The Dreamers x The In Mag
The Dreamers x the in Mag
Welcome to the Dreamers. Our series celebrating the parents, creatives and families who inspire the way we live, create and raise our little people. This month we catch up with Ryan and Tam who are the creators behind TheINmag. An art magazine created by kids for kids. They are currently living the nomadic life. Travelling Australia with their daughter Nora.
TELL US YOUR Names + what you do
We're Tam, Ryan and little Nora. Two primary school teachers, partners, and the creators of theINmag - a magazine made by kids, for kids. We’re really passionate about giving creative kids a platform to share their voice.
WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME?
For the last two years, we’ve been living in our self-converted van. We spent four months building the perfect little home to travel Australia in, to connect with creative kids and their families. So far? Lotttts of Victoria, SA and NSW. Up next? QLD then down to Tassie. Yay.
BEST AND HARDEST PART OF WORKING THIS CLOSELY?
The best part for us is spending every day together. We have become so connected as a family and for Nora to spend her days with both her mum and dad is something we don’t take for granted. The hardest part is definitely the fact that there's no off switch. The business doesn't stay at a desk, it can very easily consume every day and night. We're still trying to find the ‘right’ balance - well, any sort of balance. Any tips??
WHAT WAS THE MOMENT YOU KNEW THE IN MAG NEEDED TO EXIST?
We were travelling back from Tam’s home town, Echuca, when we started reminiscing about our childhoods. Ryan had a creation shown on Saturday Disney one morning, and that moment changed his whole perception of himself. He suddenly thought, "Maybe I'm good at this.” Kids don’t have anything like this anymore. So we figured, hey, let's create it! And then the hard work began… I mean, c’mon, how do you even ‘create’ a magazine?
You're both teachers. How has that shaped things?
We are both inquiry-trained teachers and strongly believe that creativity can drive so much authentic learning. The drawings, the stories, the comics they pour their heart into. But the question remains: what happens once they’ve finished? These creations get shown to classmates, then go home in their school bags and end up on the fridge for a week. We want to give kids a place to have a real audience for their creations - a place to be seen and heard. So, we built the magazine we wished existed. Something we would’ve been obsessed with as kids. Somewhere a kid can share the thing they're proudest of, in the hopes of being published and inspire others all across Australia.
BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT BUILDING A BUSINESS AROUND KIDS' CREATIVITY?
Without being a negative Nancy, the most surprising thing for any business (we hope we’re not alone!) is how difficult it is to get your product out there. Every business has so many moving parts, and coming from teaching with no business background, there has been sooo much learning for us. Sidetab - we are so dang proud that we have created a place where kids can be inspired and connect with someone on the other side of Australia, all through the pages of a magazine. We picture a kid sitting on the end of the Busselton Jetty in WA, being inspired by an art piece from a kid who lives in central Victoria.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO The parent who thinks their kid "isn't the creative type"
We've never met a kid who isn't creative. Only kids who haven't found their thing yet, or who got told once that skies aren't purple and quietly stopped. Creativity isn't just drawing. It's the kid building whole worlds in a game, or with very strong opinions about dinosaurs. It’s even that kid getting on your nerves by asking "why" twenty-eight times before breakfast. Most kids don't lose creativity. They lose the willingness to be visible in it. We’ve had so many parents reach out to share the impact the magazine is having on their kids. They’re trying something new, finding inspiration from kids who are just like them and then creating something of their own. That’s pretty cool!
BONUS QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
WHO HELPED SHAPE YOU THE MOST GROWING UP?
Ryan: Definitely my old man. Shout-out Maxie. Amazing willpower, work ethic and smarter than he’ll ever admit.
Tam: I was lucky to have some pretty amazing teachers. One in particular showed me just how important it is to have fun and be open with your students.
SOMETHING YOU LEARNT FROM YOUR PARENT/S OR GRANDPARENTS?
Ryan: My dad went back to do a building course to be a registered builder at the age of 58. That was super inspiring to me. The mag wouldn’t exist if he hadn’t opened my eyes to the idea that change is healthy. Scary, but healthy.
ONE THING YOUR FAMILY IS TEACHING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Ryan: Patience. Man oh man. It goes hand in hand with our lifestyle, but I need to recognise that things take time and I can’t do it all right now.
Tam: Time is precious. I want to spend as much time with my family as possible. Work can always wait…
FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND A SLOW SUNDAY?
Ryan: A what? Surely that’s not a thing with kids, right? Right??
Tam: Coffee, a slow stroll together and some delicious pastries… yummy!
SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Ryan: Two truths and a lie - I have eleven toenails; I had ostriches when I was a kid; my middle name is Pascal - guess away!
Tam: I’m most definitely allergic to chocolate… but I refuse to believe it.
ONE SENTENCE YOU'D TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Ryan: Don’t worry about it.
Tam: Learning is cool. Oh wait, effort is cool!
FAVE BANABAE PIECES?
Ryan: Far out the bucket hat Nora is rocking looks great - adult sizes please! Very happy with the Old Mate green shirt though. I’ve had many compliments from older women at the supermarket.
Tam: My ‘thank you for helping me grow’ tee. It is very well worn, that’s for sure!
FOLLOW ALONG?
Join this rad fam on their journey spreading the creative joy to kids across Australia.
'We Are Artists' Kids Art Competition
Use theINmag to spark your creativity and enter our 2026 kids art comp! Every entry will be featured in Banabae's online art exhibition. The winner will have their work featured in next years Banabae collection as well as receiving a $500 Banabae Voucher!
