Now-girls: Auckland's hip young trailblazers

Vicki Lin. Photo / Babiche Martens

Call them creative multi-taskers, modern day renaissance women, multi-disciplined, jack of all trades, "now-girls" - but please don't call them slashies.

These are the young creatives who combine determination, great social connections, intense creative passion and a unique sense of style to work on a wide range of creative endeavours.

They're part of the generation where one job is never enough and where one can never be too busy, whether it be styling or photographing fashion shoots, DJ'ing at hip bars, modelling, launching websites or performing with their band. Or maybe they do all of these things, all while pushing a style that gets them noticed.

Of course, juggling all these creative projects could simply be out of necessity - one job usually doesn't pay the bills, especially in the creative scene.

Or perhaps it's boredom? Stylist/photographer/DJ Lucy Hunt, 21, thinks so.

"I think our generation is probably bored, and to be able to create and work on so many different things keeps us stimulated."

For 25-year-old TV presenter and fashion editor Vicki Lin, it's about wanting things sooner rather than later.

"Perhaps it's all that new-age teaching of 'living in the present', 'the power of now'. For me, there's so much I want to achieve that I figure if I don't start now, I'm never going to be able to get it all done!"

MELISSA GOODFELLOW

Age: 30.

What she does: Marketing manager for Cassette Number Nine, promoter, club & radio DJ (as MTron Bomb), television production.

Career highlights: "Too many to pen." Creative ethos "Everything should be a work of art. From a well crafted set to a beautiful poster. Being open minded to new ideas and in finding inspiration."

Future plans: "Working on my fitness."

Creative goals: "Always to have fun and be inspired. And to assist others in feeling the same."

Anything else you want to do? "Loads - but to put it into words on paper may lessen the impetus."

Her style: "Unpredictable and experimental."

VICKI LIN

Age: 25.

What she does: TV presenter, writer and researcher for Studio 2, director and fashion editor of CoupDeMainMagazine.com

Career highlights: "Being able to work and collaborate with a variety of unique, talented and inspiring people. Starting a business with like-minded friends. Being able to give back to the community. Meeting and interviewing lots of different celebs/musicians."

Creative ethos: "I'm my biggest critic and am really hard on myself. But what I've learnt is that it's okay to make mistakes so long as you learn from them. Success doesn't come without hard work and so it's all about finding a balance."

Future plans: Expanding Coup de Main Magazine. "We want to launch the website and build up our networks both nationally and overseas."

Creative goals: "There is still so much I want to do! I'd love to start a charity and do more volunteer work. I'd also like to do more travelling. I'd like to secure and compose a soundtrack for a movie and grow a veggie garden."

Her style: "I love sneakers. I love dressing up. I love designer. I love op shops and kooky one-off pieces. I also love collecting clothes from overseas. I think comfort is key - heels are an exception!"

LUCY HUNT

Age: 21.

What she does: Stylist who works a lot in costume, photographer, DJ in La Beat Debauchery.

Career highlights: Working in the UK under one of the best music video stylists, getting to style some of the best NZ musicians (The Checks, Smashproof), having her own music TV show for two years, DJ'ing with her best friend and currently helping in wardrobe for Cirque Du Soleil.

Creative ethos: "Never stick to one thing. Open your mind to everything that is happening around you and give it a go."

Future plans: "When I get a spare second, I'm designing a range of headpieces, and in talks to design a range of shoes with a friend to come out next winter."

Creative goals: Are endless. "I want to move into costume design for stage and screen. I've dabbled in costume work for musicians and would love to be able to create on stage garments for musicians that I love. I also want to continue to DJ with La Beat Debauchery."

Her style: A quirky and cool mix of vintage and designer (think Miss Crabb and Jimmy D).

REBEKAH DAVIES

Age: 32.

What she does: Musician, writer, photographer, actress, model.

Career highlights: "Being in a television series when I was 8 years old; I was required to run around in Victorian garb and ride a horse. They told me that was a job and I have indulged that, in one form or another, ever since. More recently, all the shows I have played in the last year with a band, comprised of friends to appreciative audiences. Interviewing local activist and musician Tigilau Ness granted me a specific insight into New Zealand's racial and social history. To be honest, it's a highlight every time my work is published."

Creative ethos: "Creativity is a gift. I am privileged to have fashioned a life that is steeped in it, so I had best be respectful of that. I believe creativity needs to be nurtured and it takes a lot of work to maintain it, so that is my daily challenge - to be disciplined and grateful. Everything seems to fall into place if I am mindful of those things."

Future plans: Currently writing songs for a record and recording when time allows; touring nationally and internationally when it is released. "There is also the business of putting together a new band, which is no mean feat. And I want to exhibit my photographs next year."

Creative goals: "To continue on the paths I have chosen; to become more skilled and adventurous in my chosen fields. To move people, as others have moved me, with the results of that."

Is there anything else you want to do? "I've had a screenplay rattling around in my head for years that is begging to be written. There are other things I'd like to attempt though I think my dance card is full for the time being. Let me put it this way: I hope I live a long life."

Her style: Primarily a lover of vintage. "I think it is quality I hanker for - in fabric and cut - something that is generally more within my price range when it is second-hand. I would happily wear nothing but Victorian linen undergarments, 30s tea dresses in chiffon and satin, velvet 60s frocks, and 70s leather jackets - and most days I do."

VICKY CHAN

Age: 27.

What she does: Co-owner and buyer for GeneralCucumber.com and boutique Children of Vision, co-owner of Enzyme Agency in Hong Kong, "taking the best NZ labels to Asia", pharmacy dispensary manager.

Career highlights: Starting General Cucumber in 2005, opening Children of Vision with James Dobson of Jimmy D this year, awarded Dispensary Manager of the year in 2008.

Creative ethos? "As I work in a pharmacy during the day, wearing my sensible trousers and lab coat, fashion is my vehicle for creativity."

Future plans: Taking New Zealand labels to a Paris tradeshow with Enzyme Agency in September. Eventually expanding Children of Vision into separate menswear, womenswear and shoe stores. "I love the idea of building a mini fashion empire."

Her style: Ranges from feminine to quirky to sculptural - she wears a lot of labels that feature in her stores, like Cybele, Gary Bigeni and Trosman.