Media Arts Graduate Profiles
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Welcome! Every year the School of Media Arts graduates approximately 150 students who enter into the creative industries workplace. Their occupations include journalist, web designer, musician, photographer, fashion designer, business owner, interior designer, creative director, artist, and many more. This publication profiles a range of graduates. These people may have joined us at various stages along the certificate, diploma, degree or postgraduate journey. Some stayed with us for years while others were only with us for 6 months before moving into employment. There are always challenges for students entering a rapidly changing work environment. Innovation, expertise, team work and an awareness of contemporary communication strategies are highly valued. We are very conscious of the preparations necessary and believe that we provide a unique learning environment that encourages students to work collaboratively while developing a strong individual practice in a chosen field. We strive to provide students with the right mix of technical problem-solving and interpersonal skills, all informed by an awareness of professional expectations.
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The school facilities are designed so that students can meet and work with others studying in related areas, learn a range of related subjects that support their career path, and spend time with prospective employers to gain an understanding of the work environment they are about to enter. We have a range of well-resourced specialist areas that promote very practical learning and are supported through excellent teaching. We pride ourselves on our connections to employers, the creative industries and the community. We do this through a range of mechanisms such as industry forums, internships, numerous guest speaker visits, and Spark International Festival of Media, Arts and Design, which exposes students and staff to a broad range of practitioners who are at the cutting edge of their field and have valuable insights to share. Research shows that employers value an employee who has the ability to communicate well, collaborate, show independence and initiative, who is already competent in a field, who can teach themselves new skills, and think creatively. We constantly change and adapt our teaching curriculum to ensure we provide relevant learning experiences that best prepare our students for the next stage in their career. We maintain a relationship with our alumni through social media, surveys, interviews, and professional relationships and forums. What follows is a collection of insights into the professional lives of some of those graduates. Enjoy the read.
Margi Moore, Head of Wintec’s School of Media Arts
“ We strive to provide students with the right mix of technical problem-solving and inter personal skills, all informed by an awareness of professional expectations.”
The Graduates
Angela Keoghan Anna Fawcett Carly Flynn Chanelle Davis Erica Sinclair Dave Baxter Elliot Mason Gary Venn Harkanwal Singh Jane Gillanders Jenna Lynch Michelle Coursey Naomi Johnston Christopher Hope / Bridget Hope Raewyn Brandon Robyn Mickleson Simon Wade Donna-Lee Biddle Louise Raine Morgan Samuel Klas Eriksson Julia Crickett / Rene Aveyard
Angela Keoghan Illustrator
“Media Arts gave me a great visual grounding and history from which to expand on in the industry and it was up to me to use that to its fullest potential once I left study.�
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Angela Keoghan
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours), Photography/Illustration pathway Secondary School: Hillcrest High School Awards: • Vodafone Music Awards Tui for Best Album Cover • Multiple awards in the 3×3 Pro Show and Children’s Picture Book Show • Shortlisted for the Association Of Illustration Awards 2014 in the UK First job after graduation: School photographer Occupation: Freelance Illustrator
Illustrator
Angela Keoghan is a freelance illustrator whose whimsical style combines a variety of digital and organic media. Her work is inspired by exploration, travel, nature and a library of vintage children’s books, and has seen her win many awards. Working as The Picture Garden, a studio she runs with husband Jayden, she creates images for clients all over the world. A typical work day involves conceptual problem solving, delivering ideas and generally drawing pictures for a living, Keoghan says. “Day to day I accept commissions for editorial, advertising and publishing illustration. I create concept sketches and then work them into final artwork ready for print, the web or, occasionally, a pantry cupboard or café wall.” Keoghan chose to study at Wintec because the Media Arts programme is industry-based and has a variety of media covered, including her particular interests of painting, photography and graphic design. “Highlights were having access to a wide variety of facilities, not just those in the stream I was studying, and enjoying other creative minds who taught and studied alongside me,” she says. “The main thing I learnt was to think critically about ideas and how to resolve creative problems in inventive ways.” “Media Arts gave me a great visual grounding and history from which to expand on in the industry and it was up to me to use that to its fullest potential once I left study.” Keoghan aims to keep working as a freelance illustrator on a global scale and keep exploring the different opportunities open to her in this field. thepicturegarden.co.nz | twitter.com/angelakeoghan
Anna Fawcett Media Officer
“ I get to travel the world doing what I love — so it’s all pretty great really.”
