Where creativity meets strategy: How Chisholm shaped Elizabeth's creative career

For Chisholm alum Elizabeth McDonald, creativity has never been just about making things look good. It's about giving ideas purpose and identity. As the co-owner of Frankston-based business Netfocus IT and a powerhouse behind community-led design and education partnerships through her 'Wells St. Windows' initiative, Elizabeth's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring impact of learning.

Rewind to the early days, and Elizabeth was at Chisholm, learning more than technical skills in her Diploma of Illustration. She developed the confidence to trust her creative instincts, communicate clearly, and bring ideas to life through thoughtful, intelligent design. "The encouragement I received wasn't surface level," she reflects. "It was personal, and it carried me through to further study at Monash and a career I love."

During her studies, Elizabeth found herself at a crossroads. "I remember being midway through my course at Chisholm and thinking, 'Is this really for me?'" she recalls. "I almost left to pursue nursing." What made her stay? The support of her lecturers and mentors, who saw beyond the doubt and recognised her potential. "I still have my marked assignments from Mike Green, one of my teachers, who told me, 'This isn't just talent, this could be your future.' That changed everything."

And her design values never left her. "Even when I'm creating spaces or partnerships today, my foundation in design thinking shapes the way I work," she says. "It's not just about visuals; it's about experiences."

What truly sets Elizabeth apart is her community spirit. She’s become a mentor and collaborator to emerging creatives, especially through her partnerships with Chisholm’s Art and Design department, Toorak College, and professional artists involved in Frankston City Council’s festival program.

Elizabeth also plays a public-facing role, serving on the Southside Festival Subcommittee and presenting at local business events, all with the goal of uplifting others and fostering creative collaboration.

"To this day, I tell students not to discount their smallest experiences," she says. "Whether it's early experiences behind a milk bar counter to presenting high end brand solutions, it all builds your ability to connect, contribute, and grow."

Elizabeth’s story is proof that creativity paired with purpose can lead anywhere. From a Chisholm classroom to the head of a thriving business, and she’s only just getting started.

Would you like to see more inspiring journeys and creative collaborations? Visit Netfocus IT’s socials to explore how innovation and ambition come to life.