Yak Magazine - February 2017 Issue

Issue 39 // February 2017

By Students, for Students

Creative clubs & societies // #Foodporn // Getting noticed on the ‘Net // Tap into your creativity //

THE CREATIVE ISSUE

Yak Magazine // February 2017

CONTENTS 03 // Editor’s Letter

22 // Day in the life of an alumnus

04 // Have your Yak: Editorial

23 // Indigenous arts, culture and heritage

05 // Have Your Yak: Students

25 // How to tap in to your creativity

07 // What does creativity mean to you?

26 // Craft of the comic

08 // Clubs & Societies: Whats on offer

27 // Big fish, gigantic pond: Getting noticed on the Net

09 // A guide to creative clubs and societies

28 // Mass debate: Can you teach creativity?

11 // Creative writing

29 // The first step forward to a foot in the door

15 // Five Tips: To stay creative and motivated

31 // Hack it at home

16 // Fanfiction: Taking back the power

32 // Study snapshot: Uniting creativity and wellbeing

19 // #Foodporn

33 // What’s on

20 // Health: The persuit of hygge 21 // Degrees to get your ‘creative’ on

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

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Image courtesy of Unsplash // Brooke Lark

EDITOR’S LETTER There’s something about the back-to-uni season that inspires me to create.

That promise of new knowledge, a shift in social commitments, work and crisp wisps of clear air that promise cloudy afternoons ideal for writing, rehearsing, designing, building, discovering, or collaborating.

In this redesigned issue, we feed you inspiration until you cannot contain yourself any longer and just want to create. We’ll share stories of creatives from various backgrounds who have faced the same hurdles as you have and have overcome.

We’ll introduce you to a mechanical engineer in the film industry, an indie comic creator, students and professionals – all of whom celebrate their commitment and talent in the arts, sciences and design, and technological industries.

We want to celebrate creativity in all fields; specifically the projects that define us, free us, move us, and inspire us beyond what we thought was possible. We want you to champion the

creative soul within. And to help you get a head start, we’ve compiled together just some of the amazing clubs and societies on campus who can foster your creative aspirations.

To top it off, we also explore the Danish art of hygge (pronounced “hue-gah”) – tips and tricks to live cosily. We explore the arts and health nexus between creativity and wellbeing, we share with you our five tips to staying motivated at uni, and debate the fundamental question of whether one can teach creativity?

Our team has banded together with some amazing contributors this issue and we’re all proud to introduce to you some daring and inspiring students and professionals from all walks of life, who are at the cutting edge of creativity in art, performance, and culture.

So, as we gear up for the semester ahead, allow your creative energy to flow and discover where it takes you. This first issue is here to motivate and guide you along the way.

Sarah and the Yak team!

Yak Magazine // February 2017

HAVE YOUR YAK // EDITORIAL TEAM “ What is the best, but most unexpected food combination you’ve tried? ”

Sarah Webb Managing Editor

Jack Moran Managing Digital Editor

Nadene Budden Promotions Coordinator

“Vegemite on raisin toast. Call me a condiment criminal, but I prefer genius.”

“Does pinapple on pizza count?”

“Tomato sauce on almost anything. I basically drank it as a child.”

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Angelique Carr Editor

Chris Daniel Editor

Bridget Gunn Editor

“Ice cream and chips. Totally delicious.”

“Anything that isn’t Thai food!”

“Pretty much anything my Scandinavian friends give me to eat.”

Kieran Resevsky Editor

Jackie Brock Lead Graphic Designer

“Twisties and jam on a finger bun!”

“A cheese pizza topped with a pile of hot chips and a lot of mayonnaise.”

Yak Magazine // February 2017

HAVE YOUR YAK // VOX POPS Which invention do you wish existed?

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Preety Bajwa PhD (Medical Biochemistry)

Michael Allen Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)

Will Hughes Bachelor of Engineering (Surveying)

“Mind reading device so I know what people are thinking.”

“An orange juicer.”

“Teleportation device.”

Sam Hejenrother Bachelor of Law/Arts

Jaymes Thomas Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)

Gemma Wood Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental)/Science

“Instant tin cooler, so you don’t have to wait for beers to get cold.”

“Automatic prawn peeler.”

“Helicopter hat that works!”

Yak Magazine // February 2017

Daniel Lee Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)

Jessica Schultz Bachelor of Laws

Alan Ho PhD (Statistics)

“Machine that puts socks on for you.”

“A watch that gives you the ability to pause time - so you can sleep in.”

“Robotic version of a rat for more humane experiments.”

Arnab Ghosh PhD (Medical Biochemistry)

Steven Preedy Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems)/Science

Caleb Napier Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)

“Panacae, a medicine can cure all diseases.”

“Battery that never loses charge.”

“Device that maintains your garden (auto-mow lawn).”

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

WHAT DOES CREATIVITY MEAN TO YOU? Jack Moran explores what creativity might mean in fields that aren’t necessarily considered ‘creative’.

When we think about creativity, there are a few fields and disciplines that probably come to mind. Drama, visual art, writing and music are just a few of them. What about, however, the areas that aren’t considered ‘creative’? What does creativity mean to people in those fields? We talked to a few students from these kinds of fields, asking them to answer the question, “What does creativity mean to you?”

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... As a science teacher?

... As a social worker?

“Expressing creativity involves the act of connecting one person’s idea to an audience through a medium.

Most often in science, this can apply to the development of models of unobservable phenomena or systems.

“There is actually a lot of room for a social worker to be creative. One example I can think of is working with children. Interviewing children is not like interviewing adults. Our techniques have to change. A lot of evidence supports methods such as art, music or play therapy in engaging a child and building trust.

“Common examples include maps of incomprehensibly large solar systems, Lewis dot structures depicting minuscule compositions of molecules, and phylogenetic trees representing the millions of years of divergent evolution from one common ape ancestor into several independent species.

“Models are an important device in science.

Accessible, creative and informative models are even more necessary when teaching difficult or abstract scientific principles to students. Also, for me, the final stage of learning revolves around creativity; if my students can present information in visual form in their own way - be it a graph, a diagram, a flowchart, an animation, anything - I know for certain that they thoroughly understand a concept.”

- Naomi, Bachelor of Teaching (Science) (Honours).

“It’s not just children that respond well to different techniques. On my placement at FACS, one of the caseworkers took some permanent markers and butchers paper to a client’s house who was a young mum.

“The caseworker brainstormed some safety strategies for her and her child that she could hang up on her wall.

“Simple things like that can make all the difference in engaging someone that doesn’t necessarily respond to just sitting in an interview room, talking to a social worker in a more traditional sense. Creativity in this respect can actually be an essential part of our profession.”

- Kate, Bachelor of Social Work (Honours).

... As an engineer?

“Engineering is all about problem solving. Whether we are designing a new product, analysing a machine’s performance or consulting on safety, engineers are trying to make the best solution and get the best outcome.

“Creativity is highly valued in engineering because our field is all about thinking outside the box. While sometimes the easy route is to copy what has been done before, creativity allows us to find new and innovative solutions, which really gives us a market advantage.”

- Elyse, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) / Bachelor of Business.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

CLUBS & SOCIETIES // WHAT’S ON OFFER Searching for a new hobby this year? Join Nadene Budden and check out what’s on offer from the many student Clubs and Societies at UON.

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Photo courtesy of University of Newcastle Quidditch Club

You know what they say: new year, new students! As we all make our return to uni, the festivities begin with a cross-campus O Week that features campus tours, info sessions, freebies, and the craziness of the O Week Expo. Whether you’re new to UON, or have picked up this copy after the celebrations, keep reading for a rundown of just some of the clubs and societies taking part in O Week this year.