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Anna Fawcett Media Officer
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Communication), Public Relations pathway First job/s after graduation: • Sky City Casino Promotions Coordinator part time during 3rd year • Web Admin, Communications and Marketing Assistant at Alpine Springs (now Tekapo Springs) Occupation: International Media Officer at Visit Britain
“I use skills that I learnt in my Bachelor of Media Arts every day, even ones like photography and InDesign,” says media specialist Anna Fawcett. “My job is so varied that the wide range of skills and topics covered during the course has aided me well.” Her favourite part of the degree was the industry professionals teaching — “not just someone who has read about it in books”. There was a mix of theory and practical application at Media Arts, she says. “We were pitching real projects/ campaigns to companies. The ability to gain real industry contacts and experience through this kind of work and through the internship was invaluable.” “I also loved being able to do collaborative projects with other disciplines, and make friends and contacts in other areas.” After graduation, Fawcett’s roles included Events and Promotions Manager at Auckland University’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries, Festival Coordinator for Laneway NZ, and Marketing and Production Manager for Tim Bray Productions. Securing a job as Media Relations Coordinator for Festivals Edinburgh was a highlight, says Fawcett. This role ran for three years over the UK summer months and included creating itinerary for invited media and ensuring their trips ran well. It also featured relevant media briefings and photocalls, responding to daily media enquiries, writing news releases and representing Festivals Edinburgh at public events. Fawcett has now completed an MSc in International Marketing (majoring in Consumer Behaviour and Global Digital Media) at Napier Edinburgh University, and is set to graduate with distinction. While studying, she worked at the Scottish Storytelling Centre as their Marketing and Communications Officer. At the time of printing, she was moving to London, having been appointed International Media Officer for Visit Britain. “I get to travel the world doing what I love — so it’s all pretty great really,” Fawcett says. “Hard work, but a lot of fun.”
Carly Flynn Presenter & Journalist
“ You need to throw yourself into everything, every opportunity, and show potential employers that you’re prepared to do anything for a story — work hard, work late, work long.”
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Carly Flynn Presenter & Journalist
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Communication) majoring in Journalism Secondary School: Tauhara College First job after graduation: Writing for a daily newspaper in South Auckland Occupation: 60 Minutes reporter/freelance media professional
Journalist, presenter and broadcaster Carly Flynn is a familiar face to many New Zealanders, having featured on Nightline, Sunrise, Target and Newstalk ZB. “For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a journalist,” says Flynn. At the young age of 16 she enrolled in the Bachelor of Media Arts at Wintec after talking to her godfather, Mike Brockie, a senior producer and journalist at TV3. She was thrilled to be accepted into the degree. “I really loved that I was in an environment where I was on the path to becoming a journalist.” Lecturer Jeremy Smith remembers Flynn as focused and committed, with an interest in broadcasting from the very start. As part of her study Flynn spent time at the Matamata Chronicle and did an internship at TV3. “I think a degree in journalism from Wintec is the best place to start,” she says. “You need to throw yourself into everything, every opportunity, and show potential employers that you’re prepared to do anything for a story — work hard, work late, work long.” carlyflynn.com
Chanelle Davis Musician & Songwriter
“ I was free to develop my talents in a safe and supportive environment and finally began to see many career opportunities I never knew existed.�
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Chanelle Davis
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Commercial Music) Secondary School: Tauranga Girls’ College Awards: • APRA award for Best Children’s Music Song, New Zealand Songwriter’s Trust Award, finalist in the Songwriter of the Year awards Occupation: Musician
Musician & Songwriter
“At Wintec I was immersed in a round-the-clock hive of creative activity and colourful people”, says Melbourne musician Chanelle Davis. “I enjoyed small classes, one-on-one time with passionate tutors and advanced equipment at my fingertips. I was free to develop my talents in a safe and supportive environment and finally began to see many career opportunities I never knew existed.” Davis made the most of these opportunities. As a student in the Bachelor of Media Arts, she built friendships and relationships with people in the music industry through her third-year internship. Highlights after the degree included a job at New Zealand’s top independent record label, releasing two solo albums and an EP, and organising successful tours. Reflecting on these achievements, Davis believes that the variety of relevant skills she gained during her study was crucial to her subsequent success in the commercial music industry. “Being able to understand a recording contract, set up a P.A system, design a website, shoot a music video, write a radio ad or put together a press kit is what makes Media Arts graduates survivors in the real world.” chanelledavis.com
Erica Sinclair Photographer
“ The best thing was the friends I made, who are now some of my strongest networks. We all help each other out.�
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Erica Sinclair Photographer
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts), Photography pathway Secondary School: Trident High School First job after graduation: Photographer at NZ Fashion Week, and NZ Māori Rugby League Tournament Occupation: Photographer/ Te Tohu Paetahi diploma student
Photography has taken Erica Sinclair places — to weddings in Fiji and Rarotonga, among others — but it’s capturing her culture at home that she’s most passionate about. She recently produced a kapa haka themed calendar, ‘Ngā taniwha o te ao kapa haka’, enlisting her friend and fellow Media Arts graduate Daniel Moeke to do all of the graphic design work. While Sinclair hoped the calendar would be well received, the positive response was overwhelming. Always creative, Sinclair knew she would choose an arts career. A teacher recommended Wintec’s Media Arts degree, which also had the bonus of being within driving distance of her hometown of Whakatane. Sinclair had assumed she would major in painting and sculpture but a ‘magical’ first year photography module saw her heading in that direction instead. “I really appreciated our tutors because it was great to be learning from people who were also working in their own fields,” she says. “They are all ‘current’ and that gave us confidence. The best thing was the friends I made, who are now some of my strongest networks. We all help each other out.” Taking a camera to her touch game led to photographing the annual NZ Māori Rugby League Tournament in Rotorua, and then to Sinclair’s favourite job to date — the Matatini Kapa Haka Nationals. “I was stoked,” she says. “That job was definitely where I started to think of myself as a real photographer and things started to fall into place. It was easy to identify that I liked to capture Māori culture and dynamics, whether it be big events or simple intimate whānau shoots. I hope to keep making work that I like and that resonates with others as well.” Sinclair is now completing the Te Tohu Paetahi diploma, a full immersion one year Māori course. ericasinclair.viewbook.com | facebook.com/Erica.Sinclair.Photography
Dave Baxter Musician & Songwriter
“ All the free studio time I was able to use for non-assignment work was great — just getting to play around in the studio was essential to improve recording abilities.”
