Turning ideas into impact in graphic design

Creativity has always been part of Erin’s life. From a young age, she was drawn to arts and crafts, scrapbooking, drawing, and anything hands-on. So, when it came time to choose a career path, graphic design felt like a good blend of her artistic passion and digital interests. In her Chisholm Diploma of Graphic Design, she discovered a way to turn that passion into real impact, developing work that would feature in a national road safety campaign.

From her first class, Erin quickly found herself immersed in a world of design software, client briefs, and creative challenges. With no prior design experience, she had to learn programs like InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Animate from scratch. Thanks to her quick learning style and supportive teachers, she adapted fast and began to thrive.

One of Erin’s standout moments at Chisholm came through her involvement in the Re:act campaign, a national initiative aimed at promoting road safety among young people. Guided by her teacher, Carolyn, Erin developed a bold and playful concept featuring the phrase “Buckle up, buttercup.” Her design was selected to appear on billboards across Australia, including the Bolte Bridge, bus shelters, supermarkets, and over digital screens nationwide. Erin and her dad even took a road trip to find one and snap a photo. Seeing her work in public spaces was a surreal and proud moment.

Throughout the course, Erin faced challenges that helped her grow. From resubmitting work based on feedback to managing the ups and downs of ADHD, she learned how to stay focused, adapt, and push through. Her ADHD, while sometimes difficult, also fuels her creativity. The constant stream of ideas helps her brainstorm quickly and refine her designs with energy and originality.

Erin believes graphic design has the power to create real impact, especially through social campaigns like Re:act. Through the experience, she’s learned how to interpret client briefs, respond to feedback, and navigate situations where clients may not know exactly what they’re looking for, valuable skills that will support her in any creative career.

Her advice to future students? “Go for it.” Erin encourages others to take every opportunity that comes their way, even if it feels uncertain. A course like Chisholm’s is affordable, practical, and can help clarify your path, even if it leads somewhere unexpected.

From sketching in her bedroom to seeing her work on billboards, Erin’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets opportunity. And at Chisholm, she found the perfect place to bring her vision to life.