Students can also network with others studying the same degree as them from a range of faculties. Catch the student associations for the likes of BusCom, Law, Nursing, Secondary Education, Design, Engineering, or Chemistry to name a few.

Activists and aspiring politicians alike can also join a club and society for either the Liberal, Labor and Greens parties, as well as our very own Model UN or Amnesty International Group.

If sport is your deal, we’ve got you covered. From water polo to rugby, cheerleading to jujutsu, Quidditch to taekwondo, UON students can get their game on and form friendly rivalries in a myriad of ways. Students can also explore the world around them through the Newcastle University Diving & Exploration Society (NUDES) and the Mountaineering Club.

Meet students from different cultures through the Association of Pakistan, Australia China Youth Association, Singapore Association (SAUN), Japanese-English Club and the Exchange Student Network (UNESN).

Into the arts? Visit Callaghan campus during O Week to chat to the people from the Anime Club, Musical Society, FEAST (Food Expression Art Song Thought) and more. For your entertainment needs, UON also boasts an Affordable Wine Appreciation Society (affectionately known as the Goonion) and a Medieval Society by the name of St Crispin’s, and Newcastle’s Robogals.

There are many more student clubs and societies at UON. To see the full list, head to newcastle.edu.au/clubs

A GUIDE TO CREATIVE CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Do you like to get your creative on? Monique Smith encourages you to join one (or all) of the creative Clubs & Societies on campus.

Creativity can be defined as the use of imagination to create something and, at UON, there are a range of clubs and societies for those who want to explore their creative interests. Just some of those to consider include the UON Musical Society, Design Club, Arts Collective and Food, Expression, Art, Song and Thought (FEAST). Joining one of these will not only be a great outlet for your creative side, but will also allow you to make friends with similar interests. What could be better when starting university?

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Do you have a passion for music and performing? Well, the UON Musical Society could be for you! The Society has many ways for students to express their creativity, either through writing, directing, performing or advertising. Society President, Rebecca Sutherland, said “the Musical Society offers a fun and social way for students to use their creativity and surround themselves with great people”.

“Creativity can be defined as the use of imagination to create something and, at UON, there are a range of clubs & societies for those who want to explore their creative interests.”

This year, the Musical Society intend to put on at least two musical theatre performances, which will all be organised through the local community. They also intend to hold openmic nights as a way of fundraising. Students can join up via email or through their Facebook group, UoN Musical Society.

The membership is five dollars for students and 10 dollars for non-students. The committee will be at the O Week Clubs Expo to sign up new members.

The Design Club aims to bring together people from all disciplines who have an interest in design, illustration, photography and animation. They hold design workshops throughout the year, focusing on things like digital illustration and studio photography, as well as events like the biannual ‘Smackdown’, which is a great opportunity to get to know people with similar interests and experience live illustration competitions.

If interested in joining the Design Club, Club President Andrew White, suggests that “the best time to join is during O Week”, as there will be a stall for all three days and membership is five dollars. The Design Club will be holding its AGM within the first two weeks of the first semester and the first ‘Smackdown’ of the year will follow soon after, so keep your eye out for those events!

The Arts Collective allows all the different disciplines of Arts to collaborate and helps create new experiences for creative minds.

Their main event is the Grad Show and it is held at the end of every year for those who are graduating. It allows students to put their work forward and is a great way for them to end their time at university. To sign up, you can join the Arts Collective Facebook page or contact Lizz Mackenzie, their Secretary.

Lizz said they’re looking for new members, so if you’re up for exploring all of your creative passions in one space, the Arts Collective could be for you.

Food, Expression, Art, Song, Thought, otherwise known as FEAST, is great for those with a variety of creative interests.

FEAST will be holding many events throughout the semester and some of its best include art afternoons, literature nights, creative writing workshops, theme dinners and original music nights. If you’re interested in joining, the Club committee will be around during O Week and it’s just two dollars to sign up. Once you’re a member, the best way to keep in touch with them is through their Facebook page, FEAST Newcastle.

“One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about being involved in FEAST the last two years is feeling like I’m part of a community at UON,” FEAST President, Ellanda Leeke, said.

Like all the other clubs and societies, FEAST is an excellent way to make friends while expressing your creativity, and it has something for everyone.

If you are interested in exploring your creativity and meeting like-minded people, or just having some fun during your time at UON, feel free to join one of these clubs and societies during the first semester of 2017.

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The Arts Collective

Photos courtesy of Natural Lights Photography

Yak Magazine // February 2017

CREATIVE WRITING CREATIVE FICTION: THE RED DOOR Monique Smith’s story will have you believe that home is where the he(art) is.

The artist stood in the darkened gallery, admiring her paintings on the wall. She should be asleep, she knew, but her paintings would be shown in her very first art exhibition the next day and she could hardly contain her excitement, let alone fall sleep.

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Willow stared into the canvas of her first painting, lost in the details of her childhood home. The painting depicted a grand staircase, made of marble, with golden handles. It was the epitome of extravagance, heightened by the chandelier dangling above. The beads glittered in the faint light, which shined through the gaps in the thick, red velvet drapes.

No one was present with her; something the artist became familiar with in her final years of living there.

Willow turned to face the next image, depicting the outside of the manor, as pristine and extravagant as the inside. It was a large, white Victorian with a sprawling green lawn. The only splash of real colour on the manor was the bright red door, Willow’s favourite part of the exterior and a colour she incorporated into every one of her paintings.

Turning to the next painting, Willow saw herself as girl, sitting in her family’s living room with Nix, her black and white kitten, curled up by her feet. She was sitting by the window with an open book in her blanket covered lap, watching the rain trickle down, her red blanket the only spot of colour in the room.

Smiling, Willow turned to the final painting, her favourite of them all. She admired, like always, how well she had captured the likeness of her childhood bedroom. The room had always been her safe place. Her sanctuary. A place where she could be herself. Willow felt that even now. She had created the painting the day her family moved out of the manor, so she would remember it always.

Her bedroom walls were painted a soft white, though you could hardly tell as they were covered with overflowing bookshelves. Her bed was dressed in red and gold, her curtains red velvet. Her floor was covered in piles of clothes, a messy habit Willow had never quite beaten. And on her wooden desk sat piles of books, papers and pens.

It was chaotic and beautiful all at once. And, to Willow, it was home.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

POEM: CRAFTING OUR EXPERIENCES Gunnaina Kohli discovers that our individual experiences shape us and define how we see the world through a creative lens.

At three years, Fat crayons, small fingers, Paper doused in shapes.

“Colour in the lines” they said, Not a scribble spills out, They were happy.

At eight years, Jumping through the mud, Scars, bruises on knees.

Clothes drenched in – what?

“Come in, do your homework”, They were happy.

At fourteen years, My hair dark and boring, Quiet night, bleach, dye and scissors.

Horror, “Change it”, Black dye, let it grow and slowly, They were happy.

At eighteen years, New makeup, changed face, Black skirts, floral top.

“What’s that?”, Yellow dress, high heels, They were happy.

At twenty-one years, Ecstatic, packed bags, paper ticket, Airport, station, car. “… Finish… organise… responsible”, Words clash, cancelled flight, They were happy.

At twenty-two years, Pause; “Listen to me” I said.

Colours paint loud nights, quiet nights, New places, people; go!

I am happy.

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

POEM: NOTICING THE MUSE Sophie Austin finds her muse among the mundane.

Have you ever had a muse?

Not the band, or the nine myths.

The way that your bedroom turns monochromatic just before sunrise, How your skin smells after a saltwater swim.

