An accomplished freelance graphic designer, who has completed work for organisations including Australia Zoo and Breast Cancer Institute, has turned to TAFE NSW to upskill in the evolving design industry. 

Realising the need to meet current industry demands, Quakers Hill local Natasha Corby enrolled in a Diploma of Graphic Design at TAFE NSW Kingswood to fill a number of skills gaps she had while working as a freelancer for the past six years. 

As one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Australia, the printing and graphic arts industry is a significant contributor to Australia’s economy and workforce, with an estimated 6,500 businesses in operation across the country. The demand for graphic design has increased in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, with businesses relying on graphic design support to engage with customers as they move their business to online and social platforms. 

Natasha said TAFE NSW has given her the confidence to expand her portfolio and take on bigger jobs. 

“I already had clients and skills as a professional graphic designer but I knew that with a formal qualification from TAFE NSW, I would be able to expand my business and therefore take on new clients and more challenging briefs,” Natasha said. 

“Prior to completing my Diploma of Graphic Design, I made a call to several design studios asking what their recruiters looked for in a potential employee and all of them were looking for someone who had a formal qualification and hands-on experience, which is exactly what TAFE NSW was able to provide.” 

Since studying with TAFE NSW, Natasha has worked on design projects for new clients including the Blacktown Multicultural Interagency, where she worked on a logo design. 

TAFE NSW Design Head Teacher Xanthe Long, said Natasha is an example of how TAFE NSW design courses can unlock the potential of those already working in the industry by upskilling. 

“With support from teachers who have years of industry experience and a network of employer connections, students who study at TAFE NSW are receiving practical design skills that will set them ahead in their career,” Ms Long said. 

The Diploma of Graphic Design courses are continuing in Term 2 via connected and online learning using web conferencing technology. This type of connected learning supports social distancing, while enabling students to progress their studies.  

To find out more about the design courses at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au, or call 131 601.