It Takes a Village (or at least a very cool Mum and Shane)

Couldn’t Do It Without You: Meet the Magbean!™ Dream Team

by Nat Bannerman

Creating Magbean!™ has been a big journey, filled with excitement, challenges, and a lot of learning. While I have been the one writing the words, drawing and designing the characters, I haven’t been doing it alone.

There are two people behind the scenes who make all of this possible: my mum (Debi) and step-dad (Shane).

Working with someone who knows you is comforting in a way that’s hard to explain. Out of everyone in my life, mum knows me best. She’s seen all the ups and downs, sat with me through the hard parts, and understands what motivates me and what doesn’t. She doesn’t try to make me fit into a box that was never made for me. She gets how I process things, and that makes me feel safe.

It’s not just helpful, but also relieving to know I have someone by my side who understands how my brain works, who believes in what I’m doing, and who never pushes me to be anything other than myself. She's always been there, managing things behind the scenes, cheering me on when I’ve doubted myself, and gently helping me move forward when things felt overwhelming.

And let's not forget Shane. Shane helps bring a steady energy to the table. Whether it's brainstorming visual setups, helping with displays, or just quietly being there to support, he’s part of the creative flow in a really grounding way. Helping with graphic design and proofreading my work, it really helps keep the business going, and it's something I'm grateful for. His own artwork inspires me, too, and it’s been special having him involved in this journey.

Also exciting, after the ANU Psychology Fair, two amazing psych students have offered to support Zosimos Curra™ in the coming months. I’ll introduce them properly soon, but for now, I just want to say this dream wouldn’t be possible without the people who keep me grounded, seen, and supported.

It’s never just been about the books. It’s about creating something that reflects who I am, sharing kindness and understanding, and having a team that makes that possible.

Want to meet the team? Click the button below: 👇

– Nat

Meet the Dream Team