It could be a song, A boy, a girl.

The way a third finger sits funny, or freckles dot like stars, Cassiopeia, Perseus, Andromeda and Orion.

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It could be a mother’s cooking, a father’s smile, It could be suburbia, city skylines and high-rises.

Or the countryside, empty spaces and quintessence places, It could be near or far, close and intimate.

So write, draw, Create.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

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The creativity of the individual has the potential to make or break any game. It may manifest itself as a half court buzzer beater, a 30-yard free kick, or a flick pass to win a grand final - and it is perhaps sports most important attribute.

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CREATIVE NONFICTION: SPORTS AND UNLIMITED THINKING Declan Payne discovers creativity out on the field.

Art, writing and music are all the kinds of things we think about when it comes to creativity, but what about sport? Individual creativity is what makes sport great, and we decided to take a look at how creativity manifests itself out on the playing field.

For starters, rugby league or ‘footy’ is the sport of choice for many of us, and being rugged up on the hill among a packed out McDonald Jones Stadium is a Newcastle tradition.

One name from the Newcastle Knights glory days that stands out above the rest is Andrew Johns – Newcastle’s prodigal son, famous for his wonderful imagination with a ball in hand.

Remember that pass in the 1997 grand finale?

Sky Sports journalist Phil Clarke and Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould share the opinion that data obsessed coaches are killing the game’s creativity, turning players into robots. I wonder whether Johnathon Thurston will have something to say about that.

On the other hand, cricket is a sport that has thoroughly embraced the imagination of the individual.

Twenty20 Games have aimed to capitalise on the individual attributes of players like David Warner and Kevin Pietersen in order to unleash in the game. Every match we’re treated to big hitters and tight finishes, and with only twenty overs to play the way the sport professionals do, the match must be swapped up all the time.

To work out how to knock a ball coming at 145km/h over the boundary rope, or how to bowl to a batsman who’s seeing every ball like a beach ball, that takes some real out-of-thebox thinking.

As with all sports, creativity defines the success or failure of the game. And in football (or soccer), this could not ring truer. Football relies on the creativity of the individual. Creativity in football can appear in many different forms – a Neymar rainbow flick, a Maradona turn, a forty-yard cross field switch, a Cristiano Ronaldo step-over, or a Lionel Messi feint. These moves and skills can change the course of the biggest matches in the world.

Some of the biggest names in football are the most creative – think Lionel Messi dazzling four defenders with one turn, or a little closer to home you could see Aaron Mooy booting a ball straight onto someone’s foot half a field away.

The creativity of the individual has the potential to make or break any game. It may manifest itself as a half court buzzer beater, a 30-yard free kick, or a flick pass to win a grand final - and it is perhaps sports most important attribute.

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

FIVE TIPS //

TO STAY CREATIVE AND MOTIVATED AT UNI Chris Daniel shares his five tips to keep up your creative energy for the semester ahead.

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In some ways more than others, your time at university may draw you away from your creative roots, spiraling into a void of stress and caffeine induced comas at the mercy of your assignments and exams. How can you stay motivated and boost your creative output amidst the reveries of your coursework?

Here are five tips to do just that.

“Ensure that you don’t rely on finding your motivation at the bottom of a coffee cup.”

1. Acknowledge your accomplishments and avoid dwelling on failure Sure, it probably wasn’t your best effort if it was submitted at the last minute, but avoid the impending mindset of dwelling on that failure. Instead, step back and take a minute to appreciate the little things in life. Why are you here and why do you want that degree? As soon as you accept reality, you can move forward.

2. Form study groups With a 70 percent chance that it will eventually become a drinking social society, study groups will create a forum for you to express those ‘I haven’t started that either’ or ‘I haven’t even looked at it’ concerns.

3. Timetables Keep track of everything; due dates, birthdays, work shifts etc.

In the grand scheme of things, you can pinpoint every mental breakdown in advance. Amidst the attempt to save yourself, you may be able to avoid them.

4. Healthy balance How are you supposed to study, work, be social, be active and have enough sleep per night? That’s your own decision, but ensure that you don’t rely on finding your motivation at the bottom of a coffee cup.

5. Try something new Whether it is grabbing a new issue of Yak Magazine, visiting Watt Space or signing up to a new club or society, the main way to stay motivated is by pushing the boundaries of your own comfort zone. You’ll find inspiration in the oddest of places, so why not start with facilities at your home campus?

Yak Magazine // February 2017

FANFICTION: TAKING BACK THE POWER FROM MAINSTREAM MEDIA Sarah James takes a look at how fanfiction is promoting diversity within a narrow media culture.

Fanfiction, not ‘Fan fiction’ like this unenlightened writer once thought it was spelt before delving into the Internet, is so much more than sci-fi and erotica. ‘Geeks’ writing sci-fi and fantasy stories is a gross misconception that really has no place within the 21st century.

Fanfiction is any work of fiction containing the characters or setting of an established work of fiction, created by fans, as opposed to the original creator. Fifty Shades of Grey famously had its origins as a piece of fanfiction, based on the romance of Isabella and Edward in the Twilight series.

Weird and wonderful, there are many genres contained within fanfiction you couldn’t even imagine. During the 1980s, fanfiction began to take off, where many young female writers started to write themselves into their own Star Trek stories. These ‘Mary Sue’ stories were published in magazines produced by the fandom, known as fanzines, and mailed to subscribers.

“The publication of fanfiction is actually reshaping the creative process. No limitations exist in fanfiction, meaning fans can break free of the ever-dominant cultural boundaries found within mainstream fiction.”

Did you know there’s a whole genre of fanfiction called “mpreg”, dedicated to male celebrities falling pregnant? Well, now you do, and you can read all about Harry Styles’ morning sickness.

Jokes aside, the publication of fanfiction is actually reshaping the creative process. No limitations exist in fanfiction, meaning fans can break free of the ever-dominant cultural boundaries found within mainstream fiction.

A 2013 survey of the fanfiction website Archive of Our Own revealed that nearly 50 percent of the stories focused on the development of a same-sex relationship. And, while there is not extensive research conducted into the gender of fanfiction authors, research conducted by fanfiction organisations has tended to find females make up the majority.

This raises the question as to what motivates people to write fanfiction.

UON Senior Lecturer, Dr Melanie James, told the Newcastle Herald in 2015 that "what we've seen emerge in the last couple of decades is the backlash of fans. When they are not pleased, fans quickly make their displeasure known”.

As a consequence, fans have used their power to actively change media to suit their own needs. Research published by John Fiske in his book The Cultural Economy of Fandom, found that

fandom is “associated with the cultural tastes of subordinated formations of the people, particularly those disempowered by any combination of gender, age, class, and race”.

Over the years, many authors have expressed their annoyance at having their works appropriated, notably George R. R. Martin.

‘Slash’ fanfiction, a genre that explores sexual relationships between characters that were not in the culture text, has also come under scrutiny.

“Until those who are disempowered are given a greater presence within mainstream fiction, the audience will continue to use their creative abilities to meet their own needs.”

However, until those who are disempowered are given a greater presence within mainstream fiction, the audience will continue to use their creative abilities to meet their own needs. If more works of fiction reflected the experiences of the LBGTQ or more realistic female characters, perhaps fans wouldn’t need to adapt texts for their own use.

The fans have made their power clear: you either cater to the marginalised, or they will continue to write their own stories regardless.

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

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COLOUR ME IN

Yak Magazine // February 2017

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

#FOODPORN

Join Nadene Budden as she explores the wonders of foodie culture in the 21st century.

