your idea of success?

Success to me is spreading love. Reaching a multitude of diverse, wonderful people and bringing them together through love of music, each other, our planet and ultimately ourselves.

What’s your favourite movie, TV show, song or book (pick 1)?

AHHHH this is so hard. I think I’m going to have to go with a TV show called Steven Universe though. Not only is the aesthetic and actual animation of the show really beautiful, ~wavy~ and soothing to watch but it’s also wonderful because it disregards a load of societal norms and spreads a heckin’ wholesome message of acceptance and love.

What’s your guilty pleasure song?

Dancing In The Moonlight – Thin Lizzy but tbh I don’t feel guilty about listening to any music unless the artist is problematic.

What’s your go to mid-week meal?

I make a dank vegetable stew that’s a pretty perfect pick-me-up for the middle of the week 🙂

What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?

I wrote a song for myself, and treat myself like royalty every gosh darn day ~ I reckon that’s pretty romantic.

What does being a romantic mean to you?

It means loving yourself and our earth unconditionally. It means recognising the infinite pool of love that we all have within ourselves and choosing to live through that love in hopes of showing others’ their potential for unconditional love as well.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Christopher Kevin Au/ Shot at Sydney Super 8mm in Newtown/ Wears Sydney Romantics Hike Tee in Blue @24KaratKev

What’s your hustle?

I’m a freelance music journalist and I also manage/babysit a rap group called Triple One.

What is your idea of success?

Looking forward to getting out of bed every morning, and also owning a large bed.

What’s your favourite movie, TV show, song or book (pick 1)?

My Kitchen Rules.

What’s your guilty pleasure song?

Delta Goodrem’s entire catalogue.

What’s your go to mid-week meal?

678 Korean Barbeque, beef tongue and pork belly with lots of garlic and unlimited kim chi.

What does being a romantic mean to you?

Sharing your snacks and Netflix account.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Jodia Natapradja / shot at Gould’s Book Arcade in Newtown / All clothes are Jodia’s own including custom cap by @troyosheahandmade

What is your name & instagram handle?

jodia_love

What’s your hustle?

Creative Director / Founder of Sydney Romantics, Designer @attaquer, manager/artist the @cultureclubsux and @inq.cc, consultant @sampathegreat, husband and father.

What is your idea of success?

Having the freedom to be present and in the moment in all aspects of your life. My new mantra is to be where your head is at. When you’re working, immerse yourself in the work or when your with your family, be with them. Sounds easier than it sounds but I am trying. 

What’s your favourite movie, TV show, song or book?

The Darjeeling Limited.

What’s your guilty pleasure song?

Fever by Kylie Minogue

What’s your go to mid-week meal?

Menya Mappen on George St 

What is the most romantic thing someone has ever done for you?

Apart from trusting me to be a father figure to her 2 year old son, it’d have to be recreating my childhood tracksuit cladded stuffed monkey named Jogging.

What does being a romantic mean to you?

Laying it all on the line in the name of love. 

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Helene Herbert aka Leni / Shot at Kollector Cars in Leichhardt / Wear Sydney Romantic Base Pocket Tee in White @leni_herb @kollectorcars

From the epic Harbour Bridge to the east coast beaches and terrace homes in Surry Hills. Sydney constantly charms me.

What do you do for a living?
Advertising. Making ads happen.

What is your passion or side hustle?
I’m always taking on new activities. I used to be an avid sewer, then I had a style blog, but right now I’m trying to launch my own website selling kitsch jewellery and homewares. It’s in the very early days but I’m learning a lot!

What drives you?
Knowing that I can make an impact and seeing change with positive outcomes.

How do you juggle it all?
Yoga and spending time with friends is key to my sanity.

Who inspires you?
The people I surround myself with and anyone who has ever started a business from nothing.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself running my own business and doing more travelling. It’s such a millennial thing to say but we live in an era where that’s possible and I want to make the most of it.

What do you love about Sydney?
From the epic harbour bridge to the east coast beaches and terrace homes in Surry Hills. Sydney constantly charms me.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
Riding over the Harbour Bridge on the back of my boyfriend’s motorbike. It’s such a cool feeling.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Tyrell Villania / Shot at Daisy’s Milkbar in Petersham / Wears Hike long sleeve tee in Royal Blue and 1 of 1 custom Romantics camper vest. @Tyrell.vanilla @daisysmilkbar

What is your name & instagram handle?
Tyrell @Tyrell.vanilla

What do you do for a living?
Im a yr 12 student completing a diploma

What is your passion or side hustle?
Sprinting, art and music

What drives you?
My family but to be completely honest, mostly myself.  Whether it’s a run, artwork or song, I always try my best to push the boundaries.

