The Co F.A.B. Lab's goal is to create sustainable systems through the use of techniques and tools of Design Thinking. With a focus on human-centred outcomes, the Co F.A.B. Lab seeks to understand the core problem to facilitate the best outcome.
TAFE NSW Western Sydney Creative Centres
The Western Sydney Creative Centres represent a network of exceptional learning centres aimed at allowing students to express and develop their creative skills. Western Sydney Creative Centres based in TAFE NSW Campbelltown, Kingswood, Lidcombe, Nirimba (Quakers Hill) and Blue Mountains campuses offer courses in the following areas:
- design
- fashion design and technology
- fashion business
- interior design
- graphic design
- photography
- screen and media
- games development
- live production
- music industry (business, composition, performance, sound production)
- cultural arts
- visual arts
- creative practice
Our talented and dedicated teachers will support you in your student journey, ensuring all your needs are met. Our exceptional facilities and thorough hands-on training prepares you to be a professional entrepreneur, armed with impressive creative skills, an eye-catching portfolio, a curious mind, and the soft skills needed to succeed.
If you want a career in a creative profession, Western Sydney Creative Centres is the place to learn the real skills you need.
Why TAFE NSW Western Sydney Creative Centres?
Creative practice
Our teachers are leaders in their creative industries, performing, exhibiting and lecturing both nationally and internationally.
Creative excellence
Both alumni and teachers have been recognised and awarded around the globe for their creativity.
Creative collaboration within community
Students can practise this key creative skill as they collaborate within their class, across sections and with other industries or regions.
Co. F.A.B. Lab Highlights
Co F.A.B. Lab
Design Thinking
The foundations of Design Thinking enable businesses to be successful in all aspects of its practice. We explore the five steps of the design thinking process; Empathy, Define, Ideate, Prototype and testing, leading towards creative prototypes.
10X10 Series
The Co F.A.B. Lab 10X10 Series engages the community and industry on Hot Topics of interest. These topics will enable stronger and more robust economies and sustainable growth driven by Design Thinking and Principles of Circular Economy.
Creative Highlights
Bachelor of Creative Practice
The Bachelor of Creative Practice is for creative artists who wish to develop strong practical skills. The BCP uses studio-based learning to hone and develop skills in artistic disciplines, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation. At TAFE NSW Kingswood, the course is by Advanced Entry, and students are allocated studio spaces.
ARTBREAK 21
Artbreak 21 is an exhibition of the work, and a celebration of the dedication, of TAFE NSW Campbelltown Design students. Through virtual collaboration and community, these talented designers evolved their skills to create powerfully affecting works.
Plan C Grad Show TAFE NSW Kingswood
2021 has been an unusual year which was spent mostly apart and working from our kitchen tables. The graduation students of the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at TAFE NSW Kingswood welcome you to a curated collection of work created through 2021.
Please see more exception creations at Plan C Grad Show.
Acknowledgement: Private Moments produced by Annie Wilcox
Beyond 4 Walls 2021 Lidcombe Design Exhibition
The 2021 Lidcombe Design students welcome you to an exhibition to showcase the skills and knowledge each design course delivers. The diversity and incredible talent of our students is outstanding and remarkable considering the fragmented year they have had.
Acknowledgement: Card creation by Melissa Chahine - Cert IV Design & Diploma Graphic Design
Student Showcase
Jay Patel
Jay Patel is a TAFE NSW Diploma of Photography (2013) graduate. His professional career has taken him to many places around the world including London, New Zealand, and South Africa. His clients include Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sony Australia, Nickelodeon and many more. Photo Caption: Bella Hadid captured for Maybelline at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia (2016).
Nicole Carino Pangilinan
Nicole Carino Pangilinan began employment in the Graphic Design industry whilst still studying and completing the Diploma of Graphic Design. Nicole has seen many successes since graduating. Recently her illustration work was featured in the #camdenlive creative event. Nicole’s work is currently featured on the front cover of the The Art & Design Education Resource Guide, which is distributed across Australia.
Priscila Yarnelle
Priscila Yarnelle is an up-and-coming Campbelltown fashion designer, championing multiculturalism in the industry after her designs hit the global spotlight. Priscila will represent TAFE NSW in the Fabrics of Multicultural Australia (FOMA) showcase and cultural exhibit.
Oli Cardona and Bandna Rani
In one of the most disruptive years on record these students have been able to embrace the disruption and create brilliance in Fashion while pushing the boundaries of Design online.
Acknowledgement: Photography by Kerri-Anne Kennedy, Diploma of Photography, TAFE NSW Kingswood
Features
- State-of-the-art studios for design, life drawing, film and photography
- Fashion industry specific digital patternmaking, software programs and sewing workrooms
- Performance and sound recording studios with performance venue
- PC and MAC labs with creative editing and design software and technology
Services
- Workshop facilities for prototyping
- Libraries with state-of-the-art digital displays and collaborative workspaces
- WACOM authorised Training Centre and Certiport Authorised Training Centre
- Student association services and facilities
- ADOBE Creative Cloud to use at home
Courses
Entertainment
If music is in your blood, whether as a performer, artist or producer, then Western Sydney Creative Centres is the place to refine your skills and talents while boosting your technical knowledge. Whether you want to learn live production and technical services or more about sound production or live performance in the music industry, we have a course that will hit all the right notes.
