NM TAFE highlights the industry’s future talent at ‘Destination Art & Design’ graduate exhibition

The ‘Destination Art & Design’ graduate exhibition, curated by this year’s NM TAFE Graphic Design graduates remains on show until the 12 December 2020. If you get a moment a visit to see the work in person at Gallery Central, 12 Aberdeen Street in Northbridge is well worth the trip.

The entire building Gallery Central is filled with Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Jewellery, Photography and Visual Arts work. It offers a unique opportunity to see the diversity, quality and range of job ready graduates in the heart of Perth.

Alumna Melissa Radman, Design Director at Wunderman Thompson, said: “said: “For you to be a good designer, you need to tap into your life experiences and observe the world around you. The good news these Still Shining graduates did exactly that and are still pushing and still learning!”

“This year has tested us to push through uncertainty and adapt to the world while charging towards the future. These challenges have brought us together and pushed our creativity further than we thought we could,” said Radman.

Opening last week on the 3rd of December, this Graphic Design exhibition is different from previous years in several ways. Most obvious is the new space, a move to zero touch, ‘exploded portfolios’ — partly due to a COVID safe plan, but also to allow students to adorn the walls, floors, exposed beams and change rooms in TAFE’s wooden floored, life-drawing rooms. There is also much fewer Graphics Graduates this year, with a total of only 16 students — down from 38 last year.

You can still interact virtually, via their website or their instagram. Likewise, a tidy showreel also offers great insight into the depth and range of job ready skills they have on offer.

See a snapshot of some of the other disciplines on display here.

Other highlights of the Still Shining Project included a range of industry talks, workshops and design sprints, including:

Student Mitchell Do won the inaugural Kindling Brief – an initiative that gives young creatives a chance to see their work in the real world. Ruicong Tian, came runner-up.

A student team was short-listed as the Asia/Pacific Finalist for the Google Online Marketing Challenge

A hands on, Spray and Play date with Phil Gambrill from Fresh Lemon Print – the Letterpress/Typographer in Residence during Term 3.

A marathon IP Talk with Nigel Chen-Tan from FB RICE Lawyers

ISTD introduction and two professional concepting and crafting session with with Becky Chilcott (ISTD & CHIL3)

Binding and print talk with Paula Siudek and Emilee Hudswell from GO PRINT WA

An onsite visit by John Hartley from Advanced Press – They also helped print this year’s catalogue.

Ruicong, Cosi and Anabel took part in the Adobe / Rip Curl design sprint AKA the Adobe CreativeJam

NM TAFE and Still Shining Grads hosted the 2020 AGDA WA Portfolio Review – a chance to receive industry professionals feedback and hear an outstanding keynote by Rachel Boon (Block Branding) – Several students also were placed with industry mentors as part of the AGDA WA Mentor/Mentee program

NM TAFE’s Brendan Hibbert gave a big thanks to lecturing staff; gallery and technician support; the amazing industry judging team for 2020; the guests and naturally, none of this could happen without the graduate show sponsors.

2020 Still Shining Project Awards for Excellence
Sponsored and Supported by Campaign Brief (WA)

Award for Excellence: BEAUMONT AWARD
Judge: Aimee Johns & Drew Turner | The Butcher Shop
2020 Winner: Kevin Wilson

Award for Excellence: TYPOGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
Judge: Betty Joy Richards & Becky Chilcott | BJR & Chil3
2020 Winner: Anabel Cressie

Award for Excellence: ADVERTISING EXCELLENCE AWARD
Judge: Melissa Radman | Wunderman Thompson
2020 Winner: Anabel Cressie

Award for Excellence: DIGITAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD
Judge: Luke Totterdell | BankWest
2020 Winner: Logan Mackie

Award for Excellence: BRANDING EXCELLENCE AWARD
Judge: Enrico Bettesworth | Rare
2020 Winner: Logan Mackie

Award for Excellence: 3D DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD
Judge: Brett Layton | TwofromTwo
2020 Winner: Kevin Wilson

Award for Excellence: STRATEGIC CREATIVITY AWARD
Judge: Mike Drysdale | Lush & Dear Storyteller
2020 Winner: Anabel Cressie

Award for Excellence: AGDA – BEST OF SHOW
Judge: Sam Gorecki & Alby Furfaro | AGDA WA (Co-Chairs)
2020 Winner: Ruicong Tian

Award for Excellence: TRAVIS WALKER MEMORIAL AWARD
Judge: Staff award for the student who demonstrated “Noble acts of selflessness”
2020 Winner: Cosimo Ricupero