In this series, we ask Imagination talent all about the experiences that have made them who they are. This month we spoke to Tess Pollock, Senior 3D Designer from our Sydney studio.
A bit about me…
If I’m not deep in the world of creative experiences, you’ll probably find me chasing the next adventure! Whether that’s camping under the stars, planning my next international snorkelling or snowboarding destination or zipping around the beaches on my Vespa in search of the perfect sunrise ocean dip. I’m addicted to a coastal walk listening to my favourite podcast (the kind that makes you feel smarter without trying too hard) and am in a committed relationship with my Pilates studio.
The creative experience that influenced me the most…
Cirque du Soleil was a game-changer for me as a kid. As an avid little gymnast with a creative streak, I adored it immediately, it felt like stepping into a dream world that combined all my favourite things. I still feel nostalgic for how magical it all was for me, from the live music and lighting to the makeup, costumes, and incredibly clever set designs, all working together to create something completely captivating. I was mesmerised! I had even convinced myself I was destined to run away with them (still waiting for that call!). It was one of the first times I was truly swept off my feet by the power of creative storytelling – how movement, sound, and design could evoke emotion and transport the audience somewhere else entirely.
My industry hero is…
I’ve often felt most inspired and ignited by installation artists. The creative minds of artists like Olafur Eliasson, who don’t just create something to be observed but craft experiences to be felt. The most powerful installations are more than just breathtaking, they shine light on the world’s issues and invite audiences to engage with them in ways that news headlines often can’t. They challenge how we see, feel, and think, transforming abstract ideas into something tangible. That perfect mix of wonder, depth, and impact keeps me coming back for more.
The piece of work I’m most proud of…
I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Sydney Imag team, delivering the AWS Flagship Summit events in Australia for the last four years. This event brings together the brightest minds to educate businesses and the developer community on technology upskilling and plays a major role in the conversation around ethical AI adoption (No pressure! Just the technology reshaping the world as we know it!). What I love most is seeing the work we do translate into real action. Crafting the right experiences ensures developers have the tools and knowledge to navigate this evolving space, whether it’s driving sustainability, rethinking technology, or helping businesses push the boundaries of what’s possible. There’s nothing better than building experiences that don’t just look good but actually make a real impact.
The piece of work that makes me cringe…
Ah, the early days! My career kicked off designing retail store fit-outs. Let’s just say there are some questionable Australian surf store interiors out there, featuring very non-functional apparel displays that somehow still exist across the Australian and Asia Pacific region. However, I was very lucky to have some incredible mentors at my first design studio and made some lifelong friends. I wouldn’t trade a single one of these experiences for anything.
The experience I wish I had created…
The Lume in Melbourne! As Australia’s first digital art gallery, it transforms 3,000 square metres of floor space and 11-metre-high walls into a living, breathing canvas using 143 high-definition projectors. It’s like stepping inside a painting, but with no museum guards giving you side-eye. What makes it so special is its versatility, whether it’s wellness classes like yoga and sound baths, immersive banquet dinners, custom brand activations or artist showcases, the space adapts to its audience in a way that feels both personal and larger than life. I adored every second I spent there.
Advice to my 18-year-old self…
Don’t let the fear of an imperfect idea keep you quiet. Throw all your ideas out there girl! The best way to grow is to back yourself, learn from the hits and misses, and trust that the confidence you are seeking will come from doing.
What’s next?
I’m very excited to be leading the design of Momentum, Australia’s flagship ESG event for Commonwealth Bank, now in its third year. This event continues to evolve and grow in scale and impact, offering immersive and multi-sensory experiences that aim to inspire Australia’s top CEOs to adopt innovative and sustainable practices, helping to accelerate the country’s transition to a carbon-neutral future. It’s projects like these where I feel my work matters most!
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