Categories
Design Interviews

Three successful iscd grads: Where are they now?

Sponsored by iscd (International School of Colour and Design)

If you’re looking to become an interior designer, there’s no denying that the International School of Colour and Design (iscd) is one of Australia’s pre-eminent places to study. From colour theory to technical skills (including AutoCAD and Sketch Up), and exposure to industry professionals, its Diploma in Interior Design (MSF50218), offers everything you need to launch your career.

But rather than get into the nitty gritty of course specifics, we thought it would be much more interesting to catch up with some successful iscd alumni to see how the experience prepared them for their careers in design.

From working for one of Australia’s most celebrated interior designers to running one of Instagram’s favourite (and always booked out) holiday houses, to changing careers from the Air Force to design, these alumni prove there are many ways an iscd qualification can help you create your dream job.

Caine Hodder
With a background in finance and logistics for the Royal Australian Defence Force, Caine Hodder is an unlikely interior designer. “I had always had an interest in design and followed design pages and magazines,” says Caine who has completed three courses with iscd including the Certificate IV in Design (CUV40311), Industry Diploma of Interior Styling and Industry Diploma of Colour Design.

Caine Hodder
Caine Hodder

“My experience at iscd left me feeling confident and well equipped to move into the industry,” says Caine who believes the qualifications were pivotal in securing initial employment. “Having trained through iscd was definitely an advantage in applying for jobs. It’s highly regarded in the design industry.”

Since graduating, Caine has assisted Crystal Bailey & Co on activewear queen Lorna Jane Clarkson’s Byron Bay beach house, and recently started his own company, Caine Anthony Design. He offers design and colour solutions, for clients wanting to update their homes, as well as property styling for sale and Airbnb renovations. “One career highlight was when my Bondi bachelor pad project was featured on Interiors Addict earlier this year,” says Caine.

Caine's Bondi bachelor pad project
Caine’s Bondi bachelor pad project

Lisa Dingelmaier
Long-time readers may remember the talented Lisa Dingelmaier. She was the recipient of an Interiors Addict/iscd scholarship some years ago – a win that gave her invaluable exposure to the industry and ultimately a job with Greg Natale, one of the judges.

Kicking off with a styling course at iscd, Lisa then completed interior design studies (via a partial scholarship) while working for Greg on a part-time basis. She now works full-time for the high end Sydney designer. “My time at iscd definitely prepared me for the industry. We worked on real-life briefs, from start to finish, and the experience was very practical,” says Lisa who has enjoyed an exciting career since graduating.

“As for career highlights, we brought out a book last year and I worked on that for a few years which was really exciting. We’re also opening a store in Potts Point which I’ve been a big part of. I’ve also been lucky enough to meet loads of well-known designers and obviously the projects I get to work on are amazing!”

You can get a video glimpse into a day in the life of Lisa here.

Simone Mathews
Simone Mathews’ design career evolved in reverse – she worked in real estate and the building industry before undertaking design studies at iscd to consolidate her skill set. “You could say I started the opposite way around. I learnt on the job and then studied to further develop my skills and knowledge,” says Simone who found being taught by industry professionals was an invaluable experience.

Simone Mathews
Simone Mathews

“What I love about my iscd qualifications is that I was not just textbook ready, I was industry ready. I left with my business systems set up, procedures in place, and a database of suppliers and materials. Without iscd I wouldn’t have had the confidence to launch straight into my career as a designer,” says Simone who completed a Certificate IV in Interior Decoration (MSF40113) before moving onto the Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration (MSF50213), juggling her studies around work and family life.

Her studies ultimately culminated in the establishment of her boutique accommodation business, SOUL of Gerringong. The property has been the subject of much design buzz and has featured in QANTAS magazine and on the cover of Country Style.

SOUL of Gerringong
SOUL of Gerringong

“My goal with SOUL was to create a place that I could share with everyone. So, each and every time guests tell me that they love being in the space, that is success to me. And of course, seeing SOUL on the front cover of Country Style magazine and featured by QANTAS was a huge moment for me personally,” says Simone.

