Student Profile

Leanne Dempsey

Current Honours Visual Arts Student
Bachelor of Arts (Fashion and Textiles)

I chose to study at Curtin University because they have the best reputation for fashion and I was really excited to see how they combined both fashion and textiles.

My degree was extremely hard work (especially as I had no sewing background). It took up many hours and tears but I couldn’t have imagined doing anything else. I had a great class environment and the lectures and tutors were such a valuable source of support and information. The degree meant I formed fantastic bonds and friendships with my peers.

Seeing your hard work privileged on a catwalk is one of the most amazing feelings as a designer and experience another side to the industry.

I am now currently studying visual art honours and hope to carry on to further study to achieve my PhD. I’ve also kept competing in fashion events and made it into L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2011 ‘The Spirit of the Black Dress’, which is an eco collection.

This course at Curtin gave me a chance to explore both design and art industry options and see other unexpected choices for future moves in either industries and very important contacts.

I was very lucky and did come in contact with some incredible people. Pam Gaunt from the School of Art is very honest and Anne Farren from Fashion always believed in my style. The Art Technicians at Curtin are amazing people to have on your side and postgraduates who have already done your course for moral support, hind sight and guidance.

I would recommend studying Fashion and Textiles at Curtin University to people who are prepared for a creative challenge often. The work load is big but if you’re serious about art or design you should already be expecting that.

Curtin Fashion and Textiles will give you an amazing edge and thought process over other institutions that will make you stand out in your future work choices.