Courses available at TAFE NSW Nirimba (Quakers Hill).
Photo taken by Ian Gramly
Diploma of Photography
Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services CUA50420
Diploma of Music (Business) CUA50820
Diploma of Music (Performance) CUA50820
Diploma of Music (Sound Production) CUA50820
Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services CUA30420
Certificate III in Music (Business) CUA30920
Certificate III in Music (Performance) CUA30920
Fashion
If the world of fashion appeals to you, then a fashion course at Western Sydney Creative Centres might be your entrée to this exciting and glamourous industry. Our teachers are industry professionals who will teach you all the technical knowledge you need to know, as well as allow your fashion design talents to flourish. So don’t just follow fashion trends – set them by unlocking your creativity at Western Sydney Creative Centres.
Courses available at TAFE NSW Lidcombe.
Bandna Rani
Graduate of the MST50119 Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising – Design and Product Development
Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (Design and Product Development) MST50119
Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (Fashion Business) MST50119
Certificate IV in Design CUA40720
...with a focus on Fashion Design
Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology MST30819
Certificate III in Design Fundamentals CUA30720
...with a focus on Fashion Design
Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology MST20616
Games Development
Games Development is one of the strongest, most lucrative sectors in computing – but also one of the hardest to break into. The industry expert teachers at Western Sydney Creative Centres will help develop your vision, ideas and expertise as you learn all you need to know to design digital and interactive games that will capture imaginations, educate and/or entertain end users. If you want to turn your passion into a lucrative career, then join the ranks of the next generation of game developers and designers at Western Sydney Creative Centres.
Courses available at TAFE NSW Nirimba (Quakers Hill).
Graphic Design
Graphic design permeates all areas and every aspect of our lives: from packaging to TV show graphics to store windows to webpages. Whether you want to learn design fundamentals or expand on existing talents, the team at Western Sydney Creative Centres will help you polish your skills and build a great portfolio.
Courses available at TAFE NSW Campbelltown, TAFE NSW Lidcombe, TAFE NSW Kingswood and TAFE NSW Wentworth Falls.
Brock Cooper
Diploma Graphic Design
Diploma of Graphic Design CUA50720
Certificate IV in Design CUA40720
Certificate III in Design Fundamentals CUA30720
with a focus on Graphic Design
Interior Design
Build the specialist skills and knowledge needed to create a successful interior design career with a TAFE NSW course. At the Western Sydney Creative Centres, our teachers are industry experts who can help you to enrich lives by actualising quality design throughout a range of residential and commercial interiors.
Courses available at TAFE NSW Lidcombe and TAFE NSW Kingswood.
Diana Al-Kalmashi
Diploma of Interior Design
Photography and Photo Imaging
Discover the science behind the art of photography, and develop your ability to create stunning pieces of photographic work. Learn from industry expert teachers, who can help you to enhance your technique and build your photography knowledge, guiding you towards a long and rewarding career.
Courses available at TAFE NSW Campbelltown and TAFE NSW Kingswood.
Teeannah Camilleri
Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging
Screen and Media
With hands-on skills and knowledge developed through a TAFE NSW screen and media course, you can start your career path toward the bright lights of showbiz. Utilising the latest, industry standard equipment and learning from experienced teachers able to help you throughout your studies, you will develop the tricks of the trade, and earn a great qualification.
Courses available at TAFE NSW Campbelltown and TAFE NSW Kingswood.
Visual Arts
Embrace your creativity, develop and refine your knowledge and skills and express yourself through art with a TAFE NSW visual arts course. The industry experienced teachers at the Western Sydney Creative Centres will teach and inspire, sharing their wisdom to help you launch your career.
Courses available at TAFE NSW Campbelltown and TAFE NSW Kingswood.
Brooke Beaton
Bachelor of Creative Practice HE20534V01
Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts CUA60720
Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120
Certificate IV in Arts and Cultural Administration (Galleries and Museum) CUA40820
Certificate III in Design Fundamentals CUA30720
with a focus on Visual Arts
Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts CUA30520
Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts CUA20420
Short Courses
Western Sydney Creative Centres offer a diverse range of short courses throughout the year. Whether it’s to get a taste of the course, professional development or self-enjoyment Gain the confidence to immediately apply new skills in your career or personal life.