How do you juggle it all?
With great difficulty! Something has to be sacrificed and most of the time it’s my social life so that I can focus on school work, track and other things.

Who inspires you?
Although it’s cliche and predictable, I’d have to say my parents. There are no other people who inspire and motivate me more. But if we’re talking about celebrities, 100% it’s Tyler and Pharrell.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
I keep getting asked that and honestly, I have no clue. 

What do you love about Sydney?
The people! The diversity and therefore the many different perspectives that keep you open-minded and humble. My family is multicultural (Filipino, South African, Indonesian and Fijian-Chinese) and my friends range from Aboriginal, Lebanese, American, Chinese, Dutch and Pacific Islander. They all think differently and have a different way of doing things, which makes things far more interesting since nothing we ever do is the same. It makes Sydney exuberant!

Whats your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
It’s as simple as going to the beach (Coogee) with a good group, listening to music, having a dip, eating maccas and having debates and DnMs

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Kym Schrickker aka Kymie / Shot at Laobaozen Mixed Business in Stanmore / Wears Kiama Tee in Khaki @officialkymie

I make music! I write songs and perform live. Though only of recent has that been my complete living. Since the age of 15 I have always worked in hospitality, my first job I had was at McDonalds!

What do you do for a living?
I make music! I write songs and perform live. Though only of recent has that been my complete living. Since the age of 15 i have always worked in hospitality, my first job I had was at McDonalds!

What is your passion or side hustle?
My passion is music and writing songs basically everything that has to do with music.

What drives you?
My passion is what drives me along living a wholesome life and by staying spontaneous it keeps the fire burning!

How do you juggle it all?
Keeping focused is what helps me juggle it all, keeping the vision at the forefront gives me energy to keep going and I also have amazing people in my life that help me get through it all. They constantly motivate me.

Who inspires you?
My close family and friends inspire me.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
This may sound weird but i tend to not look too far into the future, all i know is that I’ll be making music somewhere around the world, and doing more live performances on a bigger scale. Between now and then I’m just focusing on the now and the greatness it brings.

What do you love about Sydney?
Currently i love how the urban music scene is growing, i feel a sense of culture growing as well. The talent coming out of Sydney is unreal, and finally we are all becoming aware of this.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
Favourite thing to do in Sydney is go to the beach lay up on the sand and swim in the ocean, I’ve always been a massive fan of Bondi Beach!

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Anthony Bobadilla and Justin Nacua / Shot at Teresa’s Siopao and Catering in Doonside / Anthony wears archival Canterbury jacket from season 1 and the Beverley cap in Black. Justin wears custom cap by @troyosheahandmade.

What do you do for a living?
A: Work part time at Hype DC and study at Macquarie University.
J: I’m a full time photographer.

What is your passion or side hustle?
A: Writing/recording hip-hop music
J: Photography and music. I feel lucky enough to see what i do for a living, my passions and side hustles as all the same thing. If i’m not shooting for a client i’m shooting something for me, while writing in between all of it.

What drives you?
Both: The fact that anything is possible if we’re willing to work for it. We are only here for a limited time so why not make every day as enjoyable as possible

How do you juggle it all?
Both: The love for what we do makes it feel less like work and more like passion projects. Prioritising and balance is key, down time to reconnect with self is also vital

Who inspires you?
A: My parents inspire me everyday, how hard they have always worked without complaining and finding happiness in the simple things.
J: creatively, definitely my homies. I’m blessed to be surrounded my a bunch of extremley talented people that constantly motivate each other to keep progressing – thats within self and our crafts! Shout out to Culture Club!

Where do you see yourself in the future?
A: In the future I see my life revolving even more around music, traveling more and connecting with new people.
J: doing the same damn thing with the same people on a bigger scale!

What do you love about Sydney?
Both : The overall diversity of everything. The cultures, the people, the landscapes, we’re very lucky to be able to experience and learn so much all in one city.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
A:  Sit in the park under the sun and write to my surroundings
J: Eating vietnamese food in Cabramatta with my family

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Sophie Wilde / Shot at Brandon Textiles on Marrickville Road / Wears Sydney Romantics Hike Tee in White and Eastside Socks in Charcoal 

NIDA Student Sophie is driven by ‘working with super passionate people that share an equal enthusiasm for creating works that are WOKE’.

