Leppington resident Luke Fenech is taking the graphic design industry by storm and, at just 21, has already designed logos for top clients including Survivor Australia star and professional wrestler Matty Wahlberg.

Luke began at TAFE NSW studying a Certificate III in Design Fundamentals in 2018 and went on to complete the Diploma of Graphic Design and Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design at TAFE NSW Campbelltown, all while starting his own graphic design business, LF9 Design.

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 and almost 27,000 people employed in related occupations.[1]

Luke has created designs that were used on high-performing race car, Gas Gal and has done a number of designs for local Campbelltown businesses, an air flight app and a wine label.

Luke said working with clients of such a high calibre has been surreal considering he only just graduated from TAFE NSW.

“As soon as I learnt the basics of the design programs at TAFE NSW, I created a logo for myself, registered as a business and started taking on any design jobs I could – big or small,” Luke said.

“TAFE NSW provided a flexible learning environment that allowed me to attend classes three days a week and run my business on the side.

“Starting a small business so early into my study was pretty risky, and it's definitely taught me many lessons, however, seeing a job I’ve worked so hard on completed for a customer is very rewarding, which is probably what I most enjoy about graphic design.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher in Design, Lydia Kullik, said Luke’s passion for design was evident in his work.

“Luke is a great example of how TAFE NSW helps career starters or those looking to develop their practical skills through a graphic design course that provides the hands-on skills the industry is looking for,” she said.

“It’s also a way for students to develop industry connections because our TAFE NSW teachers work in the field and bring a wealth of experience to our design courses.”

TAFE NSW is currently the only training provider in the vocational education sector to provide design students with free Adobe licensing to access Adobe software at home or onsite, saving students hundreds of dollars a year.

To enrol or enquire about the design courses on offer at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.