We are monie.ka and James. Girl and Boy. Austrian and English. We are creatives at heart with a strong drive in what we believe in. Together we create a special spark.

We met over a decade ago. From the day our paths crossed it took us a mere fortnight to decide that we would leave our old lives behind. Ambitious and focused on starting a future together. Since then we lived in many different countries from Austria to Germany, Australia to the UK. Before we founded hard graft we dedicated ourselves to creative positions at renowned fashion houses such as Vivienne Westwood and big Advertising & Design Agencies including Publicis and JWT. 

We are a 21st century couple. We are the owners of a 21st century brand.

The spirit of the brand started in 2006,we were looking for new inspiration and set out on a 6422 km road trip up the amazing Australian East Coast. 

Squashed into a tiny camper van contrasted with endless walks on the beach, free from it all we were philosophising of creatively working together. 

Back in Austria, and back in our real world we couldn’t wait to roll our sleeves up and get things started. First on the list: Finally ditching the neoprene and dressing our most reliable companion, our MacBook Pro, in the best protective yet smart and beautiful sleeve it deserved.

In our creative work we always tried to reflect real craft. From pixel perfect graphic design, to a clever overall idea in ads to interesting fabrics in fashion design we love to add details and a certain old world charm. 

With a deep respect for the manual craftsmanship in the days gone by we find a lot of inspiration in the past - from classic scandinavian furniture to the smallest safety pin, all handmade with such a impeccable detail and effort. The details matter.

This "holding on to the good" feeling is exactly what we set out to capture with our first ever laptop sleeve. Something that stays true to this day.

We both have a passion for materials and textures and we started to experiment and play with different tactile experiences. I, monie.ka, have a diploma in knitwear design and I have a big fascination for wool. The feeling of it, the way it isolates, the way it behaves, it’s such a beautiful resource.

We discovered that combining the rough and robust wool with another old world material - leather, that they enhanced and complimented each other. The juxtaposition gave such a dynamic and special spark. 

Absolutely in love with our first design we proudly published it online, we were known then as Working Class Heroes. The seed was planted and it started to grow and spread. Naturally and organically. This was in 2007 and there were no other felt & leather gadget cases like ours out there. We are the true originals and we like to believe that we started a small revolution in tech accessories. Right from the start we had a huge following of bloggers and early adopters, many of you which are still our loyal followers today and we truly appreciate it. 

Hard graft was officially founded in 2008 and nothing could stop us from there, not even the worst economical breakdown.

Hard graft is a juxtaposition of two opposites, it’s a combination of textures creating a tension whilst staying balanced and pure.

Every hard graft product has a calm aura and quiet confidence. Not attention grabbing but it catches your eye. Owning a hard graft product makes you feel proud, confident, professional but also interesting, creative and unique. Grown up enough to go to board meetings but fits spot on in your creative studio. Hard graft is versatile without being bland. It’s adaptable but always stands out for the right reasons.

Hard graft is a rebellious brand with a calm, confident, cheeky approach. We are designers and care as much about the aesthetics as making the product work, though we are not obsessed with technical over functionalities. Our goods capture an old world craftsmanship whilst being futuristic and fresh. They are rich and upscale with a real down to earth appeal.

All hard graft goods are relaxed, casual with a real sense of refinement - instant classics.

Dedicated to designing an original, clever, functional product that surprises and excites with a subtle elegance and high aesthetic. 

Dedicated to finding the best materials out there, studying their special qualities. Truly loving the nature of the way they feel and how they makes us feel. Making the best use of each materials talents.

Dedicated to do our great ideas and designs justice we choose to work with the best - the Italian artisans. With a long history in leather making they are the experts when in comes to assembling our unconventional ideas. Attaching an old world craftsmanship to our fresh thinking.

Dedicated to turning an idea into a fully functioning one of a kind product. A product where you can feel that someone has put a lot of consideration and thought in.

A hard graft product is a lifestyle companion with genuine heart and soul. It already feels loved and cherished before you make it your own.