“Work hard, be reliable and most importantly, follow your heart and trust your own ideas and designs.”
– BONNIE DJULBIC
After TAFE I worked furniture design, Arq Furniture and Design. After this I went into Art Gallery Curating and then Interior Design with Yael K. I then lived overseas with my parters professional soccer career, and when we returned home we opened our own building company Trio Homes, which I am now the Senior Interior Designer for.
How did you get your first design job or solo exhibition?
Word of mouth
What advice would you give to current Art & Design students studying at NM TAFE right now?
Be open to every opportunity that comes your way, even if it isn't exactly related to what you are doing in design. It's really important to get out there, make connections and build relationships within the industry. Learn as much as can from those experiences and the people you meet.
Your confidence in your field will develop with experience, so don't feel overwhelmed when your fresh out of study, it will all fall into place.
Work hard, be reliable and most importantly, follow your heart and trust your own ideas and designs =)
What can Perth and Western Australia do to support graduating diverse range of Art & Design students more?
More opportunities to work within the industry for graduates through internships, work placements. more of a connection between Tafe and the design industry.
What do you think are the most important qualities in an emerging designer or artist?
Creativity, confidence and passion. But always having an open mind, you need to be able to listen to your clients and create something special for them, even if it's not your exact personal style.
Please list some awesome new developments happening right now in the Art & Design industry that you are excited by.
I think AI is a big one. Instead of us fearing this, learning to use the tools alongside traditional design skills, to our benefit.
Any further comments that may assist with our course and curriculum development?
I think working with Clients is a big one, working within budgets, and what to do when things don't go to plan, how as an interior designer you need to problem solve.
