Student Profile

Liz Howard

Graduate 2011
Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design)

I chose Curtin because it was one of two universities in WA offering a design course, and out of those two, Curtin seemed to offer the better course and had a good reputation. It was a choice between zoology and design and I chose to follow my creative side rather than the scientific side!

The highlight of my degree has definitely been my final year, being in a class of dedicated and really lovely people. By final year everyone takes their studies seriously and it is a creative and valuable environment to learn in. I think the value lies in the people you encounter as well as the course itself. It makes a huge difference being with people who are inspiring, creative and thoughtful, and I was lucky to spend my final year with a great group of fellow students.

The theoretical aspect of the course is valuable in teaching students not just about the execution of design, but about communication and creativity itself, its ability to influence people’s ideas and attitudes (one hopes for the better) and I think this knowledge can extend beyond one’s major into other aspects of life.
Unfortunately, this degree also makes you a very cynical television watcher and it is no longer possible to ignore all the horrendous advertising we are constantly bombarded with!

The lecturers and tutors, including Lee Ingram, Yolanda Stapleton, Jacque Shaw, Stephanie Hampson, Martin Trevor and Justin Randall, have all been great mentors throughout the course and they all have different perspectives, insights, and qualities to offer students.

I would recommend this degree to potential students who are interested in design as a way to communicate with people, and want to learn not just about how to ‘design’ but how to design effectively and creatively.