Timba Smits is world renowned for his artistic work across illustration, design and graphic art. Amix of mid-century retro aesthetics and incredibly imaginative character designs has earned him fans well beyond Melbourne, a talent that traces back to a Grade 4 drawing competition he won with his rendition of Raphael, his favourite Ninja Turtle. He's been illustrating ever since, knowing from that moment this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

For this T2 collab, inspired by the very place Timba calls home, Timba's work draws on a multitude of aspects that make Melbourne, Melbourne. "Melbourne's a real artist's city," he says. "The creative scene here is incredible." His favourite haunt is the Sun Theatre, not just his favourite cinema in Melbourne but his favourite cinema in the world. "It's got beautiful draped Art Deco curtains, the architecture is just beautiful, it's like stepping back in time." Next door is his favourite bookshop, small and cosy, with handwritten staff notes blue-tacked next to their favourite reads — Timba prefers a book to a browser when he's researching a new piece. Another hidden gem is Advieh, a plant-filled café strung with Persian lights, where he takes his iPad, orders a warm drink and writes for an hour.

From Melbourne's rich breakfast culture to its vibrant arts and music scene, Timba's work evokes a nostalgic nod to the artwork and hand-crafted signage reminiscent of meandering laneways, hidden gems and the deeply embedded culture of artistry found throughout Melbourne's quintessential landscape. Timeless. Evocative. Quintessentially Melbourne. A fitting visual accompaniment to our much-beloved Melbourne Breakfast Tea.

"I hope that people, when they see the packaging, feel Melbourne in the designs," Timba says. "I hope they see it the way that I see it."