Billy Blue academics shine at The Design Kids Awards 2025

Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia is proud to celebrate outstanding success at the 2025 The Design Kids (TDK) Awards, with accolades for our academics on the international stage.

Seven Billy Blue lecturers were named Favourite Lecturers by design students:

 

Benjamin Leddy

Hannah Schmith

Kuen Kam

Luis Lobos

Melinda Kapp

Tim Jetis

Paul Tathem

This global recognition, voted for by students themselves, highlights the passion, mentorship and guidance that define the creative culture at Billy Blue.

“This recognition is a testament to the calibre of our academics. They are industry leaders who inspire students every day, bridging the gap between education and the professional world. It’s what makes Billy Blue stand out as a college of difference.”

Professor Agnes Bosanquet - Interim Executive Dean, Design and Creative Technology

The Design Kids Awards: Global Reach

In 2025, The Design Kids Awards attracted hundreds of applications from 23 countries worldwide, showcasing the breadth of emerging talent and the global reach of the design community.

Against this highly competitive backdrop, Billy Blue’s success demonstrates the strength of our industry led lecturers, student experience and employability focus.

“Our lecturers are the heart of the student experience. It’s their dedication, care, and day-to-day commitment that create a learning environment where students truly thrive. This recognition is a testament to their passion for mentorship and their unwavering drive to build creative confidence and prepare students for industry-ready futures.”

Elicia Simon - Academic Director

Jocelyne Kurniawan wins gold in Graphic Design

Adding to this success, Sydney based Design student Jocelyne Kurniawan won Gold in Graphic Design / Branding.

Judges described her portfolio as “visually interesting, research-driven, community-focused and contemporary”, reflecting her commitment to designing with empathy, curiosity and social impact. Jocelyne’s practice blends research and creative exploration to produce meaningful, community-minded work. A huge achievement and well-deserved recognition for one of our emerging talents.

Shaping designers who are highly employable

At Billy Blue at Torrens University, awards are not just accolades. They are opportunities for students to showcase their work, gain confidence, sharpen their storytelling, strengthen their professional reputation, and step into the spotlight for career opportunities. Recognition at this level reinforces the Billy Blue ethos: educators who inspire, students who rise to the challenge, and a community shaping the future of design.