Meet Success a Master of Design student who returned to academia nearly a decade later, after graduating with a Bachelor of Business in 2015 and building a successful career in graphic design in Nepal.
He decided to move to Perth to explore new opportunities and deepen his knowledge in digital design, experience design with immersive technologies and learning about Emerging technologies that influence the future of design through further education.
Despite earning his original study in business, Success always had a passion for the creative arts. His journey into design began through freelancing, designing logos and brand identities for friends, which led to working with an advertising agency in Nepal. Over the next eight years, he built a career in graphic design and eventually felt the need for more growth. He had a group of amazing people around him, but still wanted to step further out of his comfort zone and expand his possibilities.
Success’ time in master’s has been transformative, not only academically but also personally. Coming from a business background with a focus on marketing and brand identity, he was ready to dive into new areas. Now, focusing on digital design, websites, mobile applications and user experience (UI/UX) Success has found the specifics of his passion. The transition hasn’t always been easy. He describes the challenge of balancing coursework, creative freedom, and self-directed learning as intense, and deadline-heavy, but still ensures it’s fun.
The hands-on nature of the program, particularly the exhibitions required for the Master of Design, has been a highlight of his studies. Having to pick complex problems, or what people in the program call ‘wicked problems,’ like sustainability and mental health, the interest is in designing solutions around the topics. Success’s exhibition featured a prototype app designed to help users scan products and access information about their sustainability. The project incorporated augmented reality, a new area for Success, and the opportunity to work in Curtin’s Makerspace, where he could access 3D printing, Immersive technologies and technical support, which made the experience even more rewarding.
Through brand identity studies in his earlier studies and a lifelong interest in art, nurtured by his older brother, Success realised his true desire for creativity. While the business degree felt like a safe choice at the time, he found his true passion in graphic design, leading him to where he is today. The diverse and supportive learning environment has been another key part of his journey. In a small group of seven students, they inspire and support each other, whereby Success has particularly appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with other international students and be mentored by various unit coordinators and supervisors, adding different perspectives to his design process.
As he approaches the end of his degree, Success is focused on finding a job in Australia’s creative industry. He believes that Australia has one of the best creative industries in the world and recognises the abundance of opportunities with creative agencies and studios. His main interest lies in UI/UX design and experience design with immersive technology, though he sees leading a creative team of multidisciplinary individuals as an ultimate goal down the line. For now, Success is excited about applying the skills he’s gained in his master’s to real-world problems. He sees the rapidly changing landscape of digital design, especially with the rise of AI and other technologies, as an exciting challenge.
“I’ve had a great experience here. It’s been challenging at times, but I’ve learned a lot, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Success is ready to take on new challenges in the design world, combining his passion for graphic design with cutting-edge digital innovation.