Photo courtesy Unsplash // Alisa Anton

‘Foodie’: a person with a particular interest in food; a gourmet.

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When researching for this article, one of the first links that came up on Google was, ‘Is foodie culture destroying our ability to eat simply?’ – criticising the so-called ‘MasterChef Effect’ and the intricately plated and set dishes of food flooding Instagram. With lettuce swapped for kale, rice swapped for quinoa, and honey swapped for agave syrup; it’s clear that ‘gourmet’ has gone mainstream. Yet, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

As social media’s influence on our real lives continues to grow, people against its use seem to become annoyed every time they glance at a phone; a fury only amplified when someone turns on the camera app during dinner to take a photo or two of their food. If this is you, chill for just a moment and take it as a compliment to the chef (you should be extra chuffed if you were said chef).

Decades after the introduction of TV dinners and other convenience meals, it’s about time we went back to being proud of the food we have created, ordered or eaten, and honour the time and effort that goes into actually making a meal.

Passionate foodie and UON alumna with a Bachelor of Communication, Jessica Rouse, is one to take advantage of today’s technology. “I will always be one of those people who takes photos of their food when out for dinner,” she said. “It’s inspiration for my own cooking later on!”

Even if it’s reduced down to a 60-second montage video for Facebook, cooking has once again become an event in itself; a marathon of ingredient gathering, chopping, mixing and serving.

Be it the mesmerising glide of icing over a cake, melted cheese as it falls out of a jaffle or the time lapsing rise of cakes in an oven, foodie culture in the 21st century brings honour to the table so-to-speak.

The more people go through this process of sourcing and cooking their own food, the more likely they are to notice what goes into their favourite meals and, subsequently, into their bodies.

“There seems to be a new superfood every week, which makes healthy food interesting,” Jessica said. However, with that has come a bunch of dodgy detox teas and gummy bear vitamins (just go to almost any celebrity’s Instagram page). The focus on individual health surely has more benefits than simple convenience of time.

Even down to the plating, foodie culture has inspired a new wave of food appreciation. Just look at a ‘freak shake’ – diabetes in a Mason jar, but pretty.

“Would you be disappointed if you went to a restaurant and they only had simple food for dessert, like vanilla cheesecake with cream and not something like a cake with a salted caramel Chantilly, passion fruit crème, or vanilla crème brûlée?”

Jessica said.

And while seeing this on a menu can be kind of exhausting just to read, it usually arrives to the table greeted by wide eyes and salivating tongues.

So, play with flavours in the pot and colours on the plate. Bring out your inner Adriano Zumbo or Heston Blumenthal and create the meals that dreams are made of. Read recipes and pass them down from generation to generation, and don’t be afraid to whip out the camera if something turns out truly beautiful and creative. So long as you still have time to eat the food before it goes cold.

Jessica Rouse and her food-loving ways can be found on Instagram at @rouseythefoodie.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

HEALTH // THE PURSUIT OF HYGGE Elise Pfeiffer tells you how to bring some Danish hygge into your life.

The Australian lifestyle boasts the sun, surf and sand mantra, and while that can be absolutely killer when you want to destress and have some fun, what happens when the sun is tucked behind the clouds and that surf just ‘ain’t what it used to be?

Well, that’s where the Danish art of ‘hygge’ can come in. Hygge, pronounced as ‘hue-gah’ in our great Australian accents, is all about enjoying the simple things in life. The Danes practise this on a day to day basis. Roughly translated as ‘cosiness’, hygge encompasses a quality of comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment.

“That smooth first sip of your double shot latte while on your study break – hygge. Spending quality time with friends and family? That’s hygge too. Sitting in front of a fire, wrapped up in blankets when it’s cold out? That is so hygge it hurts.”

But what exactly is hygge? Well, it comprises of many things.

That smooth first sip of your double shot latte while on your study break – hygge. Spending quality time with friends and family? That’s hygge too. Sitting in front of a fire, wrapped up in blankets when it’s cold out? That is so hygge it hurts. To put it plainly: hygge is as wholesome and nourishing as your Sunday morning acai bowl. Heck, Danish doctors even recommend “tea and hygge” to cure a common cold. Clearly, we’re missing something here in the land of Aus. So how can we bring a little bit of hygge home? It’s actually easier than you think.

Firstly, you’ve got to get the lighting right! Siting in your lecture theatre with those hostile neon lights just aren’t good for the soul, so find yourself a little study nook, or create a soul soothing sanctuary by investing in some candles. Hygge lighting is all about feeling cosy and comfortable rather than horrible and harsh. If you’re reading through your textbooks and need more than a candle light, why not switch those neon bulbs for something a little warmer?

Once you have the hygge environment down pat, try swapping ‘me’ for ‘we’. If there is anything that can make studying for that final exam, or working on your major assessment better, it’s doing it with others. Even a simple coffee catch up with friends in between classes can rejuvenate you in the best kind of way. The hygge philosophy has social interaction in its very foundation and, perhaps, that’s why the Danish are said to be the happiest in the world. We ought to take a leaf out of their book, put down our phones and have some good old quality hygge time together.

Another simple way to get that hygge goodness into your life is by exploring the great outdoors. Our country is pretty amazing, and what better way to explore it than by bicycle? Denmark is well known for its devotion to bicycles, so much so that in Copenhagen, there are more bikes than inhabitants! Of course, cycling increases your levels of dopamine – the happy hormone, and therefore makes you feel pretty darn great. What is more hygge than that?

So there you have it, folks. Now you know the secret to happiness the Danish have been hiding for so long. With the invigoration of the New Year and more so, the start of a new uni semester, now is the perfect time to start putting hygge into practice.

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

DEGREES TO GET YOUR ‘CREATIVE’ ON New degrees have emerged at UON and Sophie Austin is in the loop.

Creativity is kicking off with a fresh face in 2017 at UON. Students have been introduced to two new Bachelor degrees: the Bachelor of Creative Industries, and the Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, accumulating a broad scale of creative and innovative skills into a handful of years of study. First year students will be braving the degrees without predecessors to guide them, but support isn’t as far as they may think.

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“Creativity is kicking off with a fresh face in 2017 at UON.” Convenor for the Creative Industries, Dr Craig Hight, said this is about bringing together a variety of existing creative practices on campus into a new, interdisciplinary framework. “It’s a bigger playpen, and a way of bringing students with different skills and disciplinary experiences together,” he said.

The Bachelor of Creative Industries is part of a broader push from UON to develop more entrepreneurial graduates; people who have more skills to be able to put their ideas into practice in a variety of ways in the real world.

“The aim is to produce students who have some grounding in specific skills, but a broader sense of possibilities for where they might apply those,” Hight said. “The idea is to provide support for students to be testing their ideas, their own vision and passion, and to make connections with stakeholders, audiences, or others that they can build on when they graduate.”

In regards to support systems in place for future students, Hight said it’s a new program, but it’s about bringing together existing disciplines on campus. Half of the program (in its first year or two) will involve existing courses from across these disciplines.

“We have some solid support systems already in place and we’ll look to build on these, depending on where students most want to put their energies,” he said.

Over three years of full time study, students will be taking on creative components alongside market analysis, project management, business models and stakeholder engagement.

By pairing creative and entrepreneurship studies, the course

intends to produce students with clarified arts skills and the know-how to market themselves to the industry.

New Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship students are in a similar boat. This degree can be combined with a Bachelor of Business, or Bachelor of Commerce, and “provides the skills required to develop entrepreneurial ideas into successful new ventures, or work within existing businesses in an innovative way”, according to its Program Handbook. It’s designed to stretch your imagination and start you down a path of a successful future in a dynamic, commercial world.