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Dave Baxter Musician & Songwriter
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Commercial Music) Secondary School: Hamilton Boys’ High School Awards: • APRA Silver Scroll award for Love, Love, Love Occupation: Musician
A career in music can be difficult to establish, says Dave Baxter, and he’s still not sure how he managed to make his path work. However, he seems to be doing a lot of things right. In keeping with its name sake, his project Avalanche City gathered sudden momentum after many years of preparation. Our New Life Above The Ground was initially a solo project offered free online, and gathered thousands of downloads. Baxter was signed to a global deal by Warner Music Group. The album held a month-long debut at number one on the NZ charts, and went gold. Hit single Love, Love, Love was used as a TV2 theme song, and won an APRA Silver Scroll award. It all made for a crazy couple of years, says Baxter, and subsequent gigs were pretty good too. “The Classic Hits Winery Tour was amazing. I toured with fun. in the US for a little while, which was incredible, and did the Big Day Out tour in Australia.” Baxter’s favourite aspect of the Bachelor of Media Arts was the integration between different disciplines. “It was where I learnt to score for short films, which helped me in my job at Kog Studios in Auckland, and we did TV commercials, and scores for documentaries. Also all the free studio time I was able to use for non-assignment work was great — just getting to play around in the studio was essential to improve recording abilities.” In the future, Baxter is looking forward to releasing more albums and would also like to score a film. avalanchecity.com | facebook.com/avalanchecity
Elliot Mason Gallery Owner & Artist
“ My work is focused on creating an environmental awareness and portraying the beauty of our natural surroundings.�
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Elliot Mason Gallery Owner & Artist
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts), Graphic Design/Painting and Sculpture pathways Secondary School: Tauranga Boys College First job after graduation: Waikato Museum Occupation: Gallery owner and director (the Zeus Gallery). Picture Framer. Visual artist (painter)
“My work is focused on creating an environmental awareness and portraying the beauty of our natural surroundings,” says painter Elliot Mason. He has been featured in Uno magazine as an artist, and is currently resident and director at the Zeus Gallery in Tauranga. In an artistic family connection, the gallery operates from the same premises where Mason’s grandfather operated Harrison’s Gallery in 1972. Growing up around art, Mason looked towards Wintec to take the next step. “Media Arts seemed like a diverse and interesting place where I could sample a range of disciplines before specialising in one,” he says. He started with a focus on graphic design during the Bachelor of Media Arts degree but incorporated painting and sculpture modules throughout. Access to the Media Arts facilities was a highlight during study, along with the tutor and peer relationships gained. The digital software skills gained from design study have been great for marketing, he says, and having a knowledge of formal writing and the specialised language around art critique is also useful. Mason is undertaking postgraduate study at Wintec, and looks forward to developing his curatorial and fine art skills further. elliotmasonart.co.nz | elliotmasonpainting.tumblr.com zeusgallery.co.nz
Gary Venn Illustrator
“ My favourite part of Media Arts was being able to bang around ideas and to be exposed to what other people were working on, and to see projects taking shape.�
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Gary Venn
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Honours), Painting and Sculpture Secondary School: Thames High School Occupation: Freelance Illustrator
Illustrator
Gary Venn is a freelance artist whose illustration work involves doing commissions for magazines, publishers and advertising, as well as the occasional exhibition with fellow Waikato artists. Clients have included Jamie Oliver magazine, Eurostar Metropolitan Magazine, and Wall Street Journal. Gary is represented globally by Lemonade Illustration Agency. As a freelancer, Venn uses habits and techniques explored at Media Arts on a regular basis. “The skills that I started developing while studying at Wintec are now very much a part of my everyday approach to my work — how to approach a brief, basic drawing skills, composition, and refinement.” He also enjoyed the creative, collaborative energy of the study environment. “My favourite part of Media Arts was being able to bang around ideas and to be exposed to what other people were working on, and to see projects taking shape.” Venn has been quietly stacking up accolades for his work since graduating, including a merit award in the 3×3 ProShow Illustration Awards. “I have been pleased just to be able to work in the field that I have a passion for and then make a go of it.” In future he aims to do more in publishing, particularly illustrated books. garyvennillustration.com
Harkanwal Singh Data Journalist
“ My role stretches across design, journalism and visual narratives.�
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Harkanwal Singh
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Communication), Journalism pathway, and the National Diploma in Journalism (Multi-Media) Awards: • Two Canon Media Awards for Innovation in Multimedia Storytelling (with NZ Herald team) • Waikato Independent Editor-in-Residence award First job after graduation: Web Editor at the Waikato Times Occupation: Data Editor at the New Zealand Herald
