Creative Direction and Content Creation: My Experience at the Notes to Poppy Event
WORDS BY NFC STUDENT LARA PAROISSIEN
One of the most valuable features of my studies at National Fashion College so far is the access to real industry experiences, allowing students to apply what we are learning in the classroom to real-life opportunities. While I have already had the chance to be involved in so many exciting internships and projects, one of my favourite experiences so far was working as a Content Creator at the launch event for Notes to Poppy, a new fragrance brand launching in Australia.
At the beginning of May, I was fortunate enough to attend the event, where my role was to capture behind-the-scenes content throughout the evening for the brand’s Instagram. My responsibility was to document the atmosphere and high-end vibe of the event, from the visual merchandising of the perfume to the raw and authentic real conversations of guest interactions, and then transform that content into an engaging, high-end reel that reflected the night.
Walking into the event, my first impression of Notes to Poppy was how intentionally every element had been designed and curated. The atmosphere felt warm with candles and a lit fireplace within the home. From the event styling to the overall guest experience, it was clear that every detail had been thoughtfully considered to communicate the brand story and elevate a store from a home.
One of my favourite aspects of the event was the way each fragrance was brought to life through storytelling. Beside each perfume were beautifully displayed cards explaining the inspiration behind its creation, with each scent styled in its own dedicated room. This thoughtful approach made each fragrance feel as though it had its own distinct personality and symbolised different stages of life, creating a truly immersive walk-through experience that allowed guests to connect more deeply with the collection.
Capturing behind-the-scenes content in a live event environment was both exciting and challenging; unlike a controlled shoot, there are no second takes. Truthfully, I was incredibly nervous walking into the event, yet excited to allow my creativity to thrive. I knew I’d have to think quickly and predict moments before they happened, to capture them on camera. Whether it was adjusting to lighting changes in the different rooms, moving through the busy crowd in the kitchen and living room area, or switching from wide shots to detailed close-ups, the experience pushed me to trust my creative instincts, stay flexible and remain calm and professional.
A standout moment for me was capturing the subtle details that made the event feel so elevated — the fragrance displays with an insane attention to detail, the beautifully styled spaces, and the genuine excitement from guests experiencing the brand for the first time and purchasing the products, which were presented in paper bags with an inspirational message written on top. Those smaller moments often become the most powerful storytelling tools, reinforcing the importance of observation and attention to detail as a content creator.
This opportunity is also connected directly to what I am learning at National Fashion College. Within classes, we discussed the importance of branding, visual merchandising, marketing, and event management; this event allowed me to see those concepts come to life in a professional setting. It gave me valuable confidence in my creative abilities that have been developing throughout the year and further confirmed my passion for working within creative direction and fashion marketing. Experiences like this are what make studying at NFC so valuable.
My advice to future NFC students would be to apply for every opportunity that genuinely interests and excites you, even if it feels slightly outside your comfort zone. Often, those are the experiences that challenge you the most, help you build meaningful connections within the industry, and give you greater clarity about what you are passionate about. I would also encourage students to document these experiences on LinkedIn, as it is a great way to build up a creative portfolio, showcase your growth, and create a professional record of your achievements throughout your studies. The Notes to Poppy launch was one of those highlight experiences for me, one that I will always be grateful for and that has further strengthened my passion for the creative industry.