“It takes a lot of time, personal growth, gaining experience and developing your skills.”

– MEGAN STEWART

 Tell us a little about your experiences since. Where have you worked? Where do you work now?

I feel rather lucky that I’ve had a variety of experiences!

I’ve worked selling gold and silver bullion, travelled to mine sites to sell diamonds including Argyle pink diamonds, I’ve worked on social media and OOH (out of home) campaigns for online and high street retailers including Najo jewellery and Oscar Wylee.

I’ve been exposed to travelling on location for photoshoots and meeting potential models for shoots. I’ve since moved into digital marketing and now internal communications working for the State Government.

How did you get your first design job or solo exhibition?

I upskilled during COVID by doing an online graphic design course, allowing me to apply for a variety of jobs and allowed me to move to Sydney. After graduating, I studied at the ANU school of Art & Design. It’s a niche industry to work and proved difficult to find a role (and workplace) that I enjoyed. It takes a lot of time, personal growth, gaining experience and developing your skills.

What advice would you give to current Art & Design students studying at NM TAFE right now?

It’s not easy, and it’s really hard at times to pursue your passion but don’t give up and don’t let your passion or creativity go to waste. You don’t know who you’ll meet or the experiences you’ll have along the way. Apply for any and everything you can and don’t be afraid to upskill, get out of your comfort zone.

What can Perth and Western Australia do to support graduating diverse range of Art & Design students more?

Canberra has a huge creative scene, with a tight-knit community. This is due to the ANU and UC (University of Canberra) and the creative degrees that are available. There is also the Design Canberra festival that is held across the month of November and celebrates every form of art and design including ceramics, furniture making, glass blowing, jewellery and objects. The Canberras Potters society and the glassworks also plays a pivotal role in the community, in unison with the yearly Undercurrent Markets at the National Portrait Gallery. Perth doesn’t have a creative community and this is reflected in the lack of artistic courses, organisations and events. Craft ACT supports the ANU with annual awards at the end of year grad show.

What do you think are the most important qualities in an emerging designer or artist?

Grit, passion and the gift of the gab. You need to know your field but don’t get competent in your knowledge, utilise recommendations of people you should meet and connect with. Through my creative practise and work life, I have connected with machinists, graphic designers, copy writers, photographers, models, local artists and international industry experts. Don’t burn bridges, you’ll never know when you might cross paths again.