“I think being open to learn and grow. No matter what stage you are in your creative career you can always learn something from someone else.”
— ZOEY PORTILLA
Tell us a little about your experiences since Graduating with SHIFT in 2022.
Where have you worked? Where do you work now?
After graduating from Curtin University in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Creative Advertising and Graphic Design, I decided to enrol at North Metropolitan TAFE to pursue my interests in design further (very backwards way of doing things). I landed my first job at Future-Proof Agency just after I enrolled into NMT full-time which left me with the decision of studying full-time or working full-time, I decided to study while working at the agency 2-3 days a week.
At my graduation show in 2022 I was scouted by Damon & Aznita from Function Creative. They were standing at my plinth discussing my work, I went over to replenish my business cards and thought I should introduce myself. A few weeks later they sent me an email, which led to an interview which then led to a full-time position that I started a month after graduating.
How did you get your first graphic design job?
My first job was landed through word of mouth, my friend Sophie referred me to Creative Director, Kate Hedges at Future-Proof Agency. I got the job and Kate started to grow the business (I was one of the first employees) and became an all women's agency, specializing in social media and branding. I was studying full-time while working so I was only in the studio 1-3 days a week. But here I discovered my love for social media, creating visually aesthetic Instagram grids and branding.
I was lucky enough to have opportunities presented to me through people I knew or through attending networking events like the graduation show (networking with industry is important!).
What advice would you give to Graphic Design students studying at NM TAFE right now?
Networking is extremely important, this is something I was told time and time again but ignored because I knew it wasn’t something I wanted to do or I thought I would have time for it after graduating. A large part of my decision of going to TAFE after finishing University was so I could grow my skills, but it was also largely so I could try again with the networking aspect.
Networking is a lot easier when you are a current student, people in industry are willing to hear you out and take a look at some projects or your portfolio. Take advantage of all the opportunities and networking events TAFE presents forward even if you’re drowning in assessments. Your lecturers will be understanding on that end if they know you’ve made an effort to show up to class, stay late and get work done (I know I couldn’t have finished without lecturers giving me an extra helping hand).
Volunteer as much as you can! This will help your future self so much, it gives you the experience needed to land jobs in industry. I volunteered for TEDxPerth and Tokyo Alley Anime & Art Convention as a creative on their core teams, this helped me build up my skill set and grow my network.
What is post-pandemic Perth design in need of most?
A stronger creative community! Students should volunteer more to their favourite organisations, do things that take time out of your day but help grow and give back to your creative community. A bonus is you’ll grow your network, make connections with people that have similar interests and gain experience (Also bonus free entry to conventions I would normally want to attend in my free time).
What do you think are the most important qualities in a graphic designer?
I think being open to learn and grow. No matter what stage you are in your creative career you can always learn something from someone else.
Please list some awesome new developments happening right now in the design industry.
3D & animation, website design and illustration come to mind.
ZOEY WRITES AFTER HER DESIGN INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA: NATIONAL GRADUATE OF THE YEAR WIN:
Such an honour to be recognised nationally by the Design Institute of Australia!
I have been announced as the National Interact – Vocational Category Winner at the Design Institute of Australia’s Graduate of the Year Awards 2023. From 163 nominations, being one of six other young designers to have been awarded is very special! I couldn’t have gotten here without the help of my lectures at North Metropolitan TAFE.