The program offers seven majors over four years of full time study. It’s targeted toward students who wish to develop imaginative, creative and commercialism skills in the business industry.

“Students have been introduced to two new Bachelor degrees: the Bachelor of Creative Industries and the Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, accumulating a broad scale of creative and innovative skills into a handful of years of study.”

Despite being newfound degrees, students are not alone. Mentors are available to help students through the ‘settling-in’ process, Program Advisors are there to assist, the Dean of Students can help with any bumps along the road, study resources can be found at our campus libraries, and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are available for certain subjects.

Look out for future graduates bringing creativity to new heights, and good luck to the new students in 2017!

If you need help settling in to your degree, or help choosing courses/majors, please contact your faculty Program Advisor for assistance. Alternatively, you can visit Student Central on campus for questions and concerns, or call them on 4921 5000.

You can now also live chat with a staff member at AskUON via askuon.custhelp.com.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ALUMNUS: COMBINING CREATIVITY AND TECHNICAL TALENT Does your degree get you where you want to go? Sarah Webb chats with Yasser Hamed to find out.

Photo courtesy of Yasser Hamed

As students, we all aspire to go far in our future careers. It can take a lot of hard work, dedication and motivation to land a big break. Suffice to say, each industry presents their opportunities differently, but where there’s a will, there’s a way.

This is a shout-out to those who may be nervous about starting their degrees, or about graduating at the end of the year and landing their dream job. And what better way to alleviate those nerves than to hear from those who were once in our shoes?

Yasser Hamed, a UON graduate in 2003 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and recipient of UON’s Newton-John Award that recognises innovation and creativity, works directly with Academy Award-winning directors, producers and artists on a daily basis.

As Senior Technical Director at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Hamed was granted permanent residence in the US based on the category of ‘Alien of extraordinary ability in the arts or sciences’.

This is normally reserved for the likes of Nobel Prize winners and the few who have reached the top of their field.

Hamed is responsible for the development behind high end digital effects and animation for feature films such as Happy Feet, Alice in Wonderland and Tangled. He has also worked on other major features such as Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Moana, which has recently been nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Animated Film and Best Original Song.

Hamed’s role revolves around ‘look and development’ techniques to make digital effects look realistic. He is currently the Crowds Animation Supervisor for Gigantic – a Disney film to be released in 2018 that is “loosely based on the English fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk”.

Hamed said he always aspired to do something different with his Mechanical Engineering degree, and has always felt it has opened doors to many opportunities beyond university.

“Most people who break into the industry have purely artistic backgrounds,” Hamed said. However, for him, the visual effects department is very technical, so his understanding of physics, mathematics and software development were paramount to getting a job.

“During the course of my degree, I studied software development, math, dynamics and fluid mechanics,” Hamed said. “These have been instrumental subjects during my career.”

It just goes to show that it’s always worthwhile to branch out and diversify your skill set in order to be successful in any industry.

For Hamed, he needed to find a way to complement his technical skills with creative ideas needed in the competitive industry.

“It was up to me to find a role where I could use those skills in a manner that was unique and challenging,” he said. “I always find new ways to be creative with my skill set.”

To this day, Hamed still cannot believe his degree has taken him this far. He said his degree was a great starting point, but just like most industries, we ultimately build upon the skills we learn in university.

“I have been in the industry for 15 years now and have learned a lot,” he said. “The best thing about [my] job is that every project is different; I am always faced with completely new challenges.

It is never the same and this is where I get my fulfilment.”

Whether you’re studying the same degree as Hamed did, or something completely different at UON, always remember it is up to you where your degree can take you.

“Find what you’re truly passionate about,” Hamed said. “Learn how you can use the skills you learn to drive you towards that passion. Be unique and innovative in your ideas and don’t be afraid to share and pitch those ideas. Don’t be afraid to stand out.”

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

INDIGENOUS ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE Angelique Carr explores the creativity behind Indigenous art and culture and how important it is to celebrate and protect it.

In the language of the Awabakal people "Birabahn" means "eaglehawk", an important totem to the people. Birabahn is also the name of one of the most renowned Indigenous scholars of the 19th century. Along with Rev Lancelot Threlkeld, Birabahn was the first person in Australia to methodically study an Aboriginal language.

The Birabahn building on Callaghan campus is surrounded by native plants and striking red land, and features beautiful artworks including a colourful totem depicting Birabahn the Eaglehawk. Inside you can see displays of traditional artwork.

Built on the land of the Awabakal Nation, Birabahn is home to the Wollotuka Institute – ‘Wollotuka’ meaning “eating and meeting place” in the Awabakal language. Wollotuka operates out of three of the University's campuses situated in different Aboriginal countries on the east coast of Australia.

Administrative Assistant at the Callaghan Wollotuka Institute, Denise Emmerson, said there are many support services in place for Indigenous students. “We have computer labs for students to work in and common areas for students to study in,” she said.

“UON has a proud history of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, spanning back to the 1980s. We were also the first Australian University to have over 1000 Indigenous enrolments.”

“We also have Indigenous staff who look after different faculties, so students can go see that staff person specifically about their course work, and we’ve got lecturers and professional researchers who take care of students wanting to do further research in their field.”

UON has a proud history of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, spanning back to the 1980s. We were also the first Australian University to have over 1000 Indigenous enrolments.

The historical views of their arts are as varied as the amount of Indigenous cultures there are. Some artworks were only made by and for the initiated in spiritual ceremonies, filled with many symbols and meanings relating to the Dreaming. In modern times, Aboriginal art has gained a political aspect, as many artists paint to remind themselves, and others, of their own history and connection to the land.

The University Art Collections boasts over 1000 art works, with more being collected with a focus on artists from this region.

The University's Gallery also holds many exhibitions, often including Indigenous artists. Off campus, you can see artwork and buy crafts from over 70 local artists at the Free Spirit Gallery in Mayfield, opened by local artist and Yaegl/Bundjalung woman, Elsie Randall.

On her artist profile, Randall said she paints to educate and support other Aboriginal people during their time of healing.

Painting allows her to creatively transfer her stories onto paper.

“I found this to be extremely therapeutic... and try to pick out all the positive lessons I have taken away from a particular experience that makes me the strong Aboriginal women I am today,” she said.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have so much diversity in their culture and arts. While non-Indigenous Australians might be familiar with dot work, around the Hunter/Newcastle region, the more common form of art practised are rock paintings and carvings, usually with inspiration gained from the water of the lake and the ocean. Awabakal means “people from the plains or flat surface” – the flat surface being Lake Macquarie.

The Awabakal people did not just live on the land, they shaped it too. Watt Street in Newcastle started as a path leading from the top of the hill to the sea, maintained by the Awabakal people. There is also a strong connection between the land and the Dreaming.

You can visit the rock that used be the frog in the Dreaming story of Tiddalik, whose greed caused him to create the Hunter River, and was ultimately punished by being turned into stone.

Every time you see an Eaglehawk, the Dreaming tells us that it is reminding us of the laws of the land.

In Newcastle we, unfortunately, do not have such a great track record of looking after Indigenous sites. In 2009, on the site of the Newcastle KFC, archaeological diggings found there had over 5000 artefacts from over 6000 years ago. These were from three distinct occupations of the land. However, instead of preserving the area, the fast food joint remains.

Australia is home to the world’s oldest continuing cultures that should be protected, preserved and celebrated. In order to help preserve this Indigenous heritage, Emmerson said that Wollotuka has a community portfolio which goes out to local high schools to teach students about Aboriginal culture and heritage.

