BIOGRAPHY

Julie McCombe

(née McCoy)

Stubborn Creative (previously known as Julie McCoy Graphic Design) principal Julie offers an expansive skillset with an innate ability to switch effortlessly between analytical strategic thinking and right-brain intuition and creativity. Her experience spans multiple facets of business, and she has worked with clients across dozens of industry sectors.

“I understand the challenges that business leaders face and what is required to cut through. I develop an understanding of each client’s industry, competitors, products/services, core ethos, vision and mission. I work with my clients as partners, respectful of their experience and knowledge. I’ve had the privilege of working with many clients over decades, spanning their multiple businesses. I provide clients with an outstanding visual identity and the creative tools they need to confidently and consistently drive their business forward.”

1989 – 1994
CONRAD HOTEL & JUPITERS CASINO

Following early career transitions from Front Office Supervisor (Gatwick, UK) to Accounting (with a City and Guilds of London Accountacy and Bookkeeping Diploma) and HR/Training at Conrad Hotel and Jupiters Casino, the executive team created the role of Junior Graphic Designer for Julie, specifically to learn and implement the early Apple Macs (IIFX) into the Marketing Services Department. Trained by the Apple and Adobe teams (including co-developer of Photoshop, Russell Brown) and with intensive study of graphic design, Julie was quickly promoted and enjoyed five years of diverse campaigns, spanning all departments and working with an executive management team from across the globe.

1994 – 1997
CONRAD INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TREASURY CASINO

Julie established the Marketing Services department for Conrad International Hotel & Treasury Casino Brisbane, spanning pre-opening refurbishment and launch phases, then managing design and production for three years.

1997 – 1998
SEXTY DESIGN

Appointed to the role of Production Manager at Sexty Design, expanding to include Account Management. Portfolio included Hyatt Regency Coolum, Stockland Group, Sunland Group, Herron Todd White, Promedia, Moreton Hire, Seaworld Nara Resort and Griffith University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

1998 TO PRESENT
McCOY DESIGN &
STUBBORN CREATIVE

In June 1998, Julie established Julie McCoy Graphic Design to provide a bespoke service to a niche clientele who demanded advertising agency standards but a more personalised relationship.

Referred by, and working with, Maureen Gardner of Tatler Events, one of Julie’s early clients was ‘The Edward De Bono Centre For Thinking‘, a Surfers Paradise-based international ‘thinking hub’ to bring great minds together from around the world to brainstorm global issues using the lateral thinking skills. Having created their logo, stationery, forms and marketing and advertising materials, Julie went on to train with Author, Professor of Psychology and Philosophy, Dr Edward De Bono in ‘Lateral Thinking’ and the ‘Six Thinking Hats’ method and attended his lectures with business leaders and schools.

Julie was the Graphic Designer for The Perfume Connection for seven years, from 8 stores through to 36.

Julie worked with Kenton Campbell as Graphic Designer for Zarraffa’s Coffee for nine years, from 2 stores up to 35, spanning menu design, product logos, training, HR and Franchising support materials, store fit-out concepts, retail packaging and merchandising, special promotions, uniform design, vehicle graphics, loyalty program graphics and advertising. Julie also supported the Zarraffa’s Coffee Franchise Conference for three years.

In 2000 Julie added web development to her skillset producing the inaugural static HTML websites for Tatler Events, Zarraffa’s Coffee and The Perfume Connection. Julie has since created dozens of websites for clients spanning WordPress, WordPress with WooCommerce, Shopify and Pressero.

Julie worked on major events, including four years with the Royal National Agricultural Industrial Assoc. of Queensland and the Royal Queensland Show (EKKA), and events including IMG Indy Grand Prix, Mercedes Benz Cup Golf Tournament and World Figure Skating, Tatler Events’ The Feast of Broadbeach and Magic Millions Racing Carnival, and PRIMEX Field Days.

Julie has provided design services for numerous non-profit groups and is currently working with Friday Warriors. She was a committee member for The Gold Coast Children’s Society for three years, providing graphic design support and website development. She worked with Assist-A-Sista (DV support) for three years, re-positioning the brand to garner financial aid, and a highlight was appearing in a segment on The Project TV, rapidly expanding our following.

In 2014 Julie developed the Crohn’s MAP Vaccine brand and inaugural website for Professor John Hermon-Taylor of Kings College London to grow awareness and public funding to develop a vaccine and take it to clinical trials.

In 2015, Nicolle Edwards (CEO), Sonia Deakin (Media), and Julie created Gold Coast based RizeUp Australia, delivering life-changing practical support for domestic violence families. Julie provided leadership team services, logo design, brand development, graphic design and web development services for two years. 

When Julie married in 2019 and changed her surname to McCombe0, McCoy Design was rebranded as Stubborn Creative.

2007 TO PRESENT
2 STUBBORN MULES
NOW: 

In 2007, Julie co-founded 2 Stubborn Mules with Iain McCombe to provide consultancy services and event production services to the Restaurant, Catering and Hospitality industry.

In 2021 we rebranded to Stubborn Group.