What do you do for a living?
Haven’t quite made it there yet haha, but I’m currently a full time student at NIDA

What is your passion or side hustle?
Acting

What drives you?
Working with super passionate people that share an equal enthusiasm for creating works that are WOKE

How do you juggle it all?
With great difficulty I assure you! I guess if you’re doing what you love you somehow make it work

Who inspires you?
Viola Davis and Donald Glover are two major powerhouses

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Hopefully making new works that aim to empower minorities. Representation is something that I care very deeply about and I think particularly in Australia there is a need to shift the way we present the dominant narrative. Inclusive storytelling benefits everyone.

What do you love about Sydney?
I think there’s a really great creative industry that’s growing, lots of young Sydneysiders are making interesting and inclusive spaces

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
Picnics in Camperdown park maybe the occasional rave.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Josh Panakera-Molony / Shot at The Collective Ensemble on King Street / Wears Sydney Romantics archival Baseball Jersey by @ebbetsvintage and picnic Bucket Hat in Green.

What do you do for a living?
I teach music production at Liveschool, DJ and play shows.

What is your passion or side hustle?
Not much time for a side hustle these days although I’m working on finding a balance by making sure I get out and see friends and checking out shows /exhibitions/ nature to keep the inspiration up and avoid becoming a hermit. Very fond of a good dig for records, a swim or a meal with friends. The best days involve all.

What drives you?
An unwavering love and admiration for the mystery of music.
I’m lucky to be friends with some of my greatest musical inspirations so it’s easy to be driven by the push and output of others that are working just as hard and often harder. I’m always trying to tap into that honest and ethereal connection that the greats are able to communicate with their audiences. The feeling that drew me in since forever. I hope I never truly reach it because its keeping me going right now – maybe the greats felt that way too?

How do you juggle it all?
Poorly and on very little sleep.
Although I work relatively slowly, I work consistently and obsessively.
I tend to begin work as soon as I walk in the door at home until I cant stay awake, often falling asleep with headphones and resuming when I wake again.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
I’d really love to continue to develop my craft and move into in a more traditional producer role in studio environments. Working with other artists and producing their records.
I’d love to write for film. I’d love to travel through my music.

What do you love about Sydney?
I often reflect on the dichotomy between the land/sea and it’s environment and the hustle of the city. If you get the balance right you can get a lot done and feel like you’re on a vacation at the same time. I also think about the way in which a lot of people’s motivation is born from necessity. It’s not cheap here so you can’t just get by unless you work hard. I sort of like that idea sometimes – am I a masochist? I respect the constant push from people here to keep the city alive. The warehouse culture that continues here has been incredibly informative for me as far as experiencing dances in really open and motivating environments.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
I love meeting up with other friends and checking out what they’ve been making and inspiring each other – well at least I’m inspired by them. There’s amazingly talented people here making and putting out a lot of great stuff across the musical spectrum and everyone is very open to it all. I love going to a good dance – probably catch me at a few of those.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Angelique McLoughlin / Shot at Recycling works on Parramatta Road / Wears Mathys Sinclair Willoughby Long Sleeve in Optic White

She describes herself as a dark romanticist, Seeding art for Aeolus. “No one gives you a manual. I think we all juggle it the same. We exist freely in the moments between the next. Otherwise it’s all relatively mechanical and monotonous. Try to keep the momentum steady and not to survey too far down the ravine.”

What do you do for a living?
Boutique Manager and a Graphic design student

What is your passion or side hustle?
Wading through oceans abroad. Learning about the world. Collecting antiques. Curating existential spaces on paper. Collecting mid century West German homewares, mystifying life through smoke and mirrors. Inhabiting minds with derailed possibilities. Freelance Illustrator.

What drives you?
Unearthing this reality to the next. To inspire others to understand the consequence of human frailties in this endless ideality.

How do you juggle it all?
No one gives you a manual. I think we all juggle it the same. We exist freely in the moments between the next. Otherwise it’s all relatively mechanical and monotonous. Try to keep the momentum steady and not to survey too far down the ravine.

Who inspires you?
Jugend Magazine, Greig, Bram Stoker, Stephen King.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Germany. Working as an illustrator or curator.

What do you love about Sydney?
It’s attempt to contend on a global spectrum. A functioning waste land of lost and found and the spirit found between the cities cracks.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
Mitchell Roads Antiques. Known to spend hours getting lost in time

What is your name & instagram handle?
Angelique McLoughlin, @celestial_zest

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Pablo Colombi / Shot in front of Australian Chinese Medicine Co. on Parramatta Road Annandale / Wears Vintage Jumpsuit and Sydney Romantics Darling Cap

What do you do for a living?
Design, direct, curate and arts.