Data Journalist
Harkanwal Singh tells stories with numbers. Want to know where every All Black was born? What the election vote percentages were, down to a local polling booth? Which areas of the country are most deprived, or how cycling crash rates compare in different areas? Singh, the NZ Herald’s Data Editor, can calculate and show all of this, in a clear form that helps people make sense of large data sets. “I create interactive visualisations,” he says. “Essentially telling stories using figures, but through programming and data visualisation. It also involves analysing raw data. As a practice, I would say it’s best described as computer-assisted reporting.” He has been described as the first dedicated data journalist working in the New Zealand media. An interest in writing led Singh to the journalism programmes at Media Arts. He completed the Bachelor of Media Arts degree and the National Diploma in Journalism simultaneously, graduating in 2012. The aspect of study that has proved most useful was the focus on working across disciplines, he says. “My role stretches across design, journalism and visual narratives.” He also enjoyed electives outside journalism such as Critical Thinking, and working with tutors to create the Waikato Independent student newspaper website. Singh aims to continue developing his expertise in this emerging field. What’s next on the horizon? “Work. More work. Studying programming and statistics in my own time. And work.” twitter.com/kamal_hothi
Jane Gillanders Graphic Designer
“ It was there I worked out that my true passion was in packaging design, because it was challenging, really got your brain working and could be so out there.�
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Jane Gillanders Graphic Designer
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts), Graphic Design pathway Secondary School: St Peters’ School (Cambridge) Awards: • CMYK award for Excellence in Graphic Design • The Print House Award of Excellence in Identity • The Colorite Award for Excellence in Dimensional Design • The Print House Award Supreme Award First job after graduation: Graphic Designer at Torpedo7 Occupation: Freelance Graphic Designer
Having always been artistic, Jane Gillanders knew a path in the creative industries beckoned. A school design class focussed the ambition further and a teacher recommended Wintec. Gillanders particularly enjoyed third year study. “It was there I worked out that my true passion was in packaging design, because it was challenging and got your brain working but is practical at the same time.“ That final year was a success all round — Gillanders received not one but four awards at Wintec’s Special Awards event, after not realising she was in the running for any. Soon after finishing the degree, Gillanders was hired by Torpedo7 as a graphic designer. A typical day involved getting product images ready for the website, and quality controlling the site. “The advice I received from the tutors about the ‘real world’ is extremely valuable and prepares you for the industry,” she says. “I will always remember one of my tutors saying a big part of design is being a problem solver and that has proved to be true in many situations already.” She appreciates her solid knowledge of the Adobe programmes, and ability to give and receive constructive critique. Gillanders is now a freelance designer, as Jane Vanessa Design, and says every day can be different, depending on what type of clients she’s working with at the time. “The work ranges from identity and branding to packaging and even a few handmade card orders. You never know what’s going to be thrown at you! I really enjoy being able to work closely with clients to achieve unique and personal design solutions.” She has also been doing some overflow work for two design agencies. Gillanders’ aim is to gain more experience, and work with companies that have similar morals and passions to her own. “One day I would like to have my own design studio and grow from there.”
The Stats
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20
24/7
Programmes offered
Media Arts students come from over 20 countries
access to facilities
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60
120
active researchers in the School of Media Arts
Staff members
hours of course-credited work experience per s tudent
562
1000 20,000
employers have supported our internship programme
Study with over 1000 creative peers
from Certificate level to Master of Arts
96% 26%
75%
of students identify as Māori or Pasifika
of graduates are working in a field directly related to their study:
32 average number of guest speakers and events at annual Spark Festival of Media, Arts and Design
Employers include: Torpedo 7 Behance TVNZ Sky TV Spark New Zealand Weta Workshop and Weta Digital Natural History Unit, Dunedin Pan Media Chengdu University
Wintec was founded in 1924, and now has over 20,000 students
of our students are satisfied with their programme 2014 Wintec survey
Kog Studios Various Secondary School teaching positions Oceania Park Road Post Getty Images Fairfax NZ Media and Entertainment Liquid Studios Puke Ariki Museum & Library Huffer College Hill Productions New Idea SkyCity NZ Herald TV3 Moochi Wallace Gallery Maori TV
Jenna Lynch TV Reporter
“ Quite often you just never know what you’re going to do and that’s why I love it. As long as I’m writing stories I’ll be happy.”