Susanne Medves
Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging
Design
TAFE Statement in Property Styling for Real Estate Workshop – Commercial 800-000544
TAFE Statement in AutoCAD Level 1 800-000664
TAFE Statement in Revit Foundations (Level 2) 800-000803
Visual Arts
TAFE Statement in Ceramics – Wheelforming 800-000194
TAFE Statement in Open Studio Practice – Ceramics 800-000178
TAFE Statement in Open Studio Practice – Art Photography 800-001019
TAFE Statement in Open Studio Practice – Painting 800-000176
TAFE Statement in Open Studio Practice – Printmaking 800-000181
Statement of Attainment in Introduction to Ceramics - 900-82786
Fashion
Statement of Attainment in Make and Sew Professional Garments – Level 1 900-81133V01
Statement of Attainment in Make and Sew Professional Garments – Level 2 900-81123V01
Our teachers
Lydia Kullik
Head Teacher, Campbelltown Design
Lydia is an international award-winning illustrator / designer who has worked in the creative industries for more than 20 years. Lydia’s work has received many prestigious awards such as ARIA, ECHO, ADMA, Bronze Lion & American Illustration. In addition to her role as Head Teacher Design, Lydia returns to industry annually, exhibits artworks and freelances from her Thirroul studio. She has a genuine interest in building self confidence in her students and motivating them to always strive for their personal creative best. Many of her Alumni students are now leading designers in industry who started freelancing while studying at TAFE.
Andy Jenkinson
Head Teacher, Entertainment
Andy has worked in all manner studio and live production environments ranging from producing and recording musical artists, mixing audio in all manner of environments and supporting theatre production technically. His work in industry is ongoing and that sees him working mixing audio for bands, after nearly forty years he thinks he might be getting the hang of it. Professionally adept in a range of entertainment production areas he is a seasoned chameleon in the industry and strives to pass on his knowledge. He enjoys the challenge of teaching his craft and seeing careers unfold in his graduate students.
Gregory Todd
Teacher, Digital Games Design
Although his Digital Media business is only 10 years old, Greg’s interest in film editing and production dates back to the early 1980s when he trained as a pilot with the RAAF and made a 20-minute Super 8 movie about it. Greg served for 12 years in the Air Force, the last 5 years of which was spent teaching Avionics to technicians for the RAAF’s Boeing 707 VIP squadron. After leaving he has spent the last 25 years teaching computing, video editing and 3D modelling at TAFE. His passions include flying, travel, photography, astronomy and graphic design. In his spare time, he now creates assets for an International gaming company.
Narie Whitby
Teacher, Design Interiors
Initially starting out in fashion design, over the years Narie Whitby has grown from role to role with her early career giving way to interior design and furniture design. This experience combined with studying at multiple reportable TAFE NSW design centres has led to Narie developing a clear understanding of the educational standards instilled in our students. Establishing her own interior design business and producing IDEA shortlisted and magazine published furniture pieces ensures Narie is equipped to influence and inspire great design within her teaching role at Lidcombe Design.
Our graduates
Aidan Williams
Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
A multi award-winning professional adventure sports photographer, Aidan’s work has been published in National Geographic, The Times, Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald, and for cllients as diverse as Cirque Du Soleil, Redbull, Getty Images, Petzl, The North Face, Yahoo, Black Diamond and Cotopaxi.
“For me, TAFE NSW was always the first option for getting qualified in Photography. Learning from industry professionals and having much more of a practical element is an integral part of photography. I gained industry experience whilst at TAFE NSW."
“For me, TAFE NSW was always the first option for getting qualified in Photography. Learning from industry professionals and having much more of a practical element is an integral part of photography. I gained industry experience whilst at TAFE NSW."
Kylie Ryan
Certificate III in Music Industry (Performance)
Kylie Ryan studied a Cert III Music Industry (Performance) at TAFE NSW Nirimba, followed by a Cert IV Music Industry (Performance). At TAFE NSW, Kylie says she learnt how the music industry operates and how to leverage social media for self promotion. After much hard work, Kylie landed herself a country music artist development deal in the US.
“My story is filled with broken pieces, questionable choices and ugly truths. It is also filled with a major comeback, incredible love, peace in my soul and a grace that saved my life.”
“My story is filled with broken pieces, questionable choices and ugly truths. It is also filled with a major comeback, incredible love, peace in my soul and a grace that saved my life.”
FAQs
The Creative Centres in Western Sydney TAFE include:
- Computer labs with industry specific software
- Green Screen film studio and equipment
- Creative Photographic studios in multiple Centres
- Music performance and recording studio with rehearsal rooms and purpose-built performance venue
- Extensive practical creative courses in art, drawing and painting, with workshops including ceramic workshops with kilns
- Exhibition spaces to display creative work at western Sydney TAFE
- Model-making workshops for prototyping concepts in practical arts education
- Sewing and pattern-making studios with machines and digitiser for clothing design and production
A Fashion Creative Director makes the final decision on a seasonal collection of a Brand, including the design of the garments, social media campaigns and marketing, as well as online and bricks and mortar Visual Merchandising of the retail space.
A Fashion Creative Director blends the creative aspects of fashion with the business side, with technical and artistic skills in design and creativity, as well as communication, leadership, finance, marketing, and operational skills.
Imagination is all you need to build a career as a graphic designer. Our teachers will inspire and develop your creativity through practical art and design education. Our courses will teach you how to create and convey design ideas, generating solutions as you use the latest design software programs.
Creating an impressive portfolio is crucial to securing a career in Fashion, Screen and Media, Photography, Graphic Design, Interior Design or Entertainment. Our creative and highly skilled teachers will guide you, helping you build an extraordinary and exciting portfolio for your chosen career. The training you’ll receive will allow you to assemble visuals, sounds, and/or moving images that reinforces and demonstrates your own approach to creativity.