Toru Whā

The second identity package, this one has all the bells and whistles for those who are looking to roll out a cohesive look across the board.

To get started today or refresh your business look, flick a pm or email [email protected]

Commissioned piece for a 21st birthday gift 🫶

Reflecting on old photos, I stumbled upon these gems from our Nau Mai co-working days. Isn't it fascinating how design principles can be used to elevate anything, whether it's a space, an object or a blank canvas.

Unlock the keys to success with our 'Navigating Success' workshop, inspired by the wisdom of 'Tē tōia, tē haumatia’ (Nothing can be achieved without a plan, workforce and way of doing things) Designed by Ian, this one-day session is a roadmap from vision to achievement.

For further details, simply drop us a DM or email at [email protected].

I spent way too long developing my offerings because I wanted you to get as much value as possible.

This is the Whakapapa Logo Package. It is for those starting (or rebranding) their business journey, looking to illuminate the essence of their brand through logo creation.

I can't wait to collaborate with you and design something that will make your mahi stand out 🤝🙌 DM or email for all the details.

Self love art project inspired by Hinemoana. I appreciate your love for this one, although I'm still on the fence about taking it to the print press just yet.

Your logo is your customers first impression, make sure it's a goodie 🤝

is the other half of Toru Whā, he is a coasty boy (Ngati Porou - Ngati Konohi). His involvement with initiatives like Kōkiri, YES, and Nau Mai Communities reflects his commitment to nurturing and guiding entrepreneurs through their startup journeys.

Ian’s passion for facilitating startup workshops, delivering keynote speeches, and guiding individuals through their entrepreneurial endeavors shines through his work. With his unique talents and experiences, Ian brings a special touch to every engagement, empowering others to pursue their dreams and realize their potential in the startup ecosystem.

Swipe for a few of his favourite things.

New ident reflective of the entrepreneur behind the brand 💅🏽

Ko Talia Musson tōku ingoa
Ko Puketi rāua Pirongia ōku maunga
Ko Waihou rāua Waipa ōku awa
Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua rāua Tainui ōku waka
Ko Ngāpuhi rāua Waikato Tainui ōku iwi

New year new me (said with irony) It’s been a minute since I’ve introduced myself. Kia ora, my name is Talia Musson (nee Kingi). I am the creative arm of Toru Whā, a husband / wife pakihi. I provide all the usual graphic design services but specialise in brand identity systems. I have 16 years of design experience, I had to use a calculator to work it out and 12 of those I’ve been self employed. What I love about my creative journey is that it is continuously evolving, as I grow and mature my design does too. Swipe for a few of my favourite things.

Ian, with a natural flair for the dramatic, embraces his self-professed love of his own voice. His extensive speaking engagements across Aotearoa, Hawaii, and Canada reflect his commitment to incorporating indigenous values into business and redefining success.

Last weekend, he returned to his alma mater, the University of Waikato, addressing MBA alumni and students. The key takeaway: each of us possesses a unique contribution; it's time to embrace it.

Hiss. Huss. Hoos 🥊
New mahi for bi annual event. I have been working along side this grass roots gym for over 5 years now and loved watching them grow from strength to strength 👊🏽

Did ya know fancy highlight covers are a must for visual storytelling the who what when of your Insta page?

I’ve kept these covers abstract, there’s something for everyone. You can download them free 👉 www.toruwha.co.nz/cool-stuff

Prettied up our Instagram highlight covers, recycling a design I created a couple of years back for our website. It reminded me that we don't always need to reinvent the wheel and not to create unnecessary work.

I have something to share with my Insta whānau this week, keep an eye out for that one!

Last week I received an email letting me know I had been nominated for one of the .womens.development.inc awards, I was shocked 😂. Total imposter syndrome at its finest but also ultimately positively flattered. It made me reflect upon how many awesome wāhine in business I’ve had the privilege to call a friend, client, colleague or simply fan girl over. The Māori Women’s Development Awards close in 3 days, giving you 72 hours to nominate your favourite wāhine. Let’s celebrate each other and the mahi we do 🖤

So proud to of contributed to through the design process.

The logo was inspired by the tukutuku pattern, in this instance a symbol of one’s potential and development- think building blocks. The design illustrates a village created with individuals but together they are something even greater ✨

Our baby is growing up! Already one year around te ra 🥹

No smooth segue into business / design here just our baby 😆 Swipe right to see Manaaki's progress pics (3m-12m), my goshhhhh I will say he is the cutest damn thing.

The beauty of being a graphic designer you can one up your siblings when it comes to birthday presents 😂

This is a personal history in celebration of my parents 65th year around te ra crafted by yours truly.

This cheeky boy celebrated his 8th birthday a couple of weeks ago but time ran away on me and I didn't post. He is the loud one in our whare, a straight shooter like his Nanny. When he feels any emotion he embodies it to the fullest, I eagerly await to see how his 'emo' helps him to develop his artistry. Mamas got to have an artist somewhere in there 😆

A logo could be compared to a pepeha. It should speak to who you are as a business entity.

When developing a logo I like to unearth a companies history, values and goals. Understanding a clients company ethos is the key in designing a meaningful logo.

(Pictured) Tipu Āke concepts 1,2 & 3 each different but each telling a story. S/O to Rosa Flood for collaborating with me on the project, a talented wahine designer.

The many faces of MC Musson 😆 IYKYK. Ian Musson is currently everywhere and nowhere all at the same time. By that I mean he’s been travelling all over the motu supporting rangatahi on their entrepreneur journey. Here’s a catalog of his personality in photos taken from the Young Enterprise Trust Alumni Awards a couple of weeks ago.

Peep the cool mahi YES does here www.youngenterprise.org.nz

Who's watching tonight 👊🏽 We are boxing enthusiasts in our whare.

I love some event branding and have been working with the whānau at HIT FITNESS HQ for a few years now. has been on the cards for a while due to red tape, i'm pumped to see it now has a date. Go grab some tickets, rugby royalty Liam Messam as well as a bunch of local legends will step in the ring.

Toru Whā class photos of 2022, always and forever a whānau affair 🫶🏾

Thanks to Ashlee DeCaires Photography for making us look 🤌🏾 not an easy task wrangling us 😘

Why does every child want to be a YouTuber? Or am I in my own waka?🤔

My boy has been bugging me ever since we had a discussion on copyright to create his 'own' branding for YouTube. Even though it's been a hectic couple of weeks, we finally finished his Puggie logo. He loved it so much he put it on his birthday cake 😆 "Best mum ever" I'll take it! 😘