Students design for Myer’s ‘Miss Shop Introduces’ Artist Pathways Program

Five of our Branded Fashion Design students and recent graduates have won their pitches to design for Myer in a collaboration that offered a “first break” into Australia’s highly competitive fashion industry.

Dave Snow’s inspiration to create a pathway for graduates

Dave Snow, Design Manager for Women's Apparel, Footwear & Accessories, and Intimate & Active at Myer, developed this program to create real-life experiences that support, excite and expose emerging artists to the local market. Replicating the experience of the freelance graphic artist, Myer engaged young artists for the print project.

“Getting your foot in the door is often the hardest”

The program was born from Dave’s passion for creating pathways for students as they transition from education through to the workplace.

“Throughout my career I have always valued the importance of workplace partnerships that give students the opportunity for on-the-job experience,” said Dave.

“From impacting networks to reinvigorating confidence, to simply having had the opportunity to put what you have learnt to the test, these experiences are so valuable at that pivotal point as people embark upon their chosen career.”

“There are endless opportunities ahead but getting the first break is too often the hardest,” said Dave.

The Miss Shop initiative provided an opportunity for short and sharp quick turnaround, projects mirroring many of the commercial engagements freelance artists enjoy in today’s market.

“It has been great to engage with a group of graduates and know we have been able to nurture, inspire and encourage them as they begin their careers,” said Dave.

‘Miss Shop Introduces’ Artist Pathways Program

This first break opportunity included designing a commissioned textile print for upcoming garment releases, with their name on the swing ticket, and in the product description on Myer’s website, as well as being paid industry standard fees for their work.

The collaboration with Myer commenced in December 2021, when our Design & Creative Technology Industry Team, and our Fashion Program Director Russell Ponting presented the opportunity to students to prepare to submit a design responding to a specific brief in the real-world tight industry timeframe.

Successful students then worked directly with Dave from Myer, to finesse their designs as per specific feedback.

From August to December, each month for the remainder of 2022, Myer will feature a signature print from five Billy Blue artists.

“The Billy Blue industry team strives to uphold our position as Industry's University, and the collaboration with Myer is a stellar example of the detail we go to in matching our design courses to relevant industry practice,” said Saskia Fairfull, Industry Engagement, Design & Creative Technologies.

“The Branded Fashion students hone their skills in brand commercialisation and the Artist Pathways Program is an industry initiative that is greatly needed. Helping emerging designers not only gain access to an industry they're skilled to be part of but are recognised and compensated as an artist,” added Saskia.

Russell said Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University is excited about the opportunities this program affords our students and are keenly supportive of the continuation of this initiative.

“This opportunity absolutely reflects what students can expect in terms of deadlines in the "real" world, so it was appealing to share with our students,” said Russell.

“As much as we try to reflect industry practice in assessment, nothing beats the real-world pressure of a tight deadline.”

Meet the Billy Blue student designers making a name for themselves

Miss Shop introduces Andrea Maurer

Andrea Maurer was the first student who had her textile design released in July 2022. Read more about her experience designing for Myer here.

Miss Shop introduces Kezia Iskandar

Next cab off the rank was Kezia Iskandar, who had her designs unveiled in September 2022. Read more about her experience designing for Myer here.

Miss Shop introduces Jasmine Matthews

Jasmine Matthews’ design was used to create an arrow halter neck satin slip mini-dress. Her print is all about freedom and fun, created with hand drawn motifs inspired by the word and concept of 'love'. It is a love letter to self-expression and creativity that makes you smile. Jasmine found the experience of collaborating with Myer exciting and also motivating to score a real industry, creative freelance experience in her first year out of studies. Check out the textile she designed for Myer here.

Miss Shop introduces Charlotte Davey

Charlotte Davey is an illustrator and aspiring designer who designed an abstract playful floral print for Myer, that she describes as very carefree, feminine and youthful. Charlotte was excited to commence her professional design career with her creative efforts and hard work being recognised with an in-store product in one of Australia’s leading department stores. Check out the textile she designed for Myer’s Miss Shop mini-skirt here.

Miss Shop introduces Felixia Agatha

Felixia Agatha enjoys designing patterns, loves the process, the brainstorming, and the journey of creation when it comes to designing textiles. For her Myer Miss Shop brief she was inspired by the freshness of the beach and palm trees in the chequered placement, giving a fun youthful, feminine feel, as well as a fresh, sexy beach vibe. “Printed patterns are undeniably one of the best ways to get creative with fabric and express an idea creatively,” said Felixia. Check out Felixia’s textile design in Myer’s Miss Shop Tie Neck Satin Slip Midi Dress with cut out here.

Myer’s Winter Range collaboration up next for our students

The success of this first run of collaborations means the program is set to continue into next year with ongoing opportunities for our students with briefs rolling in now for Myer’s winter range where our current students can respond in the real-world fast turnaround times.