Meet Astrid, a creative and passionate Master of Design student, with a strong background in graphic design and a knack for innovative thinking, Astrid is ready to make her mark in the world of design.
Originally from Indonesia, Astrid started her journey studying graphic design, in Jakarta. This was influenced by her desire for a practical, functional field that combined creativity with utility. She has always been drawn to design by her appreciation for well-crafted packaging and the functional beauty of design elements in everyday life.
“It’s the practicality of the making. Making something that has use, not just something that’s nice to look at”
Once she completed her Bachelor of Graphic Design in Indonesia, Astrid was ready for the next step, however, didn’t know exactly what that was. She started to investigate studying abroad and landed on a Masters of Design through coursework instead of PhD, so that she could directly apply her specialisation and begin using her natural design thinking beyond research and course work.
In pursuing a Master of Design, Astrid found the freedom to explore various facets of design beyond her undergraduate specialisation. The program’s flexibility was a significant draw for Astrid, who appreciated the freedom to dive into various design techniques and projects. Despite the course’s emphasis on design thinking over technical skills, Astrid found this approach both liberating and challenging. She enjoyed the freedom to explore, though she also noticed difficulty in the lack of structured guidance, unlike studying in Jakarta. She also found that the Australian education system offered a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the structured approach she was accustomed to back home. This change allowed her to engage more deeply with her lecturers and explore ideas more freely, tailoring her learnings to her passions. Astrid advises embracing the flexibility of a design program. She highlights the importance of balancing creative freedom with acquiring technical skills, even if they are not the primary focus of the course.
“I feel like I’m not artsy enough to do arts, so I work with design because there was more of a practical aspect to it”
One of the standout projects of Astrid’s academic journey was her VR exhibition, “Little Creatures.” Little Creatures is a digital self-help intervention, designed to combat feelings of loneliness and depression by gamifying everyday tasks through AR and VR. “Little Creatures” invited users to interact with whimsical, animated characters that evokes a sense of compassion and nurture, cultivating positive emotions and mental health practices. The experience was not only a technical challenge but also a creative triumph, allowing Astrid to explore new ways of engaging with her audience. Presenting her work in this format was a highlight for Astrid, as it allowed her to move beyond traditional design boundaries and embrace a more dynamic and interactive medium.
Reflecting on her time at Curtin, Astrid found immense value in showcasing her projects across various platforms, from formal exhibitions like Design X to casual class presentations. This diverse range of presentations helped her refine her communication skills and adapt her designs to different audiences, further fueling her passion for innovation in the design world.
Astrid emphasises the value of understanding different educational environments and adapting to their unique challenges and opportunities. Because of this learning, she is interested in working within a creative agency or studio environment. Her previous experience as an art director in Indonesia, where she designed experiential spaces, has shaped her career aspirations. She personally finds creating immersive, functional spaces more engaging than traditional marketing roles. Despite her current work in social media marketing, Astrid is looking forward to more creatively fulfilling opportunities that align with her passion for innovative design.
Astrid’s journey through her Master of Design program at Curtin reflects her deep commitment to exploring and expanding her design skills. Her transition from Indonesia to Australia has not only broadened her educational perspective but also reinforced her dedication to pursuing a career that merges creativity with functionality. As she moves forward, Astrid is poised to make a significant impact in the design world, leveraging her unique experiences and aspirations to shape her future endeavours.
