From uncertainty to identity: A designer’s path

At Chisholm Institute, creativity doesn’t just live in the classroom, it thrives in the community. For students like Chris, Chisholm became more than a place to study; it became a turning point. Immersed in hands-on learning and surrounded by mentors who nurtured his passion, Chris began to carve out his own creative path. Now, as he nears the completion of his studies, he’s found his stride, embracing the work that inspires him most. But it wasn’t a straightforward journey.

After finishing Year 12, Chris knew he wanted to pursue something creative, but the path wasn’t clear. He had a passion for art and design, but figuring out how to turn that into a career was a challenge.

Chris’s journey into graphic design wasn’t straightforward. He first enrolled in a Diploma course, hoping it would be the right fit. But life outside of study was complicated, and staying focused became difficult. Eventually, he stepped away from the course, but not from his dream. Graphic design was still calling to him. It wasn’t just a subject; it was part of who he was.

After some time and reflection, Chris returned to Chisholm to study the Certificate IV in Graphic Design. This time, everything felt different. The course was broader, more flexible, and allowed him to explore his creativity in ways that felt natural. He began to fall back in love with the process of designing, experimenting, and learning.

One of the things Chris values most about Chisholm is the supportive culture. Teachers like Kelly encouraged him to keep going, even when things got tough. Classmates shared ideas, gave feedback, and helped each other grow. That sense of community made a big difference. It wasn’t just about learning software or design theory; it was about feeling seen and supported.

Chris has only three classes left before completing his course, and he’s proud of how far he’s come. His favourite project so far was designing the Chisholm Horticulture Nursery logo. The brief was open-ended, which gave him room to be creative. He loved figuring out how to make the logo both conceptual and recognisable.

Studying at Chisholm has helped shape Chris’s design style. Seeing real-world examples like packaging and signage has influenced how he thinks about design. The course gave him the tools to take his ideas and turn them into something real.

After graduation, Chris hopes to work in design studios or agencies where he can find support, resources, and stability. He’s also exploring freelance work, especially in branding and marketing. Poster design is one of his strengths, and he enjoys creating visuals that could be seen anywhere.

Chris’s advice to other young designers is simple, “Keep creating! Even when you’re stuck, find a prompt and make something. The more you create, the more your style improves and the more you discover what you truly enjoy.” For Chris, Chisholm wasn’t just the start of a course, it was the start of finding his way back to what he loves.