SOUL of Gerringong
SOUL of Gerringong

For more information about iscd’s Interior Design courses and alumni stories

*Delivered on behalf of Academy of Information Technology ABN 35 094 133 641; RTO 90511; CRICOS 02155J

Categories
Design Designers Interviews

This recent iscd grad now runs her own design business

Sponsored by iscd (International School of Colour and Design)

Melbourne’s Jessica Farfan ran her own hair and beauty salon for 15 years before pursuing an interior design career at the age of 38, kickstarting it with a course at iscd while caring for her young family. “It was an unnerving decision to make, but it was worth taking the leap and I’m now reaping the rewards of my new career. I encourage anyone who is thinking of a career change at any age, to make the decision, take that step and follow your passion. It’s never too late,” says Jessica who completed a Diploma in Interior Design and Decoration (MSF50213) at iscd while managing the demands of family life.

Jessica Farfan magazine feature
Jessica in a recent magazine feature

“I studied on campus full-time from Tuesday to Friday. This timetable suited me well and was another reason why I chose to study with iscd,” says Jessica.

A recent bathroom project
One of Jessica’s recent bathroom projects

“The structure of the course was excellent. The course is quite intense and fast paced and it did require many extra hours to complete assignments. I had to put in about 40 hours a week for homework on top of the campus hours,” says Jessica who felt well equipped for a career in design upon graduation. “The educators at iscd are current industry-based designers which helps students receive up to date information on interior design and decoration. The excursions to stores and designers were extremely valuable in creating network connections and also in building rapport with suppliers.”

A recent guest room project
A recent guest room project by Jessica

And all that hard work certainly paid off with Jessica working on a variety of projects, before graduation. “Whilst I was studying I was blessed to pick up a few projects such as a bathroom renovation, a beach shack renovation and a baby nursery decoration project. I also worked on a cottage renovation through my husband’s business – he has a building company called La Casa Constructions,” says Jessica who set up her own interior design studio, La Casa Interiors, soon after graduating. “At first I thought I may want to obtain more experience working for a firm or another interior designer but the projects seemingly fell in my lap! It can be difficult and tiring to run an owner operated interior design business, as it requires many hours beyond the standard 9-to-5 job. But being able to create new spaces from concept to completion, for amazing clients, far outweighs the cons,” says Jessica.

One of Jessica's mood boards
One of Jessica’s mood boards

And as for a typical working day, it’s a mixed bag of emails, scheduling, mood boards and more. “My work day often begins by answering client, trade and supplier emails, calls and texts messages. Then I work on research, design concepts, mood boards, schedules and preparing documents, depending on which stage of the design process each project is at. Interior design involves about 80 percent research, paperwork, design and concept drawing with about 20 percent of my time spent on site at meetings or making purchases. A lot of the time is spent in front of a computer, frequently into the night! As with any job, you must love what you do, to spend so much time on it and I love been an interior designer!”

You can study the iscd Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration (MSF50213) in 12 months on campus (Sydney or Melbourne) or over 24 months from anywhere, online. The next iscd online intake is scheduled for February while the on campus options begin in March this year. If you’re interested in finding out more about the course, the school has open days coming up soon in Sydney (Saturday 2 February at 10am) and Melbourne (Tuesday 5 February at 6pm). For more.

*The iscd courses are delivered on behalf of Academy of Information Technology ABN 35 094 133 641; RTO 90511; CRICOS 02155J; iscd RTO91439.

Categories
Designers

This iscd grad left banking for a career in design

Sponsored by iscd (International School of Colour and Design)

Interior designer Romain Dossou-Yovo was in his late thirties and longing for a career change when he enrolled at iscd while juggling a full time job in investment banking. And with the corporate world a distant memory, Romain is now a successful interior designer and we caught up with him recently to get the skinny on his unconventional career path.

Romain Dossou-Yovo
Interior designer Romain Dossou-Yovo

“I decided to enrol at iscd as it allowed me to discover many areas of the design industry. It’s also a very hands-on program with instructors that are highly regarded in the industry – I always felt anything was possible thanks to their support and knowledge. And most importantly for me, the school offered great flexibility with its time table,” says Romain who worked while studying towards a career in interior design.

Powder room concept
Romain’s powder room concept for an upcoming Sydney project. Image courtesy of Greta Unkuri Interiors.