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Jenna Lynch TV Reporter
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Communication) and National Diploma in Journalism (Multi-Media) Secondary School: Dunstan High School/Cromwell College Awards: • Canon Media Award — Student Journalist of the Year 2013 First job after graduation: Reporter for Waikato Times Occupation: Prime News & 3 News reporter for the Wellington region, based at Parliament
Despite always being interested in journalism, it took Jenna Lynch a couple of false starts to find her niche. Study in both accounting and public relations didn’t take off. “I finally came across the Media Arts degree and signed up to follow that journalism dream.” She enjoyed the support of the industry expert tutors. “They say that you should do what you love for a job because it’s the best 40 hours of your week. You can tell that the tutors are there for that, and they made it the best 40 hours of my week too. They’re fun, caring and give you the hurry along if a deadline is looming.” Lynch’s third year internship at the Waikato Times saw her receive a Canon Media Award and became a full-time reporting job. Her enthusiasm for the industry is clear — “I love working in television, and I love writing. I don’t really know what the future will bring, but that’s part of the beauty of journalism. Quite often you just never know what you’re going to do and that’s why I love it. As long as I’m writing stories I’ll be happy.”
Michelle Coursey Editor & Writer
“ Journalism and the media is all about working hard and taking any opportunities that come your way.�
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Michelle Coursey
Qualification: National Diploma in Journalism Secondary School: Hamilton Girls’ High School First job after graduation: Reporter, Herald on Sunday Occupation: Freelance Editor and Writer
Editor & Writer
In 2007 Michelle Coursey graduated from Wintec with a Diploma in Journalism and high hopes of a career in the magazine industry. Six years later, she became editor of popular women’s magazine, New Idea, after working for other publications including as a writer for NZ Woman’s Weekly and editor of Girlfriend. She has recently moved on from this role into freelance writing and editing. Her roles have included social media manager for TVNZ shows My Kitchen Rules NZ (2014) and MasterChef Australia (2014/15), and editor of Real Estate magazine. Coursey puts getting her first job down to hard work, and a lot of experience in the industry before graduating. She says that while internships may be a bit unpopular with students because the work is largely unpaid, she feels they helped her dramatically. “They really built the basis for my career,” she said. Coursey spent more than eight weeks interning at the Waikato Times, the New Zealand Herald, the Herald on Sunday and the Listener while she studied. On graduation and heading into her career she had a vast portfolio of published work under her belt, and feels there is no doubt the internships paid off. Her passion for writing means she is a spelling and punctuation nerd and admits it is the ultimate turnoff when she reads a cover letter with mistakes all through it. Her advice to those finishing their studies is to get in the industry and work for free if you have to. “Journalism and the media is all about working hard and taking any opportunities that come your way.” By journalism student, Olivia Johnstone (abridged /additions)
Naomi Johnston Photographer & Editor
“ I am hoping that one day Blacklisted becomes a nationally recognized arts and fashion magazine that impacts our culture and gives artists of all levels a platform to springboard off.�
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Naomi Johnston
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts), Photography Secondary School: Home schooled Awards: • Top Photography student in both Year 1 and Year 2 Occupation: Photographer, photography tutor, and founding editor of Blacklisted magazine
Photographer & Editor
Based in Hamilton, Naomi Johnston decided on Wintec as the stand-out institution for photography and media arts study. “I have always been a creative person and felt now was the time to get a degree.” She has particularly enjoyed the teachers and support at Media Arts, as well as the accessible location. “We’re right in the middle of the culture of Hamilton and the arts scene.” Gaining the skills to negotiate collaborative group projects has proved particularly valuable. As a student, Johnston established herself as a magazine editor with Blacklisted — an arts, culture and fashion magazine she started up after the 2013 Spark Festival and was able to integrate into classwork. “I am hoping that one day Blacklisted becomes a nationally recognised arts and fashion magazine that impacts our culture and gives artists of all levels a platform to springboard off.” Johnston continued the magazine and two years later returned to Spark festival as a graduate guest, sharing her magazine experience with students through a workshop. In the future Johnston would love to work as a photographer in the commercial fashion and beauty industry. “I think there is a lot of room to develop the commercial scene here in New Zealand and a lot of talent to fish for.” naomijorge.co | facebook.com/naomijorgephotography facebook.com/blacklistedzine
Christopher Hope / Bridget Hope
Graphic Designers & Owners of Pop Factory
“ Being designers we wanted our kids in goods we liked — unisex designs that spoke to our aesthetics.”
