Design Students Minding Their Own Business

Third-year visual communication major Luke Doyle is not only a student, but also a "stakeholder" in a new graphic design business at Avondale College.

Visual communication majors at Avondale College are operating a commercial business that will form part of their assessment for the subject, design studio.

The business operates under the registered title, That Design, and has four clients with another 10 as potentials. Clients include international companies such as Global Sisters and Albany International and local businesses.

The students are currently designing a DVD presentation for Albany International's 40th birthday and a mark up of the Global Sisters image. They will also design and manage this year's Jacaranda, the annual yearbook of Avondale College.

All profits from the business will be put back into the supply of materials, workspace and a three-day visit to International Design Week in Melbourne in May.

Design studio lecturer Donna Pinter says the benefits of the business are significant. "The students will be working in a real design studio environment where they will gain a full year of work experience. They will enter the industry with up-to-the-minute skills and knowledge. Not only will they have a comprehensive understanding of the design process, but they will have a clear understanding of the intricacies of business as well."

Visual communication student Colin Chuang says he has been busy, "but I've enjoyed the experience and exposure to the actual graphic design industry."