A far cry from a career in design, Romain started out his working life in media and advertising before working for an investment bank. “None of those jobs were satisfying. I knew from the very first classes at iscd that I was supposed to be working in the design industry. For the first time I felt alive and as if I could be myself,” says Romain who graduated from his interior design course in July 2017 with top honours.

“Everything went so fast after graduating. I snapped up an internship at Inside Out magazine the following month and right after that I became an interior designer for two studios,” says Romain who now works on residential projects at Greta Unkuri Interiors and commercial ones at Kelly Ross. “I am blessed to have such talented, inspiring and clever directors. These two women have had a huge impact on my life and I will be forever grateful for the amazing opportunities they have given me,” says Romain.

A kitchen concept by Romain
A kitchen concept by Romain. Image courtesy of Greta Unkuri Interiors.

But while Romain’s journey sounds rather charmed, he is careful to remind me that it’s the result of plenty of hard work. “Let’s not forget that many people want to become interior designers. You are competing with a huge number of graduates to get a job at a studio or design firm.” Recent statistics do suggest however that it’s a growth industry which will provide increasing job opportunities by 2020. Romain adds: “I believe iscd did a great job at giving me the foundation and an understanding of the design industry. However, like any industry, you must be curious and strive to push your boundaries, and put yourself out there. This is key if you want to be ahead of the game. Aspiring designers should beware that the industry requires hard work, dedication and perseverance.”

You can study the iscd Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration in 12 months on campus (Sydney or Melbourne) or over 24 months from anywhere online. The next iscd online intake is scheduled for February while the on campus options begin in March this year. If you’re interested in finding out more about the course, the school has open days coming up soon in Sydney (Saturday February 2 at 10am) and Melbourne (Tuesday February 5 at 6pm). For more.

*The iscd courses are delivered on behalf of Academy of Information Technology ABN 35 094 133 641; RTO 90511; CRICOS 02155J; iscd RTO91439.

Categories
Designers Homewares

Introducing The Retail Quarter: the modern trade fair

Sponsored by Reed Gift Fairs.

Reed Gift Fairs is set to re-launch its annual September event in the form of The Retail Quarter, a modern twist on the traditional fair. And it’s just in time for your pre-Christmas inspiration and buying!

With four distinct floor districts – Abode, Galleria, Boutique and Runway – the event will set up at the ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre from 23 – 26 September, just in time for the festive season.

Abode will offer retailers the chance to explore the most on-trend furniture, interior, kitchen, dining – even body, bath and fragrance products will be on show. Galleria will sport an eclectic collection of gifts, stationary, toys and games, while Boutique shares an array of Australian-made, ethical, handcrafted and artisanal brands. As the name suggests, Runway will present opulence, indulgence and glamour with the latest in fashion, jewellery and accessories.

Future Classics Furniture

“Retailers have indicated what they are looking for from Reed Gift Fairs Sydney September, and we’ve listened. A total re-imagination, the Retail Quarter has been designed to offer an exciting new shopping experience to retailers, at one of the busiest times for the industry,” says event director Louisa Theobald.

Mediterranean Markets

It’s not all about the shopping either – Business of Christmas education sessions will delve into the latest changes within the industry and help retailers plan for one of their busiest periods. Industry experts will cover topics from social media planning and design-led trend forecasting, to immersive hands-on workshops to plan your best Christmas window display yet.

Then there’s the Tapas Bar, a contemporary eating experience in the centre of the show floor, perfect for a little time out.

Go to the Retail Quarter Sydney to register.

Categories
Designers Interviews

The first Interiors Addict + inSTUDIO Scholarship winner

Sponsored by iscd inSTUDIO

Vintage aficionado Kimberley Robinson is quitting her job and moving from Queensland to Sydney after being chosen as the recipient of the first Interiors Addict + inSTUDIO Scholarship. Myself and the fellow judges (Greg Natale, Darren Palmer and iscd’s Lucy Sutherland and Peri Mooney) were so impressed with the standard of applicants that we ended up offering an additional partial scholarship to fellow finalist Lisa Dingelmaier, who will also start her studies next month.

