“Look beyond Perth and Australia, establishing a presence in other cities and neighbouring countries is pertinent for a nascent artistic career.”
– NAZERUL KHAIRY BEN-DZULKEFLI
Tell us a little about your experiences since. Where have you worked? Where do you work now?
I assumed the role of Visual Art Technician at Mercy College after my Diploma in Visual Art and have continued in the role throughout my two year part time Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts at TAFE. I am still enjoying the role as an Art Technician as it allows me to continue expanding my studio practise and to utilise the technical and soft skills I acquired at TAFE.
How did you get your first design job or solo exhibition?
I looked into Catholic Education WA's job listings on their website as SEEK and Indeed were devoid of art career openings at the time I was job hunting. I understand that in art school's career and professional practise units, we were encouraged to share job listings and cheer each other on with shared job applications, but I felt that being privy to alternative job listing sites, connections to industry and being a little bit more competitive is a requirement in order to land a job in a very sparse job market such as the arts.
What advice would you give to current Art & Design students studying at NM TAFE right now?
I think it is important for art students to actively seek out networking opportunities while juggling their academic responsibilities as this would give them a head start into the industry. Look beyond Perth and Australia, establishing a presence in other cities and neighbouring countries is pertinent for a nascent artistic career.
What can Perth and Western Australia do to support graduating diverse range of Art & Design students more?
WA should maintain, if not increase the budget set aside for local arts associations and city councils to sustain an active artistic presence in their programming.
What do you think are the most important qualities in an emerging designer or artist?
Flexibility and proactiveness to create public awareness of one's emerging art practise. Financial literacy, and marketing skills.
Please list some awesome new developments happening right now in the Art & Design industry that you are excited by.
A sound introduction to financial literacy and marketing skills - these are equally important should young artist want to sustain a thriving art practise and a business. Paired with the theoretical and technical content of the course, the above mentioned skills, if taught as part of a package, would contribute to a future where arts graduates leave their faculties with skills that make for a more holistic arts worker.
Images below are courtesy of the artist.