What is your passion or side hustle?
Love getting people thrilled about something they /we can do. More personal I dig bikes (both types), building things, travelling, nostalgia etc…

What drives you?
New things, old things, reaching out to people & feeling good about something.

How do you juggle it all?
Always looking for more, I can handle more (until my body cracks and says ‘let’s take a break for a moment huh? ’ – then back to it all.)

Who inspires you?
This world we think we know (but we don’t know.)

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Different place doing the same thing that is never the same thing.

What do you love about Sydney?
The raw material to work with.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
What I’m doing right now, and what INSACIOUS is going to step up to.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Jackie Pettitt / Shot at I Love You Bead on Parramatta Road Annandale / Wears Sydney Romantics Beverley Cap in Olive

What do you do for a living?
I work for fashion retailer Incu as Inventory Manager

What is your passion or side hustle?
I’m a sucker for good quality and long lasting clothing. My boyfriend and I design and make clothing/accessories under @_nawato

What drives you?
The idea that each day is a new day and you are always able to learn and better yourself if you choose to. Also the accomplished feeling of reaching the goals you set!

How do you juggle it all?
I try to always make sure I make time for myself to re-charge

Who inspires you?
My mum, my boyfriend and literally anyone I see working hard and just doing their thing

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Continuing to do things that I love and with love

What do you love about Sydney?
There is always something to do!

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
A good day would be having breakfast at one of my favourite cafes and then a quick visit to the Kinokuniya bookstore

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Tristan Young / Shot at Blue Balloon Laundrette in Petersham / Wears vintage pieces from Personal Archives.

What do you do for a living?
Make people stare into each others eyes so they can feel uncomfortable and grow into beautiful flowers. Open up those JUICY hearts!

What is your passion or side hustle?
My passion is to enjoy the fruits of life and to share these fruits with an open heart and open mind with whoever else is hungry. I got a gang of side hustles, life is a side hustle lol. I teach Yoga, Tantra and workshops, run the door at Freda’s, serve tables at ACME and sell dreams at FEIT.

What drives you?
My heart. I don’t make any decisions in my life, I try my best to follow universal flow. Everything and anything I do is guided, I don’t really try to do anything, I just try to listen to what is guiding me and usually that will be a feeling in my heart. It’s my antenna for the wifi hahah.

How do you juggle it all?
With a lot of self practice. I spent three years away from Sydney, I moved away to Bali for a year to nurture my clothing label DAPPER. But found myself in India doing some wild thangs. I spent 1 year almost doing 10 hours a day of healing. Shit was intense but this is where I gathered a lot of tools. Without these tools/experience I would be a mess. Everyday I will spend at least 30 mins-3 hours of sitting with self and using my tools. It’s a jungle out here you need your spear

Who inspires you?
Every juicy soul that walks this Earth.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Naked on a beach probably still trying to answer these questions.

What do you love about Sydney?
What don’t I love about Sydney is a better question. I FU$K WITH THIS CITY!
It’s taken me a lot of travelling and years away to really appreciate how amazing this city is. We really have nothing to complain about, we have life so easy here that we look for shit to complain about. The fact that we can complain about things means we are chilling. The main thing I love about this city is it’s people. We have some of the most talented, beautiful, inspiring, loving open and free people in this city. Ya’ll are my greatest teachers.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
Throwing my little events and seeing peoples eyes light up. Shout out to everyone who has come to one of my events ! I love you all !

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Samantha Brown / Shot at Mirror City Annandale / Wears Mathys Sinclair Ritzy Tee in White

What do you do for a living?
I’m a lawyer

What is your passion or side hustle?
I really love discovering new music that gets me excited and makes me want to dance!

What drives you?
The fear of my asian mother…

How do you juggle it all?
Just take one day at a time, remember to breathe and always put what is important first.

Who inspires you?
My friends and Lil Uzi Vert.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Living my best life, maybe working overseas and with a cat.

What do you love about Sydney?
The closeness we have to so many beautiful beaches and the good vibes of my friends.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
Chill in the Botanic Gardens.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Jason Vuong / Shot at Robertas Pizza in Annandale / Wears Romantics Joey Hoodie and Track pant being re-released this Winter

@pokari.sweat

What do you do for a living?

I just work in retail.

What is your passion or side hustle?

Music. I produce hip-hop under the name pökari, you can find my music on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/pokarimusic

What drives you?

Hmmmm, being bored, I get bored super easily so i find hobbies to do. Music was the one that just stuck with me.

How do you juggle it all?

I don’t, I think my time management skills are terrible and I actually sleep very little.

Who inspires you?