“When I first saw the post about the scholarship, I honestly felt a rush of excitement and daydreams at even the thought of winning and having the opportunity to work with such amazing mentors,” Kimberley said. “It took a little encouragement from my partner and close friends to actually begin my application but once I began it became a fun, yet challenging process that led me on a journey of self discovery that started to define what I want out of my design career and what I wanted my design practice to become.

Kimberley Robinson
Kimberley Robinson

“After the initial thrill of being shortlisted wore off, the preparation for the presentation in Sydney began. With such an exciting brief, there was a world of possibilities to explore. How many people get to create their dream living space without limits? This creative process created the opportunity to present my mid century inspired space to an amazing panel of judges including Darren Palmer and Greg Natale, in a welcoming and warm environment.

“The biggest shock came when I received the call from Alycia (Raco, of iscd), on my birthday no less, to let me know I had been awarded the scholarship. So many emotions have come since and I am so very humbled that the judging panel took the time to listen to my presentation and choose me to represent them through this amazing opportunity. I am excited at what will come in the next 12 months and also can’t wait to learn everything I can from the team at iscd and Darren and Greg. Moving from Brisbane to Sydney to study is a big step but as quoted by Hellen Keller, ‘Life is a daring adventure or nothing’, so let this be a chapter for a daring adventure.”

IA-IS-Scholarship-Logo-v1

Kimberley has quit her admin job and packed up her vintage store Kijaro so she can concentrate on studying for the next year. Her scholarship gives her a year’s free education worth more than $18,000 at iscd’s new inSTUDIO campus. As part of her inSTUDIO course, she will learn all of the elements of interior design and decoration, but also gets to experience hands on briefs, assignments and potential internships  from industry leaders such as Scentre (Westfield), Temple and Webster, Belle Magazine and Designer Rugs. Enrolments are still open for the next intake, starting next month.

Lisa Dingelmaier was also awarded a partial scholarship
Lisa Dingelmaier was also awarded a partial scholarship

Lisa also impressed us with her all-singing all-dancing presentation, a part of which you can watch in the video below. Lisa said: “When I read about this opportunity I couldn’t believe it and immediately started putting my first designs together. Meeting my idols was a high point for me in this industry. Presenting for them and hearing their professional feedback is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was so excited to hear that I got the chance to study at such a great school as well as mentoring from amazing interior designers and can’t wait to begin!”

Greg Natale said: “Lisa is full of energy, so prolific! Her output is incredible and her aesthetic is on point – really in my world. I admired her tenacity and I’m excited to see where she can go creatively.

“Kimberly is a real story teller! Her concept blew me away and I was really impressed with her dedication to vintage – she lived and breathed that style and it came through. It wasn’t a fashion, it was her.”

Lucy Sutherland, general manager iscd, said: “We are so excited to have both Kimberley and Lisa join our inSTUDIO campus. The finalists in the competition were all exceptional and talented individuals who could all have a promising future in the industry. We are so happy that we get the opportunity to teach and mentor Lisa and Kimberley to fulfil their creative and career dreams.”

Find out more.

Categories
Designers Interviews

iscd graduate Manel Daetz on why you should apply for the Interiors Addict + inSTUDIO Scholarship

Sponsored by inSTUDIO at iscd

We are so excited to be offering the Interiors Addict + inSTUDIO Scholarship (you can read all about it here), where, in partnership with iscd’s brand new inSTUDIO campus, we are offering one lucky reader a full-time design course worth more than $18,000 as well mentoring and work experience with interior designer of the year 2014 Greg Natale and Block judge Darren Palmer! I’m tempted to enter myself, but having just graduated journalism, I think I need a break from studying for now!

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With applications closing soon — 5 June — we thought now was the perfect time to have a chat with successful iscd graduate, Manel Daetz. So, if you’re still debating whether to apply, be inspired by Manel and just imagine… if you enter and win, in a few years’ time you could be just like her: living out your dream of being an interior designer. But enough from me, let’s hear from the woman herself.

Manel
Manel

What course did you take at iscd?

They had so much to offer I decided to do as many as I could. I did: Certificate VI /Associate Diploma of Colour and Design, Surface & Textile Design, Colour Consulting, Interior Styling and Interior Design.

