Billy Blue students take out top spots in 2026 AGDA Awards
The AGDA Awards are among Australia's most respected creative industry awards, celebrating excellence in graphic design, visual communication and creative innovation.
Torrens University Australia's Billy Blue College of Design has secured an outstanding showing at the 2026 Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) Awards, with 16 students recognised as finalists across branding, packaging, motion, illustration, spatial design and design craft categories.
This year's finalists showcase the breadth of emerging talent coming through Billy Blue, with projects spanning brand identity systems, packaging design, motion graphics, campaign development and illustration.
National recognition across multiple design disciplines
Several students received finalist recognition across multiple categories, demonstrating both creative versatility and technical excellence.
Students recognised as finalists include:
- Minh Chau Le - Packaging finalist for Waggo
- Gianina Zackeisha - Brand & Identity finalist for The Togetherness Hub
- Nina Quilter - Two finalist recognitions for Trak (pictured in hero image)
- Courtney Trinder - Three finalist recognitions across Ferrymans Journey and Snacky
- Barnabas Latu - Packaging finalist for Champ
- Saffiya Baladjam - Two finalist recognitions for Sado Matcha
- Gia 'Hannia' Han Ngo - Four finalist recognitions across branding and motion categories
- Yumi Ito - Two finalist recognitions for the Jetstar Campaign
A tradition of creative excellence
Four Billy Blue students achieved the rare distinction of being recognised as AGDA finalists for a second consecutive year:
- Minh Chau Le
- Yumi Ito
- Gia 'Hannia' Han Ngo
- Gianina Zackeisha
Their repeated recognition highlights both individual talent and a sustained commitment to creative excellence.
Billy Blue would also like to recognise Yumi Ito, who recently won the Design Institute of Australia Victoria Vocational CONVEY category, adding another significant industry accolade to an already impressive year.
Professor, Agnes Bosanquet, Dean of Billy Blue said:
Today's most successful designers are not simply software operators. They are creative problem-solvers who develop ideas, establish visual direction, understand human behaviour and determine what should be made and why. In this environment, AI makes design thinking more valuable, not less.
Students are increasingly learning how to work alongside emerging technologies while developing the distinctly human capabilities that technology cannot replicate, including critical thinking, creative leadership, personal judgement and brand strategy. The result is a new generation of graduates equipped not just to create content, but to direct it.
Why graphic design matters more in the age of AI
As artificial intelligence rapidly changes the creative industries, prospective students often ask whether graphic design remains a worthwhile career choice.
According to Billy Blue educators, the answer is a resounding yes.
While AI can generate images, layouts and content at unprecedented speed, it cannot replace the human skills that sit behind effective design: strategy, creative thinking, visual judgement, storytelling, audience understanding and ethical decision-making.
Diverse career pathways
A Graphic Design qualification can open doors across a broad range of creative industries and leadership roles, including:
- Graphic Designer
- Communication Designer
- Brand Designer
- Digital Designer
- Motion Designer
- Experience Designer
- Service Designer
- Design Strategist
- Art Director
- Creative Director
- Design Researcher
- Creative Entrepreneur
This evolving landscape means graduates are entering careers that combine creativity, technology, business strategy and innovation.
Industry-ready from day one
Billy Blue College of Design combines creative education with industry engagement, helping students build professional portfolios, respond to real-world briefs and develop the skills employers value most.
The AGDA finalist results reflect more than individual achievement. They demonstrate the strength of an education model focused on creative excellence, industry relevance and preparing students for the future of work.
Students interested in pursuing a career in visual communication, branding, digital design or creative direction can learn more about Billy Blue's Graphic Design and Communication Design courses here.
Related articles