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Christopher Hope / Bridget Hope Qualification: Both completed the Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts), Graphic Design pathway Secondary Schools: Otumoetai College (Bridget), Tauranga Boys’ College (Christopher) Awards: • Chris won a D&AD Inbook award for book design, in collaboration with fellow student Philip Rosieur. “I’m pretty sure that’s how I got interviews later.” First job/s after graduation: Bridget: Print company Vivid Images (Hamilton), and Emap Magazines (Sydney), and ACP magazines Chris: Advertising, then in-house roles at Studio Woo and DDB Group Occupation: Owners of Pop Factory Shop, plus fulltime designer (Chris) and fulltime parent (Bridget)
Graphic Designers & Owners of Pop Factory Brother and sister Bridget and Chris Hope, both Media Arts alumni, have teamed up to create what New Zealand Design Blog called ‘NZ’s coolest little childrenswear brand’. Pop Factory Shop creates and sells quality design goods for families. It was a concept brought on by frustration, say the duo. “Being designers we wanted our kids in goods we liked — unisex designs that spoke to our aesthetics.” Initial prototypes got high praise and the business grew organically from there. The summer range is set to be the biggest yet. “It’s been really humbling how many stores like to stock us. When designing our prints and garments we’ve tried to make them as timeless as possible.” Both Chris and Bridget considered Wintec an obvious choice for creative study. “It’s practical not only in its location but also the teaching — multiple disciplines at the same time in a do-it-yourself nature. We found it really collaborative, learning from our peers and doing work we liked that would later influence our craft.” All Pop Factory work is coordinated around already full days for both — Chris at his graphic design job at Sydney surf wear brand The Critical Slide Society and Bridget with two young sons at home. Evenings provide a window of opportunity for cross-Tasman phone conversations and planning. What comes next for Pop Factory? “If people keep liking, we’ll keep making.” popfactoryshop.com | facebook.com/PopFactoryShop
Raewyn Brandon Graphic Designer
“ Moving from Hamilton to New York was a big change but I’ve learned a lot about the industry.”
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Raewyn Brandon
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts), Graphic Design pathway Secondary School: Hillcrest High School Awards: • Media Arts Special Awards — Excellence in Print Design (3rd Year) and Excellence in Identity (3rd Year) • Best Student Designer in the International Annual Design Awards for 2012 First job after graduation: Lead Brand & Communications Designer, Behance Occupation: Graphic Designer — currently travelling
Graphic Designer
Graphic designer Raewyn Brandon secured a New York internship with popular online portfolio platform Behance straight after finishing her study. She was then offered the full-time position of Brand & Communications Designer at the company. This involved a lot of time designing printed materials. “I made sure anything printed that left Behance not only communicated a cohesive message, but also looked beautiful and in brand,” says Brandon. Moving from Hamilton to the fast pace of New York proved a big transition, says Brandon, and she learned a lot about the industry. Her work has now featured in a number of books, magazines and websites around the world, including Adweek’s Top 100 Talent, Identity Suite — Visual Identity in Stationery, Top Graphic Design Series, Threaded Magazine and Brand Design Magazine. After several years at Behance, Brandon has moved on to pursue international travel.
Robyn Mickleson Interior Designer
“ I have had the opportunity to work with some great people, both colleagues and clients, and I love that each project is completely different.”
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Robyn Mickleson
Qualification: Diploma in Interior Design Secondary School: Fraser High School Occupation: Interior Designer at The Design Depot
Interior Designer
“It is reasonably safe to say that every part of the Media Arts course I took has been beneficial and useful in one way or another with my career,” says Robyn Mickleson, an interior designer at The Design Depot. She completed the Diploma in Interior Design at Wintec in 2009. “I really enjoyed the ‘Building Technology’ modules — I am a detail person so found this interesting. I also found the Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) elements of the course extremely helpful with both the creative and technical aspects of design.” Mickleson now works on a large scope of residential and commercial projects. A day’s work sees her researching design solutions, sourcing products, having meetings and putting together concepts to put forward to clients. Starting at the Design Depot in 2012 was the highlight since graduating, says Mickleson. “I love my job and work hard, and in return have been very fortunate with the opportunities given to me. I have had the opportunity to work with some great people, both colleagues and clients, and I love that each project is completely different.”
Simon Wade Creative Director
“ Highlights for me were the broad structure of the programme, and the variety of creative people I met.�
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Simon Wade Creative Director
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Visual Arts), Graphic Design pathway Secondary school: Fraser High School Career highlights to date: • Creating, as part of an international team, the title graphics for the US and UK versions of The X Factor • Winning the contract to redesign the SkyTV Arts Channel brand, as 6twenty Design • Designing and creating kids TV series Poppet Stars, from initial pitch for funding from TVNZ and NZ On Air through to production and delivery First job after graduation: Motion graphic designer at TVNZ Occupation: Owner/Creative Director of 6twenty Design
Simon Wade is the Owner/Creative Director of 6twenty Design, overseeing the creative output and strategising the direction of the business. “I do this along with being one of the main content creators, so it keeps me pretty busy!” 6twenty produce motion graphics for broadcast and online including animation, visual effects and post-production work. They are Auckland-based but cater to clients globally. Wade initially undertook a graphic design paper while still at high school, giving him an insight into the culture of Media Arts. He liked what he saw, and was also attracted by the scope of disciplines he could study. “I knew that I was broadly interested in design and moving image but didn’t want to exclude areas like photography and communications.” Highlights for Wade were the broad structure of the programme, and through this the variety of creative people he met during his time in the programme. This really set him up for the future, he says. “In my career I have worked with a huge variety of professionals who specialise in a wide range of disciplines, like design, photography, 3D, marketing, film direction, modelling and acting, lighting, and sculpting. Many of these disciplines I was exposed to while studying and so I have a good understanding, if not some practice, in them, which increases my ability to communicate effectively and therefore get the best outcome from my projects.” 6twenty.com
Donna-Lee Biddle Multi-Media Journalist
“…they (tutors) offered valuable advice which I still take on board while working. They could also identify my strengths and helped me hone those skills.”
