Jess MacDonald
Freelance Designer
Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design with a minor in Cinematic Arts
Diploma in Design Tītohu mō te Hoahoa
She has always been a creative person, says Jess MacDonald who studied a Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design with a minor in Cinematic Arts.
“Since I was a child I’ve loved film and animation, which therefore led to my decision to study visual effects at university as I wanted to be a VFX artist or an animator.
“When I was looking at my university options, I chose AUT because I knew that it’s a very practical, hands-on university and I learn better while I’m doing things. They also offered the Diploma in Design Tītohu mō te Hoahoa, which was the perfect way for me to start my university journey as I didn’t have UE level 3 to do a bachelor’s degree.”
The right environment
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT’s design programmes to others, says Jess who completed her diploma at the end of 2023 and was then able to transfer into the second year of the Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa.
“I enjoyed getting to meet new people who were interested in the same things as me. I really enjoyed the content we were learning about and it was always interesting. There was great support, and it was hands-on, informative and interesting. I loved learning to use different design software. There’s never a dull moment in design. In my final year, I especially enjoyed working closely with my cohort, learning and significantly developing my skills with an open brief, getting an A+ and receiving an award for my improvement and academic. That was very reassuring.
“I also enjoyed the cool pop-ups around campus, the food stalls and games, and the many clubs to join. It’s a very friendly place. This is because it’s not dull and there is always someone you can talk to.”
With graduation just around the corner, Jess already has a god idea how she sees life after university.
“I’m planning to move to Melbourne next February as there are more opportunities within my industry there. Right now, I’m working on setting up my portfolio for when I start applying for jobs. With the help of my lecturers, I’ve been able to set up, plan and gain a few connections over in Australia. My animation, visual effects and game design lecturers have been super helpful, reassuring and optimistic throughout the whole year, and I couldn’t have gotten to this place without them.”
Advice for other students
Jess has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.
“Don’t overexert yourself with your workload. Take whatever creative direction you want to, despite what other people may be thinking.”
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas, she adds.
“I never put my hand up in school but now I feel comfortable enough to always share my ideas, and you should do the same! The design programmes are very good for making new friends and connections as there’s a lot of interactive group work. Because the classes are small, we go through this experience together and grow familiar with each other.”
