Why do Apple products cost so much more than its similar counterparts? And why do people pay for them? Even without seeing its bitten fruit logo, you can recognise their phones and laptops from its sleek design and user-friendly interface. Design encompasses more than just aesthetic and utility, a good concept can improve your daily experience and how you interact with various products and services.
If you choose to be a designer, you need to develop a strong attention to details and may even find yourself to be a bit of a perfectionist. You can also expect to work odd hours and under a tight deadline, both in your school projects and in your career. Your work does not usually follow 9-to-5 schedule but rather by project deadlines (and you are likely to have more than one). Being a designer also means that you will be in the forefront of trend and able to keep up with or even foresee future trends. This means you are going to experiment often and learn new things throughout your career. Most importantly, you are a creative person and want to be part of the creative industries.
‘’it takes more than just being a good drafter to be a good designer, as you are also required to be competent with the latest design software such as Illustrator, InDesign, etc.’’
Design industry is more than just fashion brands and film studios; you can also be employed as in-house or freelance designer for other types of businesses. If you master up-to-date design software, you are never short of creative outlets and paying jobs.
Essentially, the design industry value practical skills and work experience. While design is based on good concept and execution, there are several different branches that will refine which field you will pursue as a career. As you will continue to learn new skills and temper with new ideas, it is not foreign that a multimedia designer may also take on the role as graphic or animation designers later in your career.
There are several pathways towards the creative industries after your Secondary Education. You can choose to pursue a Pre-University course, a Foundation in Arts in your chosen university or a Diploma in Design. Upon completion of any of those qualification, you will then be eligible to pursue a Degree in Design. Aside from your qualifications, you will also need to build your portfolio when applying for work.
*As a rule of thumb: ‘A’ Level minimum 2 Es; STPM minimum 2 Cs; Australian Pre-University minimum of ATAR 60.0; CPU minimum average of 55% in 6 subjects; Diploma minimum CGPA of 2.0; Foundation in Arts minimum CGPA of 2.0; Matrikulasi minimum CGPA 2.0.
International College of Management
Western Sydney Institute
Sydney College of the Arts
UNSW
UTS