Yunis and Annmarie are the great team behind Cybertart. Our name, Cybertart, is a playful creation: a blend of “cyber,” “tee” and “art” that is memorable and reflects our irreverent spirit.
From the outset, our mission has been to create unique items that stand out in a world of sameness. We believe that the ubiquity of an object diminishes its specialness and value. As artists and creators, we embrace a hands-on approach, never outsourcing any aspect of design or production, and we only offer our work at markets or through our online store. This limited number of creations has allowed us to fly a little under the radar, letting the public discover us naturally. Additionally, we avoid creating seasonal imagery that could ultimately be discarded. Instead, our commitment to originality has sustained us and continues to attract new audiences as they uncover our pieces.
My joy in connecting with people enhances Yunis’ exceptional artistic talent. While Yunis excels in creating visually striking pieces, my enthusiasm allows me to engage with our customers, understand their needs, and communicate the story behind our work. This interaction not only brings our designs to life but also fosters a deeper connection with our customers. Listening to their feedback helps guide our creative process, ensuring our work resonates with diverse groups. Together, we harness our strengths, creating a dynamic partnership that neither of us could achieve alone.
As working artists, we understand that our journey is not always straightforward; it requires a willingness to evolve constantly. Just as our tastes change, so do those of our customers. Our philosophy is that if we find a certain bag essential, others likely do too! This mindset diversifies our offerings and enhances the practicality of our designs, enabling us to create pieces that seamlessly blend striking illustrations with functional form.
A standout feature of our bags is the zip-off panel, which allows you to easily customise your look by swapping different illustrated fronts to match your mood or outfit. This design promotes versatility while reducing the need for multiple bags. Recently, we’ve also introduced an exciting new line of bags made largely from recycled advertising banners that might otherwise have ended up in landfill. These one-off items not only enhance our collection’s functionality but also celebrate their originality!
There’s a wonderful blend of friendship and support among our fellow stallholders that truly brings joy to our work. Whether through generous exchanges, sharing ideas or enjoying a good laugh, the time we spend together is invaluable. I also deeply cherish the special friendships formed with certain customers, as they add another layer of meaning to our experience. This sense of community enriches our time together and transforms each market day into a shared journey with amazing people, rather than just a sales opportunity.
We have been fortunate to experience countless heartfelt moments at the market. One that stands out is when a little girl, completely enchanted by our bags, kissed each one with pure joy. These moments are both delightful and deeply encouraging.
Fitzroy is an inspiring place to call home, with a wonderful blend of unique characters and creativity. For me, the local pool is a true delight, where I enjoy spending time with a diverse group of wonderful people. Meanwhile, Yunis, a versatile artist, seamlessly transitions from illustrations to photography, capturing colourful characters wherever he goes. He rarely ventures out without his cameras, drawn to the sense of family and shared energy within the Fitzroy music scene. At landmark venues and grassroots gatherings, he documents the bonds, milestones, and moments that weave our community together. His lens has captured everything from the ‘Save the Tote’ campaign to early chapters in the journeys of emerging bands: one of his shots even graced an Amyl and the Sniffers album cover.
Living in Fitzroy profoundly influences our art, as we each draw inspiration from these magnificent locations in unique ways, enriching our creativity. We feel incredibly fortunate to continue creating with Cybertart, knowing that our success is intertwined with the support of our customers. Without them, we wouldn’t still be here, and for that, we are truly grateful! When we host visitors, we love taking them on a wander around Fitzroy’s unique and diverse stores and eateries that showcase the essence of the area. They always leave wanting more.
Thank you for allowing us to share our story!
📍You can find Cybertart at The Rose St. Artists’ Market on Saturdays, where their stall is a colourful, ever-changing display of form and function, and a reflection of their deep love for design, community and creative expression.
👉 Explore the full Cybertart range, or check out Yunis’ photos on Instagram or Facebook.
📸 Images courtesy of Cybertart.
Keen to find more great local stories? Take a look at our recent features on Atelier Claire Taylor, Scout for Vintage and The Galerie Fitzroy, each bringing their own burst of creativity and charm to Fitzroy.
