This week for our '2022, It's Nice To Meet You' series we chat to Niah Mcleod, Mother & talented fine dot aboriginal artist. 

We chatted to Niah about her love for putting pen to paper, the learnings she is taking from 2021 & what she is most looking forward to 'meeting' in 2022.

What are you most looking forward to ‘meeting’ in 2022?

Ooh i’ve got a couple of exciting things happening in 2022, I have a solo exhibition coming in May at China Heights Gallery which i’m currently working my ass off for haha ah!.. I have 1 or 2 collaborations coming out next year also. My Daughter starts school next year which will be huge for us also so i’m excited to stop for a bit and slow down and hopefully create a year with some type of routine and spend some time at home. (not sure who says that after 2 years in a pandemic haha) we do have some trips that need to be made overseas but i’m going to wait before I get any hopes up and just see what next year brings.

Reflecting back on 2021, what is something you have learnt that you will take through to 2022?

That every time I say i’m going to have a “slower” year my year is anything but “slow” so i’ve learnt just to take it all as it comes. I think i’ve also learnt this year that it's ok to say no to work and just to take on less so I can focus on each individual painting more.

What is one personal, professional or financial goal you will be tracking in your 2022 diary?

I would actually like to keep track of my actual paintings, what I have painted even photos of paint.

How many years have you been using an An Organised Life Diary?

I bought my first diary i for myself and my partner in 2019

What 2022 diary did you pick & why did you choose that style?

I’m using the 2022 A4 Daily Planner Beige with gold foil and I love it!, I like using the bigger diaries ( I can fit more into the days and make lists). 

Talk us through that feeling when you first unboxed your new AOL 2022 Diary? What did you notice? 

I think when something arrives in its own beautifully designed box you feel pretty special haha Every detail is so perfectly thought out.

What is your favourite feature in your 2022 diary & how will it help you stay organised?

You have your “weekly goals and focus” sections and you have action plans set out for your goals! , you have monthly quotes and its the best, I usually get through the year and have no idea what I did that year. I am not much of a business person and this just helps take somewhat of the stress away from that.

What are the top 3 ways you organise your life?

I’m a “write it down on paper” person so I remember things easier, so write a list
Execute the checklist. Tick it off and start again.

In saying this though.. I'm hopeless haha but i'll keep trying, even if I just get to the write it down part

What are 3 things in your wellbeing toolkit? 

1. Clean space
2. A nice scent
3. Goods ambience

What are your current desk essentials?

I have my diary, plants, laptop, probably a half eaten snack or toy from one of my kids, water-coffee-wine depending on time of day.

Top WFH organisation hack?

Communication, my partner and I  both work at home and we always have the kids with us so it’s communication and trying to tag team work.
We wake up and both clean the house so we always have a clean space to work from because we know it’s going to be chaos with the kiddies after the first half an hour anyway.

Get ready for 2022. Start HERE by exploring our 2022 Collection & shop Niah's favourite diary HERE. 

Photography by Anna Hutchcroft

Follow Niah & her beautiful work HERE