The people around me inspire me, everyone at Mozaick Records and asbestos studios, Culture Club and soundcloud producers.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

hmmmm I don’t know, l legit have no clue, should i be concerned ? lol

What do you love about Sydney?

The food and honestly the lifestyle.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?

I used to like going out and going to the beach a lot but i’m not too sure what my favourite thing to do is at the moment, it’s just being at home.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Alexis Pepper (Pep) / Shot at Add Vintage in Annandale / Wears Customised Levis Jacket

@ohheypep

What do you do for a living?

My nine-to-five is being a banker, but I freelance illustrate.

What is your passion or side hustle?

My passion would definitely be illustration hands down but I have a deep enjoyment for cycling as well. I love to create characters and stories when I’m not rolling against traffic.

What drives you?

A hunger to create and understand myself, and the world around me.

How do you juggle it all?

A lot of anxiety and self doubt mixed in with a “fuck it, just do it” thought process.

Who inspires you?

My friends; I am surrounded by amazing talent and character.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Couldn’t tell you where I see myself tomorrow.

What do you love about Sydney?

The people within it that bring together incredible mixes of cultures and experiences. Sydney feels genuine.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?

Bombing a cheeky hill, or scoring an empty pool table in one of the many wonderful pubs.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Neil Burmester / Shot at Kollektor Cars Leichhardt / Wears archival coach jacket from original friends and family collection by Ebbets Field Flannels.

@neilburmester @kollectorcars

What do you do for a living?
Freelance Graphic Designer

What is your passion or side hustle?
Running Kollector

What drives you?
Anything that challenges the normal guideline we’re given for life. Guidelines are boring, do something fun.

How do you juggle it all?
Keep my focus zoomed out allllll the way. The little things fade away when you’re focusing on distance goals. Also my wife Christie (@c_san_) is the greatest.

Who inspires you?
All those others that have started something out of not very much and are still going and creating great things every day.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Hopefully creating more things that people can enjoy.

What do you love about Sydney?
Sydney is so bloody big but so connected, I love being able to connect with so many different, interesting & creative people.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
Eat. There’s always something new to try in Sydney.

More often than not, our lives reflect the preconditioned, rather than what’s really in our hearts. At Sydney Romantics we believe that what defines us and connects us as human beings are the things that we love. Through the Faces of Sydney collaboration with portrait photographer Jamie Espinosa, we’re telling the stories of our city, through its people and their passions.

Rebecca Hannah / Shot at Silkflora Annandale / Wears archival Shalvey Jumper from season 1.

What do you do for a living?
About a year ago I walked away from my career in Health because I wasn’t passionate about it. My current 9 to 5 or in my case 7 to 4 is doing Administration for JB HiFi so I’m in an Office all day staring at a computer screen… Not quite what I had in mind but it’s temporary.

What is your passion or side hustle?
After leaving my job, I saw myself working with something more hands on, creative and that i was really passionate about. It was a blessing to meet Jodia and be introduced to Sydney Romantics. I instantly knew that it was something really special and I’m lucky to be a part of the team now. When I’m not working on projects with Sydney Romantics I also collect and restore retro furniture and am a freelance Make-up Artist.

What drives you?
Happiness and the amazing vibe that is surrounding all of us right now. It’s crazy how quickly things can come together when you surround yourself with positivity.

How do you juggle it all?
It’s hard and I’m still learning how to juggle it all.

Who inspires you?
There are quite a few people in my everyday life who inspire me. Jamie for his unconditional love and support, he constantly pushes me to step out of my comfort zone and be the best version of me. I feel like I can do anything because I know that no matter what, he will always be there for me. Jodia inspires me every day with his unwavering and unstoppable passion. He has allowed me to be a part of something great and I can not thank him enough for lighting a fire in me. Finally, my mum because she is the ultimate superwoman and taught me that I can do it all.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
I honestly don’t know where I see myself in the future but I only see good things coming. I am on this amazing journey with Sydney Romantics and I don’t want to set any limitations or expectations because I’m so happy to live in the moment and be happy.

What do you love about Sydney?
Sydney is beautiful. There was this moment a few weeks ago where I was on the train and we were going over the Harbour Bridge and I just looked out the window and was like Damn.. this city really is beautiful. What I love most about Sydney though is that is a large melting pot of cultures.

Tell us your favourite thing to do in Sydney?
Dive Bars and Restaurants. I absolutely love going to quirky bars and restaurants – there are so many good places but my current favourites would be Ester in Chippendale, Restaurant Hubert in the city and Jacoby’s Tiki Bar in Newtown.