Three design students share their stories and advice

Design isn’t one specific thing. There are a range of fields within the discipline that you can study, which also means you can mix them up to find the exact niche for you. We asked three of our most passionate graduates for some design inspiration and design tips, to get you thinking about the pathways you could explore to find a career or careers in design.

Jake Ross

This Victorian Communication Design graduate has worked with iconic brands including Bonds, VB and Playboy, as well as musos Justin Bieber and Angus Stone. He’s currently based in Indonesia, where he’s continuing to put the lessons learned at Billy Blue into action. 
“Billy Blue instilled a confidence within me early on,” he says. “They exposed me to the word ‘collaboration’. They really grow each individual as a creative, and empower those creatives to really change the world. They ensure each individual has a real global focus – I can’t count how many international collaborations I encountered there.” 

Jake’s advice

“Always carry a notepad and pencil. Sleeping, in the car on the way back from a surf, over breakfast… I’ve had many valuable thoughts come while I’m not working.”

Discover our Bachelor of Communication Design.

Nyasha Chakaingesu 

After receiving a scholarship to study with us, Nyasha has made the most of her learnings – she’s interned at the United Nations and runs her own business at nyashacreative.com, bringing dreams to life with a broad range of beautiful art and design projects. 

“Billy Blue really pushed my thinking process,” she explains. “I’m willing to take more risks, be disruptive, flip the script and think how to better design by knowing the people you are designing for – empathising with them and designing for the greater good of our people, community and nation.” 

Nyasha’s advice

 “A 12-month diploma allows you to sample different areas of design. That’s what I did and it’s how I found I really enjoyed 3D design. Also, fear can hold you back – especially for creatives. Post your sketches or images or research. You have a unique voice and it matters.”

Discover our Diploma of Design and Bachelor of 3D Design and Animation.

Stellar Leuna 

From Billy Blue to the world: Sydney-based Stellar took everything we taught her and built a client list that includes Netflix, Prada, Tiffany and Co, and GQ Germany. She’s renowned for bold, cartoony work with a subtle, dark humour that appeals to a range of audiences. 

“Learning about design really shaped how I perceive the world,” she reveals. “The lecturers that taught me had a really good grasp on what makes an image successful because they were all still working in the industry.”

Stellar’s advice

“I was taught how to communicate with clients and approach things professionally – that was one of the most valuable things I learnt at Billy Blue that can be adapted to being an illustrator as opposed to a straightforward graphic designer.”

Discover our Diploma of Graphic Design.

See more student work on our Graduate Exhibition site.