Metro Cities Media to spotlight unusual Australian art careers

Metro Cities Media will begin a feature series on unconventional art-related careers, starting with storyboard artists and visual concepts specialists. The Sydney-based lifestyle magazine says the move responds to reader interest and its growth in online traffic.

Why it matters: - Metro Cities Media is widening its editorial focus into niche creative careers that sit outside the traditional gallery artist path. - The series could help readers understand less visible roles in Australia’s art and media industries. - The first feature centers on storyboard work, a field that connects illustration, advertising, film and branded content.

What happened: - Metro Cities Media, a Sydney-based online lifestyle magazine, will publish a series on unusual art-related careers. - The first installment features Dean Mortensen, founder of Scenes By Dean. - Mortensen is a storyboard and visual concepts artist based in Sydney. - Mortensen has more than 30 years of experience as an art director in the advertising and film industries. - His work covers feature films, serial dramas, short films and television commercials. - Metro Cities Media says the series was prompted by reader questions about art careers beyond selling work to galleries. - The magazine also published links to Scenes By Dean and Metro Cities Media.

The details: - Mortensen also creates visual concepts for events and activation agencies. - His client base includes film production companies and retail brands. - Metro Cities Media describes Mortensen’s freelance work as helping clients visualize and bring projects to life. - Content editor Paul Janes said the magazine has seen strong visitor growth over recent years. - Janes said the team used website feedback surveys to shape content and improve the reader experience. - Janes also said the company wants to stay on the leading edge of technology to communicate information in the way visitors expect. - Metro Cities Media says it covers lifestyle, travel, fashion, health, diet, fitness, home and garden topics. - The magazine also publishes service-oriented content, including guidance on choosing a chiropractor, home builder, family lawyer or cosmetic dentist.

Between the lines: - The new series signals a push toward more specialized, discovery-driven coverage. - The focus on backstage creative roles suggests Metro Cities Media sees value in practical career explainers, not just lifestyle content. - The publication is leaning into reader demand while trying to expand what it is known for.

What's next: - Metro Cities Media is expected to continue the art-career feature series beyond the opening story on storyboard artists. - The magazine says it will keep featuring lesser-known Australian industries and companies as part of its broader editorial mix. - The publication also plans to keep refining its digital offering as audience expectations change.

The bottom line: - Metro Cities Media is using a niche art-careers series to deepen reader engagement and broaden its lifestyle brand.