Student Profile

Angela Parker

Graduate 2011
Bachelor of Arts (Fashion and Textile Design)

I chose the fashion course at Curtin was recommended to me by both my Art teacher and my Home Economics teacher at in year 12.

The thing that has really stood out to me during my degree is the broadness of areas we were able to explore. As well as fashion and textile design, we had opportunities to study jewellery and sculpture, photography, painting, graphic design and more.

The highlight of my experience at Curtin is the industry professionals that I've been able to meet. I've met some amazing designers and creatives, and made great contacts who are already giving me insight into life in fashion outside of university.

I've had volunteer involvement at fashion shows since first year, including StyleAid and the Fashion Graduation Show, all of which have been big learning curves for me. There have been opportunities to work with designers and photographers that I've been able to be involved in, including one designer who I am now doing work experience with.

The degree at Curtin has broadened my understanding of what textiles can be and how textile design can be approached. After three years I've learnt how to solve design problems and have become much more comfortable in my own artistic process. The exposure to industry that I've had throughout the course has given me the confidence to start building my own career!

All of my lecturers and tutors have been memorable, each one with something different to offer. In particular, those who I feel have had the most impact on my learning experience are Pam Gaunt and Jessie Mitchell. Both the academics have taught me how to think laterally, critically, and openly.

I would recommend studying this degree at Curtin to anyone interested in learning how to materialise an idea, how to transform their imagination into something tangible, and how to work in and with a community.