“We have a community portfolio that goes out to various high schools in the region, from Year Nine, upwards. It’s important to us to liaise with the local schools for Aboriginal education.”

New South Wales is full of rock art, from paintings to carvings and we must acknowledge how the disruption and discrimination faced by Indigenous Australians has created a great need for conservation of their arts and culture, lest we lose it.

To find a site near you, contact the Office of Environment and Heritage. If you would like to learn more about Indigenous art or culture, you can visit the Wollotuka Institute on Callaghan, Ourimbah and Port Macquarie campuses, or you can go to newcastle.edu.au/about-uon/our-university/indigenouscollaboration/the-wollotuka-institute.

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

HOW TO TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVITY Sophie Austin shares some tips for when double strength coffee just isn’t enough.

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Nothing screams ‘buzzkill’ more than sitting down to a blank page only to find tumbleweeds. Writer’s block has been the most notorious killer of creativity since Bram Stoker picked up his pen, almost predating writing itself.

Sala said he sometimes listens to recordings of waves breaking when he writes. “…And sometimes [I listen] to what you might call ambient sorts of soundtracks for movies that haven’t been made yet,” he said.

Local authors Barry Maitland (Bright Air, The Belltree Trilogy), Carmel Bird (Dear Writer, Family Skeleton) and Michael Sala (The Last Thread) have been kind enough to lend a hand to get those creative juices flowing when it comes to channelling your inner Lemony Snicket.

Take a break Pause, relax and breathe. Sometimes all the creative spirit needs is time out to work at its full potential again.

“Be curious about everything.”

“I think it’s important to get up from the laptop and walk around the garden, or around the streets, into the forest; go and look at the view,” Bird said. “This is for the good of the body and pleasure, and good for the brain and the eyesight.”

Find your space It’s no secret that we work best when we’re comfortable, so it’s important to work in an environment that suits you and fosters your imagination and ideas.

Don’t stop learning This is the best time to get curious. Inspiration can be found in the most unlikely of places, whether it be the corner of a history book, or an old novella you promised to read last summer.

Maitland said he has a workshop and studio to foster his creative energy. “I have a workshop/studio a bit separate from the house, so that when I go there, I feel I’m going to work,” he said. “When I’m finished for the day, I can leave it in a mess and no one will try to tidy it up or rearrange it. The next day, I can pick up where I left off.”

“Be curious about everything,” Sala said. “Creativity is about play and learning, and how to give the thing in front of you your absolute attention.”

Check the clock Some authors suggest to write, draw, design and create just before sleep, as we’re closer to our mind’s most creative state: dreamland.

“I start writing most days at about 6am,” Bird said. “For one thing, my mind is freshly nourished by sleep and dreams, and for another, I am too lazy to get out of bed.”

Put on some tunes For years we have been finding motivation in music and writing is no different.

Don’t give up Nothing happens overnight, which means when patience leaves, perseverance is key. Don’t forget that it’s okay to fail as long as you try again.

Maitland said to remember the answer that Michelangelo gave to an aspiring artist, who asked him how he could get to be as good as him. “And he replied, ‘Disegno e disegno e disegno’, meaning ‘draw, draw, draw’, or in my case, ‘write, write, write’.”

With these tricks of the trade now under your belt, you’re ready to sit down and get friendly with your artistic side.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

CRAFT OF THE COMIC Chris Daniel talks to Tim Molloy, indie comic creator of Mr Unpronounceable Adventures, about inspiration, advice and the year ahead.

In the booming industry of comic books, it may seem difficult to find a starting point. Drenched in the glamour of superheroes, it has somewhat lost its touch and the attention has slowly diverted to unearthed and indie comics.

Indie comic creator of Mr Unpronounceable Adventures, Tim Molloy, said his work is an ever-expanding and interconnected web of dreamlike and nightmarish storylines soaked heavily in delusion, confusion and a general sense of unease.

Molloy suggests that in order to survive as an artist, one must draw and write everything down. It’s not only the conscious moments that count; we live and breathe the stuff we create.

Keep an eye out for the works of Tim Molloy, as he continues to delve deep into the worlds of the unknown and explores the twisted reality we’re accustomed to.

“I draw heavily on surrealist techniques, symbolist ideas, synchronicity and dreams to construct my ideas,” Molloy said.

“There is a kind of pre-apocalyptic tension throughout, balanced with a sense of humor that stops it all from getting too serious.”

Creativity is best defined as the use of imagination or original ideas, something Molloy executes perfectly. When it comes to inspiration, he draws upon his past experiences and influences from pop culture genres.

“It’s not only the conscious moments that count; we live and breathe the stuff we create.”

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“Every conscious moment is a chance to fill up the old jumble box with wonderful trinkets,” he said. “However, if I have to narrow it down to a fine point, I’d probably mention the horror and science fiction genres, a lifetime of weird dreams, extensive travels in Asia, surrealism and symbolism, the Occult, religion and the paranormal. Despite now being very skeptical, I love the aesthetics.”

Molloy incorporates these recurring themes mainly into traditional art and of course his comic books. His sequential books Mr Unpronounceable Adventures lures the reader into a twisted dimension, confronting them with vision quests and tarnishing the fabric of reality

“I suppose it is all relative! Sheer bloody mindedness. It takes a certain kind of madness to just keep going sometimes. I’ve been fortunate enough to run into some wonderful humans along the way who have believed in what I was capable of and were able to help me get to where I am now. Onwards and upwards.”

Image courtesy of Tim Molloy

The success of the book has also seen Molloy stumble across obstacles along the way, challenging him as both a writer and as an artist. Despite at times finding it hard to be interested, the lack of monetary reward and sometimes being restricted by his own artistic limitations, he keeps to his own devices and focuses on what he loves best. “Success is a strange word. I have no trouble calling myself an artist, but the word ‘success’ seems to be one that I have less faith in when it comes to describing myself,” he said.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

BIG FISH, GIGANTIC POND: GETTING NOTICED ON THE ‘NET Nick Smit takes a look at what it means to be an artist in the online space.

If you’re reading this article, you probably wouldn’t have much trouble naming a YouTube channel you watch, a song you’ve listened to on Spotify, a movie you heard about from Facebook, or some 'snazzy' idea you’ve picked up from Pinterest.

Graphic designer and Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) graduate, Hugh Pascoe, agrees. “I think it’s made it a lot less important where you are in the world and made it a lot more skill based,” he said.

Indeed, digital technologies and online media have changed how we consume content in a pretty dramatic way, but something you might not have realised is how much the game has changed for creators as well.

However, there are certain unique drawbacks to consider when working in this kind of environment. “Being more global means you’re in a bigger pool and competing with people halfway around the world sometimes, which can be a bit daunting” Hugh said.

We asked some digital artists who are prior students of UON, for their thoughts on creative work in the digital age, to give insight into whether the shift has made it easier or harder to get your work ‘out there’. The first important point to note is that the shift towards digital media and the online space has dramatically reduced the separation between media consumers and media creators.

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“The age of the Internet might be considered a new and distinct stage of life for media. Like starting university, you’ll be astounded by your newfound freedom, but must take care not to get lost in the vastness.”

Freelance designer, illustrator and Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) graduate, Katarina Gerritsen, said she uses Spotify, YouTube and social media to access music, movies and art. “I also play a lot of games, read a lot of comics, and watch as many movies as I can for enjoyment and to challenge my own creative skills,” she said.

“I use Tumblr because I find the system of sharing allows for a vast spread of my content to people I otherwise have no contact with. Facebook is also great in this way and I'm currently branching out to include other platforms with more frequent use.”

In addition to consumers and producers being in the same space, there’s a solid argument that how widely your work can be seen has also been raised dramatically.