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Donna-Lee Biddle
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Communication/Journalism pathway) & National Diploma in Journalism (Multi-Media) Secondary School/s: Western Heights High School & Rotorua Girls High School Awards: • Wintec Adult Learner Award 2014 and Bruce Jesson Merit Award 2014 (Investigative Journalism) Occupation: Waikato Times Journalist
Multi-Media Journalist
There wasn’t much time for relaxation once Donna-Lee Biddle finished her study at Wintec, but it was for a good reason. She had landed a job at the Waikato Times while still in the third year of her degree, and is currently the Waikato Times Health Reporter. Biddle simultaneously completed both the Bachelor of Media Arts (Journalism pathway) and the National Diploma in Journalism (Multi-Media). She was drawn to the structure of the programme and the options available. In her second year she decided to focus on journalism and hasn’t looked back. During the final year, she edited student-run magazine Te Kete Kōrero on top of course work. “I never felt like ‘just’ another student,” says Biddle. “My tutors were amazing and because they had all worked as journalists and broadcasters they were able to guide me through my third year while I interned. They offered valuable advice which I still take on board while working. They could also identify my strengths and helped me hone those skills.” She believes the staff are one of a kind. “You can attend any journalism course in the country but you will not find tutors quite like the ones at Wintec,” says Biddle. “They worked tirelessly to help us with internships, assignments, managing the workload and any queries we had with the course. You could tell they went out of their way because they genuinely wanted to help.” One of her early career highlights was being offered the health round at the Waikato Times, she says. “Health is a big round and previous health reporters have had more journalism experience than me so although it felt like a challenge, I was excited to tackle it.” Biddle hopes to continue building her skills as reporter. “In the future I want to do more in-depth investigative reporting and eventually be a broadcast journalist.”
Louise Raine Lighting Designer
“ I find making an impact on the way people live in their homes hugely satisfying…”
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Louise Raine Qualification: Diploma in Interior Design Secondary School: Hamilton Girls’ High School Occupation: Lighting Designer at Coombes & Gabbie Lighting Design
Lighting Designer
Louise Raine started at Coombes & Gabbie Lighting Design shortly after graduating with Wintec’s Diploma in Interior Design, and has advanced quickly into a lighting design role where she has the opportunity to work closely with clients on their building projects. “We work with clients who are renovating, building a new home or commercial project to provide lighting designs that complement the way each space is used,” says Raine. “My days are spent studying architectural drawings to create lighting designs, client consults, site visits, liaising with contractors involved in the build and dealing with showroom queries. There is a lot of project management required through every project to ensure a successful outcome.” Raine uses the skills learnt during the Diploma in Interior Design every day, she says. “Meeting challenging deadlines, managing projects, effective client communication, preparing and reading drawings — the list goes on. Having a background in interior design assists me in visualising the overall design and look of a space and how the lighting design can be used to complement this.” She’s also found it valuable having a strong understanding of the design process from concept through to construction. Every completed project is exciting, says Raine. “I find making an impact on the way people live in their homes hugely satisfying. I was also fortunate enough to work with Jon & Gemma Bridges on their new home in Mt Roskill, Auckland, resulting in my design being published on Jon’s ‘We’re Building a House’ blog on Stuff.co.nz.” Future aims for Raine are to continue to grow within Coombes & Gabbie Lighting Design and to build a client base. “Eventually I’d like to have my work be nationally recognised — or maybe even internationally.” She advises any aspiring interior designer to enjoy their time in the diploma, and make the most of any work experience thrown their way.
Morgan Samuel Sound Engineer
“ …I have several clients in London and New York, and one in Australia, who I do sound design and composition for — mostly for animations — and seem to be getting more of that work. It’s great.”