What did you get out of the courses?

iscd’s continual encouragement to focus on my individual design styles and support me in persuing my creativity as a career was something that shaped my working life immeasurably. The constant opportunities to push our individual creative limits through every project shaped me into the designer that I am today. It was one of the best learning experiences I have had to date. Creatively, it also gave me the technical skills and the ability to experience different areas of design from textiles and surfaces to interiors and furniture.

Manel's work from iscd
Manel’s work

When did you graduate and what have you done since?

I graduated in 2001 and worked in the interior design industry in both residential and commercial design and also designed and hand-made furniture. The most recent design adventure that I have embarked on was to become creative director of Henry Corbett & Co. where we work with our clients to design and build their ideal spaces.

What do you think about the Interiors Addict + inSTUDIO Scholarship?

I think that it is a brilliant idea. It allows an up and coming designer to experience and learn from designers in the industry who love and adore the craft. The experience that is gained from that guidance at the start of a person’s career is so valuable and also helps to create great people to work with in the industry.

How vital were your iscd qualifications in getting you to where you are today?

I believe that having the opportunity to start the iscd course at a young age gave me the knowledge, insight and technical ability to launch the exciting career I have today. The encouragement and creative support given to us as students by the educators at iscd was amazing. It is truly a place where your design abilities and natural gifts are encouraged and nurtured.

So what are you waiting for?! APPLY ONLINE and read the full terms & conditions. Applications close 5 June. Winner will be announced 26 June. Classes start 3 August 2015.

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Competitions Designers Styling

Introducing the Interiors Addict + inSTUDIO Scholarship

Today is a very exciting day as I’ve been wanting to offer an Interiors Addict scholarship to a promising young designer for years. I’m delighted to announce that we have partnered with iscd’s brand new inSTUDIO campus to offer one lucky reader a full-time design course worth more than $18,000 as well as money can’t buy mentoring and work experience with interior designer of the year Greg Natale and The Block judge Darren Palmer!

inSTUDIO is a new design school in North Sydney which opened its doors last month for its first intake. Run by iscd, who have been teaching colour and design in Sydney for over three decades, this new campus caters to school leavers who wish to study interior design or for those who are wanting to study full-time or part-time and access VET FEE-HELP. Graduates can choose from exciting career opportunities such as styling, residential or commercial interior design and stage and set design just to name a few.

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We are so excited to be able to be able to offer someone this opportunity in partnership with such an established and respected school. We know we have countless aspiring designers, decorators and stylists among our readership and love offering them inspiration through interviews with the best in the business and how-to advice articles. We also give them a free place to advertise their availability for internships and entry level industry positions via our jobs board. But this scholarship really does enable us to go one further!

Greg Natale and Jen Bishop
Greg Natale and I

iscd general manager Lucy Sutherland, says: “We are so thrilled and excited to be offering this wonderful scholarship opportunity in partnership with Interiors Addict. It is such a great program of study with the additional benefit of hands on mentors Greg Natale and Darren Palmer and the industry briefs. What a perfect way to kick start your dream career in the design industry? We can’t wait to welcome the winner to our inSTUDIO campus.”

DarrenPalmer_JTurk-4
Darren Palmer. Photo by Jacqui Turk

The new course, nationally accredited MSF50213 Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration, is focused strongly on ensuring that graduates are readily equipped to enter the world of design. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a number of industry briefs and assignments with companies such as Designer Rugs, Temple and Webster and Scentre Group (owners of Westfield). Each class is taught by robustly experienced educators who are all still practicing industry professionals with a wealth of knowledge to share. This is combined with industry excursions and internships to ensure that each student is fully equipped to embark on an exciting new career once they graduate.

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inSTUDIO is offering one lucky Interiors Addict reader an exclusive scholarship opportunity. The scholarship includes the Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration (full-time study from August 2015 to July 2016), the opportunity to be an inSTUDIO ambassador, one-on-one mentoring from Greg and Darren and the chance to see their work featured here on Interiors Addict.

APPLY ONLINE and read the full terms & conditions. Applications close 5 June. Winner will be announced 26 June. Classes start 3 August 2015.

