Finding her creative direction through design

Discover how the Bachelor of Visual Communication and Design at the University of Newcastle can help you turn your creativity into practical skills, industry connections and a career in design. For graphic design student Madison Briese, the degree has provided the space to experiment, develop technical skills and build confidence for her future career.

Madison’s path to studying design wasn’t a straight line. After initially starting university in Biotechnology, she took a gap year before returning to pursue her creative interests through Visual Communication and Design, majoring in Graphic Design.

“I have always been creatively inclined, especially using digital creative tools. My scope of interest was huge. I liked video editing, working in Photoshop, and some rudimentary form of graphic design.”

Studying full-time at NUspace, Madison has developed her creative and technical skills through practical, hands-on learning. The University’s Makerspace has been a particular highlight, giving her the opportunity to work beyond the screen and develop new technical capabilities.

“My favourite facility on campus is definitely the Makerspace though. Producing physical outcomes with Makerspace equipment has taught me a lot of important technical skills.”

For Madison, the degree has also been an opportunity to connect with the creative industry and gain a better understanding of the value of networking. These connections have helped inspire and nurture her creative practice while building her professional confidence.

“I have always felt that industry connections and networking was a very weak point for me and not something I enjoy, but I managed to find my own way to do it and realised how beneficial it was for me.”

Madison says the skills and confidence she has developed throughout her degree have helped prepare her for a creative career.

“I have learned and developed so many skills as a creative through my degree that I would not otherwise have the resources, time, or motivation to do. Most importantly for me, it has prepared me for a creative career by building up my confidence on a personal and professional level.”

As she approaches graduation at the end of Semester 2, 2026, Madison hopes to work in a design agency, collaborating with other designers while continuing to develop her skills. She also plans to explore freelance work.

“I am excited about working with other creatives and engaging with others through design. Graphic design is a powerful tool that can initiate real change.”

For Madison, studying design is about more than developing technical skills, it’s about finding your creative voice, experimenting with ideas and learning by doing.

“University is a space for trial and error. Many people try one degree and change to another. University offers creatives the space to experiment and learn by doing.”

I have learned and developed so many skills as a creative through my degree that I would not otherwise have the resources, time, or motivation to do.