A creative leap: Will’s journey into Graphic Design

Now, midway through a Diploma of Graphic Design at Chisholm, Will’s journey into design has been anything but typical. With a background spanning hospitality, landscaping, and arboriculture, design wasn’t always part of the plan, but now it’s where he feels most at home.

Recently, Will’s creativity was brought to life on the streets of Frankston through a public-facing window installation at Netfocus IT. The opportunity came about through a Chisholm and Frankston City Council initiative, giving students the chance to pitch a design concept for the shopfront.

“The brief was pretty open. They wanted the space to show their IT expertise, but also the people behind the tech,” Will explains. “I ended up creating character-based designs where the devices like computers and smart watches had faces. It made it feel a bit more human.”

While some initial ideas from the client included intricate lighting and 3D elements, Will’s pitch stood out for its balance of creativity and practicality. “I wanted to keep it simple and achievable,” he says. “I mocked it up in 3D, so they could visualise it, and used corflute panels for easy printing and installation.”

Despite the strong outcome, the process didn’t come without its challenges. “At the start, I was completely stuck. The brief was broad, and I didn’t know how to approach it,” Will shares. “I did heaps of research and looked at shopfronts, visual merchandising, anything I could find. Eventually, I found something that clicked.”

Doubt was part of the process, too. “You get the idea in your head, but then the hard part is figuring out how to make it real,” he says. “If I get stuck, I look at what other designers have done and try to learn from that.”

Will credits his studies at Chisholm for giving him the tools and experience to bring projects like this to life. “I went to uni and studied Zoology a while ago, but it wasn’t for me. It was too structured, too disconnected,” he reflects. “At TAFE, there are real-world connections. Through Chisholm, I’ve worked on this project, and we’re now doing a billboard for another client. That just wouldn’t have happened at uni.”

He also values the hands-on nature of the course. “We’re not just doing theory. We’re learning how to write quotes, understand materials, and talk to clients, things you need to know in the real world.”

The tight-knit class environment also makes a big difference. “There aren’t many of us, which means we get more time with our teacher when we need it. That helps, especially as a designer.”

When asked what’s next, Will keeps it simple, “I’d love a job, obviously,” he laughs. “Maybe in a studio or even start something of my own one day. We’ll see.”

Reflecting on his path, Will shared a final insight for those just starting out. “Do something you genuinely enjoy but be realistic about how it fits in the world. If you find something you love that also brings value to others, that’s the sweet spot.”