As Managing Editor of The Design Files, Sally Tabart champions stories that intersect design, culture, and social equity. Her work prioritizes:
After studying media, Sally began her career interning at publications like Fashion Journal and working as a production assistant at Certain Kind of Light, a motion content studio. During this time, she also co-founded Ladies of Leisure (LOL), a zine dedicated to feminist discourse and creative expression. LOL became a platform for exploring themes like gender equity in creative industries, hosting workshops at festivals like the Emerging Writers’ Festival[3]. This early work established Sally’s commitment to uplifting marginalized voices—a thread that continues through her later career.
In 2019, Sally relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where she deepened her expertise across fashion, film, and editorial spaces. Though she describes this period as “growing up,” her time abroad enriched her perspective on global design trends and cross-cultural storytelling. Returning to Melbourne, she joined The Design Files as Managing Editor, where she now oversees content strategy, contributor networks, and multimedia storytelling[1][5].
This profile of Yaritji Tingila Young, a rising Indigenous artist, highlights Sally’s ability to spotlight cultural narratives often overlooked in mainstream design media. The piece delves into Young’s connection to her Anangu heritage and her modern interpretations of traditional dot painting techniques. By contextualizing Young’s work within broader conversations about Indigenous representation, Sally underscores the importance of decolonizing design spaces. The article remains a touchstone for discussions on authenticity and cultural preservation in Australian art[9].
In this practical guide, Sally explores the intersection of urban living and sustainable design through the lens of indoor gardening. She interviews Loose Leaf founders, detailing how their plant warehouse democratizes access to greenery in small spaces. The article balances DIY tips with broader commentary on biophilic design’s role in mental health—a theme Sally revisits often in her work[6].
This introspective interview reveals Sally’s personal and professional ethos. She discusses the challenges of maintaining creativity during Melbourne’s lockdowns, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and community support. Her candid reflections on burnout and resilience resonate with creatives navigating post-pandemic industries[5].
Sally gravitates toward projects that align with her advocacy for equity and sustainability. Pitches should highlight how a design initiative or cultural movement addresses systemic issues. For example, her coverage of Indigenous art[9] demonstrates her interest in stories that challenge traditional power structures. When approaching her, emphasize measurable community outcomes or innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
With a background spanning film, fashion, and editorial work, Sally values stories that bridge industries. A successful pitch might explore how a tech startup collaborates with textile artists or how a culinary event integrates sustainable architecture. Her Concrete Playground article on urban gardening[6] exemplifies this interdisciplinary lens.
Avoid overly technical jargon or sales-driven content. Sally’s work thrives on human-centered storytelling, as seen in her interview with Yaritji Tingila Young[9]. Pitches should center personal journeys, creative processes, or grassroots movements rather than corporate milestones.
While Sally’s accolades are not widely publicized, her influence is evident in her editorial leadership at The Design Files, which has become a cornerstone of Australia’s design community under her stewardship. The publication’s focus on ethical design and cultural storytelling has set industry benchmarks, earning recognition from peers and institutions alike[1][5].
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Design, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
