Alissa’s world is full of colour, curiosity, and the kind of chaos that makes for really great stories — and even better art. She’s mum to a nearly-two-year-old boy, a four-year-old girl, and is currently planning a Spring wedding (complete with flower kids and cousin chaos — the good kind). While most of us are counting contractions at 36 weeks pregnant, Alissa was also dreaming up her next creative chapter — what started as a fun design for her daughter’s nursery has since grown into Poster Playground, a bold and playful poster brand inspired by the little people in her life.

What inspired you to start Poster Playground?

I was 36 weeks pregnant and had just started maternity leave — and realised pretty quickly that slowing down wasn’t really my thing! I was on the hunt for something fun to style my daughter’s nursery and, having worked in the creative world for nearly a decade, I thought… why not design something myself?Then came baby number two — and I designed his poster along with a few for friends. They were actually the ones who gave me the little nudge to turn it into something more. It took me about six months (and a lot of self-doubt!) before I finally designed the logo and officially started Poster Playground...coming up to one year on June 1st!

What’s the best part about working on Poster Playground?

The best part? It’s 100% the creative freedom. Outside of my day job, Poster Playground has become this fun, playful outlet where I get to dream up colour palettes, sketch new shapes, and take inspiration from the little legends themselves. Kids have such bold, unique personalities — it’s impossible not to be inspired by them!

Describe your ideal day out with your plus one.

I’m definitely not a homebody — I thrive being out and about! My ideal Sunday AM* starts with a coffee, babycino and (non-negotiable) blueberry scone at Matilda in Mont Albert with the kids. If I’m lucky, I’ll get two minutes to flick through the Sunday paper before heading home for naps and chill time. If we don't make it out for breakfast, it's an early lunch with chips and a smash burger from Barry's Garage in Kew. Afternoons are for good food and even better company — we’ll head to Panton Hill Hotel for a cheeky wine and a pub meal. It’s out northeast of Melbourne and seriously one of the best spots: amazing food, a fab kids menu, and a huge grass area with a playground. Everyone’s happy!

*If we're not out, it'll be pancakes at home. I found the best, no-fail FLUFFY recipe on TikTok, and now I know it by heart and we make it every weekend: 2 eggs, 3/4 cup greek yoghurt, 2/3 cup milk, then mix. 1.5 cups plain flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, pinch salt, and tablespoon of white sugar.

What’s your go-to place/thing to do when you have a kid-free moment?

It might sound ridiculous to some, but give me a solo supermarket run and a few uninterrupted hours in the kitchen and I’m in heaven. Cooking is my love language — I’m always picking up inspo from TikTok, Instagram, or meals out, then finding ways to recreate or remix flavours at home. It’s my version of winding down! You'll find me next trying to make Alberts Wine Bar's Crab & Prawn toast.

What's one thing motherhood has taught you that you wish you’d known earlier?

It's ok to let go of being 'perfect'. I'm not into star signs but mine [Virgo] sings to me ahah! Logical. Tick. Practical. Tick. Systematic. Tick. Perfectionist.....well tick!

We always have this ideal picture perfect mind, but there are days you have let go, and start again tomorrow. But honestly, being a mum is the BEST thing in the entire world.