“Don’t limit yourself to one area of expertise, but be curious about all areas of design.”
– JO MCELVENNY
I worked as a commercial Interior designer for many years at Edge Inarc/ Evoke Interior Design, before establishing my own business- Visual Q Design- with former colleague and fellow Tafe Alumni, Danielle Lumbus.
We ran Visual Q Design for 5 years tackling all manner of amazing projects, including resorts, residential work, dental and office projects.
I then had a career pivot after having my children. I pivoted to working in product sales, escalating quickly from the sales floor, to Architectural Rep, and finally Business Development Manager at Subiaco Restoration.
I now work as Account Manager at Shaw Contract, one of the world's largest (and greenest) flooring manufacturers, where my role enables me to interact across the construction community, working as a project partner with designers, architects, builders, developers, sustainability ambassadors, educators, end users and contractors.
How did you get your first design job or solo exhibition?
WORK EXPERIENCE! I cannot emphasise enough how valuable this is. There are so many areas of interior design and doing work experience helps you narrow down to the field that interests you most. It also gives you contacts and a foot in the door, which is what lead to my first job.
What advice would you give to current Art & Design students studying at NM TAFE right now?
Stay the course! The industry needs skilled designers who have completed all 3 years of their studies. You can take your studies from Perth, to the rest of Australia and the world, but just complete your Advanced Diploma and set yourself up for success.
My current job has me interact with so many design professionals and education, confidence and a desire to learn will set students apart to employers every time!
What can Perth and Western Australia do to support graduating diverse range of Art & Design students more?
There are incredible design projects to work on right here in Perth and as the city grows, so will your opportunities. Don’t limit yourself to one area of expertise, but be curious about all areas of design. I do believe a strong basis in commercial design will give you the most fluidity across all areas of design though.
What do you think are the most important qualities in an emerging designer or artist?
A desire to learn - you will never stop learning in this industry.
Bravery - you need to talk to clients, builders, project managers, suppliers- with confidence.
Please list some awesome new developments happening right now in the Art & Design industry that you are excited by.
There are so many in-roads being made around sustainability and the construction industry. The future is in the hands of the students and new grads. They have the power to learn about products making a difference and expose that to their new workplaces. They have the power to make change.
I think communication skills are imperative for young grads. Learn to talk on the phone! Learn to send a concise email (even if you use AI to help you!). Learn to find your voice in meetings to people of superiority, any gender and any age with confidence.