“Creative work being online allows vast audiences to view your works and spread it to others who might be looking for similar work. This is an amazing advantage, as social media does a lot of your advertising for you and your skills are spread passively around you,” Katarina said.

“You really have to stand out and produce consistent creative work of a high quality to draw that attention to yourself and not all the other amazing creatives online,” Katarina concurs.

Another problem with the ease of accessing content is that sometimes the perception of a creation’s value can be harmed in the process. The increase of crowdsourcing provides a solid example. “I think it is getting harder as more of these are popping up,” Hugh said.

“Why would a business want to pay for a logo that I’m charging 50 dollars an hour for, when they can get it from someone potentially untrained, to throw it together for under 100 dollars?”

Ultimately, the age of the Internet might be considered a new and distinct stage of life for media. Like starting university, you’ll be astounded by your newfound freedom, but must take care not to get lost in the vastness. The potential to be seen by many is high, but the sheer number of people out there makes forging your identity all the more important.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

MASS DEBATE // CAN YOU TEACH CREATIVITY? Declan Payne // No

Gunnaina Kohli // Yes

“Creativity only manifests when a person with the right sets of skills and knowledge invents or finds an appropriate problem that cannot be solved using any existing approach, but which is amenable to solution by that person’s unique set of experiences” – Michelle and Robert Root-Bernstein in Psychology Today.

What do you think of when you hear the word “creativity?” Is it painting, drawing, or perhaps interpretive dance? One thing these things have in common is that they can all be taught.

J.K. Rowling and George R. R. Martin are two authors who have constructed fantasy worlds of excruciating detail, stories woven within stories, and characters with histories as rich as the histories of you or I.

Creativity can be taught through encouragement of logic, art and communication. Within the parameters of a safe environment, children and adults should be allowed to tell stories, create and problem solve. We can be taught to be open-minded and adventurous in order to be let those creative juices flow, while also preparing for failure.

“Creativity isn’t a set of skills to be taught – it’s an innate sense of something bigger, something to be nurtured. Everyone has the ability to be creative, but not to be taught creativity itself.”

Instead of telling children to colour inside the lines, see where their imagination leads them. Try using a new potato bake recipe and maybe it will taste great. Try a new outfit that you would probably never wear and you could make a fresh fashion statement. Stop telling your kids to clean their room, perhaps they’ve just discovered a new form of interior design?

Were they taught their creative ways, the pair perhaps benefactors of mystery teachers that divulged the secrets of creativity? Or, instead, did they manage to nurture their creativity throughout their lives, producing a plethora of ideas, connecting the right dots at the right time to unleash these magnificent pieces of work on the world?

You could also think about how you solved that last math problem without a formula, or how you sorted out a disagreement with a friend. Problem solving and logic, both academically and socially, are all a stretch of this imagination that can be encouraged from a young age. Science has evolved from exactly this way of thinking.

I say the second. Creativity isn’t a set of skills to be taught – it’s an innate sense of something bigger, something to be nurtured. Everyone has the ability to be creative, but not to be taught creativity itself.

Think of it this way: if Galileo, for example, and a number of other scientists were not persistent with their theories, or if musicians never tried new beats, or interior designers never tried new decor, we would be stuck in the Stone Age. And there, we have another strategy to teach creativity: to teach perseverance and motivation, and allowing people to explore new topics and ideas.

How do you teach a child to look up to the sky and imagine that cloud is a dog chasing its tail, or that the one over there must be Simba on top of Pride Rock? Or better yet, how do you propose teaching an adult to conjure up animals and landmarks from clouds? You simply cannot.

As psychologists Michelle and Robert Root-Bernstein said, you can equip someone with the tools of creativity – encourage someone to look into the clouds and see shapes, to channel their creative energy into song, dance, or art.

But teaching creativity? Training someone to look at the clouds and see shapes, to construct an intrinsic link between a peg basket and a vegetable garden? This, simply, cannot be done.

So yes, individual creativity can reach its full potential if we are taught and encouraged to be adventurous and persistent, all the while being prepared for failure. We learn from trial and error of these creative ideas too.

“Individual creativity can reach its full potential if we are taught and encouraged to be adventurous and persistent.”

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

THE FIRST STEP FORWARD TO A FOOT IN THE DOOR

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Chris Wedlock explores the ‘unofficial job market’ in the creative industries.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

The creative industries encompasses those industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent. It can be very tough and super competitive to break into; often the perceived ‘glitz’ and ‘glamour’ can sometimes entice and draw in people, like moths to a flame. More importantly, we all need to prepare for the hurdles if we’re serious about being part of the creative industries. There are many creatives out there – all trying to do the same thing.

Despite what you learn at university, you might come to understand that practical experience is key in the creative industries, and you will learn more by being out there in the field. Industry rightly values experience and this should be your first stepping stone.

So how does one get experience? We’ve taken the time to break it down for you into some ‘easy’ steps and have spoken to an industry professional for some tips and tricks. Nothing like learning from the best!

Step one: Make your mark Be noticeable and put yourself out there. When you’re studying, you could do the following in order to give yourself the best chance to shine. Get the best qualification you can, as this opens the first door; be passionate for your subject; work hard and take pride in what you produce.

Try to avoid having an “it will do” attitude. Something that you create now may just be the thing that gets you your next ‘gig’.

Step two: Experience is key This is probably the most important lesson of all. The main way to get experience (from the get-go) is volunteering. Don’t always expect to get paid for everything you do in this industry. It’s a cut-throat world full of aspiring talent looking for experience to break into the creative industries. Simply put: your need to work harder than your competition is vital.

There are many places to look for volunteer work; for example, you could approach university lecturers or tutors, consult Student Central, look at Career Hub online, or ask your peers.

The Careers team at UON are also a great source to get some tips on building your portfolio, or writing a resume or application.

Alternatively, don’t be afraid to go out on your own! However, always keep in mind that there are great support systems in place to guide you along the way. Whether you want to start your own YouTube channel, get your own ABN (Australian Business Number), or want to approach local businesses and ask if you can work for them on a specific project, these are all valid ways of breaking into the creative industries.

Local Creative Director, Allan Brady, said that one of the best quotes about the creative industries came from Steve Graham (KOFM). “His advice when I first started in radio was to ‘just get in the building’; to do anything you can to get in the same building, room, or film set as the people who could employ you

or ask you to do work experience with,” Brady said.

“Do anything to build an interpersonal connection in the creative industries. People want to be ‘mates’, so build those relationships face to face.”

Step three: Network Engage with your connections in the field such as tutors, lecturers or peers about their experiences. Ask if they have any projects that you can volunteer for. Always ask if they know anyone in the creative industries who are looking for people to work with. This is not about under-selling yourself, but increasing your network of potential employers and clients.

“Once you have made connections… if you’re a good worker and good person, people will tap into their networks and recommend you,” Brady said. “This is called the ‘unofficial job market’ and it is how 95 percent of all jobs in the creative industries are acquired, while 5 percent are [acquired by] job interviews.”

Your network is wider than you may realise at first. Tell people around you (students, family and friends) that you‘re looking for work experience. You may be surprised who people know and who may be able to help you.

Use social networking sites such as Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube and LinkedIn to post examples of your work or portfolio. On that note, this brings us to our next subject: business cards. If your card is in someone’s wallet, who knows what opportunities may come of that?

Step four: Build a portfolio Create a professional portfolio, show reel, writing examples, or a mixture of these. This should be as diverse as possible and showcase different examples of your talents.

“Portfolios should be your own work,” Brady said. “Realistically, they should show you’re competent, but don’t be too ‘precious’.