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Morgan Samuel
Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts — Honours (Commercial Music pathway) Secondary School: Te Awamutu College Awards: • MPSE Golden Reel Award for The Adventures of Tintin Occupation: Sound Engineer
Sound Engineer
It was a savvy person who suggested Morgan Samuel might have a future in music and should check out the Media Arts open day. Samuel did so, and was won over. “I liked the cool recording equipment and the vibe of the whole place,” he says. “I thought, yep, that looks like me.” Fourteen years on, Samuel’s CV includes work on films such as District 9, The Lovely Bones, 30 Days of Night, and the three Hobbit films, with Park Road Post and Marmalade Audio. He also won a MPSE Golden Reel Award for ‘Best Sound Editing on an Animated Feature’ on Spielberg’s ‘The Adventures of Tintin’. Back when he was at Wintec specialising in music production, Samuel acquired a taste for working with film sound. “The third year was a really cool one because I blossomed, in a way, and had all the support to do so.” A postgraduate Honours year beckoned after the degree, and then Samuel headed to Wellington, inspired by the Lord of The Rings films. “I thought, if they can make that in New Zealand, then I want in on it. So away I went, with this crazy idea in my head that I might somehow infiltrate the Peter Jackson camp.” The crazy idea came off — Samuel got lucky, he says. “A Media Arts tutor put me in touch with someone on the inside of that network. Over the next ten years I went from doing a couple of jobs to being fully employed on the Hobbit films and others.” After ten busy years immersed in the industry, Samuel has now relocated from Wellington to Te Awamutu to focus more on family and lifestyle and has completed pieces for Facebook, ESPN and Twitter, among others. “I’m still working as a sound engineer, but for myself, with some studio gear and a ProTools system set up at home. I have several clients in London and New York, and one in Australia, who I do sound design and composition for — mostly for animations — and seem to be getting more of that work. It’s great.” morgansamuelsound.com
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Excellence is a continuous process and not an accident.
Klas Eriksson Creative Director & Designer 
“ The quality of your work and your ability to collaborate with other people is all that really matters in the real world.�
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Julia Crickett / Rene Aveyard
Fashion Designers & Owner/Directors of Rumor
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Klas Eriksson Qualification: Bachelor of Media Arts (Moving Image) Secondary school: Overseas First job after graduation: App designer at MEA Mobile Occupation: Director and writer at Makers Only
Creative Director & Designer
Filmmaker and designer Klas Eriksson has kept himself busy since graduating from Wintec. After completing the degree, Eriksson worked for MEA Mobile as lead creative based in Singapore. Notable projects included directing a Movember Campaign, which received a Moscar award, and the History Channel Documentary ‘Remembering Jaywick’, about WWII operation Jaywick. Eriksson also directed commercial work for Volvo, Starhub, GlaxoSmithKline and the Thai Tourism board. He enjoys feeling the quality of the work improving with each project. “As a result, people trust you with more and more money to make them stuff,” he says. “The quality of your work and your ability to collaborate with other people is all that really matters in the real world.” He regularly draws on the ‘second-nature’ production processes he learned during his Bachelor of Media Arts study. Eriksson’s favourite aspect of the degree was the mix between theory and practice, he says. “That was perfect for my particular process.” In Stockholm, where he’s now based, Eriksson started up a production company and creative studio with two friends from high school. ‘Makers Only’ specialises in live action production and animation and also assists with creative strategy and branding. The company is busy and going well, he says. Eriksson’s directing work continues, heading projects such as APAC campaign for Schick Razors, and the Global Asthma Awareness #spacetobreathe campaign for Electrolux. At the time of writing, he was in postproduction on a documentary about climate change and its impact on the indigenous Sami population of northern Sweden. makersonly.tv
“ The skills we learnt at Wintec enabled us to take the first step into the fashion industry … It was the ‘Business of Fashion’ module that really opened our eyes to what we could achieve.”
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Julia Crickett / Rene Aveyard
Fashion Designers & Owner/Directors of Rumor
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Klas Eriksson Qualification/s: Diploma of Fashion Design and Practice Secondary school/s: Overseas Occupation/s: Fashion Designers and Owners/Directors of Rumor
Creative Director & Designer
Julia Crickett and Rene Aveyard say it was their shared love and dedication towards fashion and the industry that got them to where they are now. Both graduates of the Diploma of Fashion Design and Practice from Wintec’s School of Media Arts, Crickett and Aveyard are proud owners of Cambridge clothing store, Rumor. The duo, both from Cambridge, jumped at the chance to pursue their dream when Rumor came up for sale in 2011. The friends met whilst studying at Wintec and say that completing a course that combines fashion design and business practice helped them significantly with the process of getting started. “The skills we learnt at Wintec enabled us to take the first step into the fashion industry,’ says Crickett. “It was the ‘Business of Fashion’ module that really opened our eyes to what we could achieve.” Rumor is located in a prime position on the corner of Duke and Victoria Streets, in the Cambridge city precinct. Crickett and Aveyard stock a large range of hand-picked designer and high street brands including high end denim, jewellery and accessories. Demand via in-store and online sales has also led to growth for the business on social media. The future looks bright for the ladies of Rumor, who have plans to extend their range further by designing and manufacturing their own brand. rumor.co.nz | facebook.com/rumor.cambridge
Julia Crickett / Rene Aveyard
Fashion Designers & Owner/Directors of Rumor
create your world www.wintec.ac.nz
Thanks! Massive thanks to all those that have been involved in the production of this publication. A special thank you to the alumni who shared their stories, Alan and Anna from Area Design for their beautiful publication design, Mark Hamilton for his stunning images, Steve from Printhouse for his guidance and Dawn Tuffery for writing and co-ordinating the content.
create your world www.wintec.ac.nz