Categories
Styling

Get almost $600 off Coco Republic Design School’s evening styling course

Sponsored by Coco Republic Design School

If, like so many of our readers, you dream of becoming an interior stylist, Coco Republic’s Styling Savvy 301 course, starting again next month, could be just the place to start or to work out if it’s for you. Running over 14 weeks, one evening class per week, it’s perfect for anyone who works full-time and finds it hard to study with their other commitments. It will also gain you TAFE credits.

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You’ll learn the secrets of successful styling from Coco Republic’s creative directors and by the time you complete the course, you’ll be able to source, assess and recommend products for interior decoration projects with ease. This is a great introduction into the world of interior styling where you’ll be given a real client brief to answer, the results of which you can show off in your portfolio.

The campus is in a unique position being right next door to the Coco Republic showroom, allowing you to see the most beautiful products in action. This course gains TAFE credit: MSFID3001, MSFID3002 and SIRXMER202.

Classes start on 12 March 2015 and run every Thursday from 6-to-9pm until 11 June 2015.

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The 14-week on-campus course costs $2,950 (including GST) but our readers get 20% off if they book by 8 March, bringing the cost down to $2,360. This course is also offered online.

Course Overview

  • Styles & current trends
  • 
Applying the elements & principles of design
  • Creating moodboards
  • Concept development
  • 
The design process
  • 
Mind mapping
  • Colour & colour psychology
  • Lighting displays
  • 
Analysing a client brief
  • Sketching plan layouts
  • 
Coordinating products & finishes
  • Concept presentation, product selection & developing a schedule
  • Major Project: Styling a retail display

SPECIAL OFFER

Interiors Addict readers can get 20% off this and any Coco Republic Design School course (on campus or online) until 8 March 2015. To take advantage of this offer you must book via email or phone and mention Interiors Addict.

Coco Republic Design School is at 24 O’Riordan Street Alexandria NSW 2015. Phone 1300 323 171 or email [email protected] for further information.

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Interiors Addict

It’s never too late to start your dream job. And I should know!

Sponsored by Nuffnang

I’m grateful for many things in life (great husband, supportive friends, healthy family) but the thing that makes me pinch myself on a regular basis is doing what I really, truly love, and that is writing this blog. For me, this is not just a hobby but a full-time job, my small business, my hopes and dreams for the future and hopefully something I can one day work around having a family.

Until you do what you love, you don’t realise how unfulfilled you were in your previous jobs or what a rare privilege it is to be in such a position. So often, people tell me they’d love to be doing something else but for whatever reason (age, family commitments, mortgage, what other people would think or the feeling of obligation to look after other people first) they think they’ve left it too late. I have become quite evangelical about telling people it’s never too late.

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Interiors Addict

Give twice with the IKEA’s annual soft toy campaign for UNICEF and Save the Children

From now until January 5 2014, for every soft toy or children’s book sold at IKEA, the IKEA Foundation will donate €1 (approx. $1.50 AUD) to children’s education through UNICEF and Save the Children.

The Soft Toys for Education campaign aims to provide quality education to children living in poverty in developing countries. Since the campaign started in 2003, donations from the annual IKEA Soft Toy Campaign have totalled €57 million, helping more than 10 million children in 46 countries to enjoy their right to a quality education.

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Interiors Addict

Guest post: Learn the business side of interiors

Although the allure of a career in interiors can often seem glamorous (with The Block and Million Dollar Decorators inspiring us to either start sketching or grab a hammer), in reality it can be a tough game if you don’t have a head for possibly the most important part: managing the business. Donna Allen, educator of a newly revamped Business Mentoring Program run by the ISCD (International School of Colour & Design), explains the pros and pitfalls of a life in design, and how to forge ahead with the right take on getting the numbers right.

Donna Allen is teaching ISCD’s course about managing a design business

“Starting a business in any industry is tough and requires a lot of hard work,” explains Donna. “The statistics for small business start-ups aren’t always inspiring but, with the right information, support and planning, it is definitely possible to improve the odds of success.” One of the things Donna makes a point to cover is the actual time spent on design as opposed to managing the essentials of a business. “I always clarify to students that, on average, only 20% of your time will be in the creative space actually designing. The remaining 80% will be managing the business with all that that entails – sales, marketing, finance, planning, technology etc. The aim of the Business Mentoring Program is to provide students with the skills, knowledge and resources to successfully manage the business side of a new creative venture.”