You’re a student, so don’t expect to ‘wow’ an industry professional who is exposed to the cream of the crop on a day-to-day basis.

However, this could be the last stepping stone into securing a job after a glowing recommendation.”

Bottom line: if you are serious about breaking into the creative industries, don’t give up. Keep up the momentum. Stand up, be counted, and at the end of the day, the worst you’re going to hear is “Not this time”. Even then, there is always next time.

On that note: stay passionate and never give up on your career aspirations, wherever they may take you.

If you’re looking for career support or tips to making your application stand out, then make an appointment with the Careers Service on Callaghan campus. Head to newcastle.edu. au/careers or call them on 4921 5588.

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

HACK IT AT HOME Need to simplify your life? Bridget Gunn has got you sorted with five creative life hacks for the everyday student.

As students, we all face expenses on a regular basis, regardless of whether we live at home with the ‘rents or if we have already flown the coop. If you’re someone who has recently moved in with other young students, then you’re probably on the hunt for creative tricks to help save time and money around the house.

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“Collecting old bottle caps can be useful to make tacky, borderline alcoholic, Christmas decorations.”

Community meals are good meals Cooking and preparing for meals has always been a deep, personal hatred. I have found that living with friends (and this could possibly include siblings too) there are ample opportunities to split grocery costs, time and energy.

“I love cooking with the other people living in my housing,” Bachelor of Nursing student, Hannah Jones said, who lived on campus last year. “Knowing that I don’t have to cook every night really takes the pressure off when I have to work late.”

Everything has the potential to be reused Follow in the footsteps of any trendy restaurant and start reusing anything you can! Empty jars can double as water glasses and ice cream containers can be used as Tupperware. Really, there are no limits to what can be recycled. This will be especially useful if you are prone to the occasional kitchen breakage.

This works for old clothes too. If you are particularly creative, recycled clothes can be made into patchwork quilts, or anything else your mind can dream of. If you aren’t quite that creative, old clothes can be made into rags or cloths for cleaning. Also, collecting old bottle caps can be useful to make tacky, borderline alcoholic, Christmas decorations.

Homemade haircuts My female roommate often cuts her own hair without disaster.

Haircuts can be expensive, so why waste the money when the kitchen scissors will do the same job? This can double as a community bonding session for roommates, like massage trains. (Pro tip: save the haircut sessions for when you are sober, hair can take a while to grow back).

Keep that utility bill down Another big expense for students are utilities, especially water.

If you live at home, or utilities are included in your rent, this might not be so useful for you. But for those of us who spend a lump of money on water each month, washing clothes in the shower can be a good way to save water.

Also, if you really like your roommates, the old saying “save water, shower with a friend” can be a good way to conserve that liquid money.

Home brew benefits Last, but certainty not the least, if you enjoy the occasional beverage to help knock over a tedious study session, you could follow in the footsteps of a Bachelor of Arts student, who prefers to remain anonymous.

“At my house, we brew a few different types of beer and also spirits,” Jake said. “We split the cost between roommates and each person is in charge of a different type of alcohol, so it’s pretty easy for everyone.”

On that note, it’s entirely possible to take those everyday chores, or expensive bills and to turn them into something a bit more interesting and creative.

Yak Magazine // February 2017

STUDY SNAPSHOT // UNITING CREATIVITY AND WELLBEING Sarah Webb explores Dr Gillian Arrighi’s research about the hybridity of circus training; how it not only benefits our physical wellbeing, but improves our imaginative and creative abilities.

There is a strong connection between creative expression and overall wellbeing. Humans have been making and practising art since the beginning of time – painting on rocks, making music, dancing, performing and telling stories. Art-making is a vital process to the experience of being human and there is a growing body of evidence that suggests engagement in the arts and creativity can have an impact on health and wellbeing.

So does cultivating, strengthening and tapping into your creativeself create a better sense of wellbeing? Senior lecturer for the School of Creative Arts at UON, Dr Gillian Arrighi, seems to think so.

Arrighi has spent more than 20 years as a performer in theatre and music before returning to academia, and although not a circus performer herself, Arrighi’s interest in touring forms of entertainment allowed her to recognise the therapeutic benefits of circus training in a creative environment.

In her publication ‘Re-routing traditional circus performance: towards a cultural history of community circus in Australia’, published in 2013, Arrighi said “participation in the circus arts can foster good health, creativity, and a strengthened sense of self-esteem and wellbeing”.

By nature, circus training and performance would appear hybrid.

One is sporty, the other creative. Yet, both produce imaginative outcomes. “With music and dance, it shares the development of rhythm and physical skills; with sport it shares the development of strength, speed, physical development and team building; with drama, it shares the development of self-confidence, performance skills and lateral thinking,” Arrighi said in her paper.

All of these factors that circus arts offer can contribute to a healthy and creative mind in individuals. Participating in the creative arts can therefore be effective in improving physical and psychological wellbeing. However, due to its niche nature, further research into the health and wellbeing advantages of circus training are needed Once Arrighi’s foundational study into the cultural history of youth circus in Australia has been completed, she hopes to pursue further research into this exact topic. If research goes ahead, there would be great potential for an interdisciplinary study, possibly linking with physical education experts from the Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition – collaborative research supported by the Faculty of Education and Arts and the Faculty of Health.

“This is a subject that begs further investigation,” Arrighi said on her staff profile. “There’s anecdotal evidence that suggests the circus helps build strong bodies and minds and enhances creativity... but there has been no close study undertaken to validate these claims.”

What would really play an important role in supporting this theory is the arts/health nexus and the question of whether the Utopian belief rings true – that creative engagement can be co-opted for positive change in people’s lives.

If you would like to know more about Dr Arrighi’s research, head to newcastle.edu.au/profile/gillian-arrighi.

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Yak Magazine // February 2017

WHAT’S ON // FEBRUARY

MON

TUES

WED 1.

6.

7.

THURS

CRE Seminar Series: A/ Prof Celeste Porsbjerg, Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1pm – 2pm.

2.

8.

9. Newcastle

FRI 3.

SAT

SUN

Chinese4Kids, Confucius Institute, 10:30am.

5. Katrina’s Body Mind and Soul Festival, Port Macquarie.

4.

Katrina’s Body Mind and Soul Festival, Port Macquarie.

Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo, Newcastle.

9th - 12th

10.

11. Surfest,

Newcastle.

11th - 26th

12.

Central Coast Community Market, Point Clare, The Foreshore Markets, Port Macquarie,

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13.

14. Valentine’s Day.

15.

16.

Procurement Open Day, Brennan Room, Shortland, 10am – 2pm.

17. Graduation

Ceremony, Port Macquarie.

Mountain Sounds Festival, Kariong.

17th - 18th

18. Hunt

& Gather Markets, Newcastle, 9am – 2pm.

19. RUFUS Full Bloom Tour, Port Macquarie, 3pm.

Cupids Undie Run, Newcastle East.

Garden Summer Sounds, East Gosford, 4pm - 7pm.

Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Sydney.

20. Trimester 1 Census Date.

21. Orientation, Callaghan.

Orientation, Ourimbah.

27.

Semester 1 commences.

22. Orientation, 23.

Callaghan.

Orientation, Callaghan.

Sports Jam, The Forum, 6pm – 9pm.

28. Free lunch BBQ, Auchmuty courtyard, 12pm – 1pm.

24. O Party, Bar on the Hill, 7pm – 12am.

Orientation, Port Macquarie.

25. Shelly Beach Markets, Shelly Beach, 9am – 2pm.

26.

Issue 39 // February 2017