Wei (Wayne) Liao
Graphic Designer & Art Tutor, TsingMei Art Studio
Master of Design with Honours (First Class)
He chose to study a Master of Design to explore new ways of thinking about design beyond its traditional visual outcomes, says Wei (Wayne) Liao who came to AUT as an international student from China.
“I had already worked and taught in the design field for many years, but I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment and develop my practice through research. AUT appealed to me because of its practical and research-led approach to design, as well as its multicultural environment. Studying in Auckland also gave me the opportunity to experience a different creative and cultural context and to see my own design practice from a new perspective.”
It's a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted, and he still has many fond memories of his time at AUT.
“AUT gave me the opportunity to connect design with sustainability and community engagement in a very personal way. After moving from Shanghai to suburban Auckland, I became interested in the relationship between place, communication and community. This led me to explore local lawns and garden waste as materials for handmade paper. While collecting materials from my neighbourhood, I began talking with neighbours and community members, and these everyday interactions became an important part of my research. I particularly enjoyed the freedom to experiment, make, reflect and develop ideas through practice.
“The Master of Design was highly practice-based, which was one of the things I valued most about studying at AUT. My research involved extensive material experimentation, prototyping, papermaking, structural development and lighting experiments, leading to the creation of a final art maquette. I made use of AUT's specialist facilities, including the bookbinding and screen printing facilities, the 3D lab and the lighting studio. The opportunity to work directly with materials and experiment in different facilities taught me to learn through making. It also helped me become more comfortable with uncertainty and unexpected results, and encouraged me to see experimentation as an important part of the design process.”
Supported to thrive
There were a few AUT staff members whose support he especially appreciated, says Wayne who graduated from AUT in 2024.
“My supervisors, Dr Sue Gallagher and Meighan Ellis, supported me throughout my master's research. Sue helped me identify the core value of my research, and guided me through the development of my methodology and research process. She encouraged me to think more deeply about the ideas behind my creative practice while allowing me the freedom to make my own decisions. Meighan shared many useful references and examples with me, and consistently supported my decisions and experiments. We also spent time working in the lighting studio, where I carried out many experiments with light and my eco-paper work.
“I was also very grateful for the support of AUT's technical staff, particularly Cornelius Geraets and Ross Jacobs, who helped me in the lighting studio and 3D lab. Their practical knowledge and support were invaluable to the development of my project. I’m also thankful to Fiona Grieve who gave me the opportunity to attend AGI Open Aotearoa New Zealand 2023. This experience greatly enriched my time at AUT.”
He has some great advice for other students interested in studying art and design.
“Be open to new ideas and don't be afraid to experiment. Make the most of the people around you, including your lecturers, supervisors, technicians and fellow students. Their different experiences and perspectives can become an important part of your learning journey. Most importantly, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Studying at AUT gave me the opportunity to explore a new environment and develop my own creative voice, and I believe that is one of the most valuable parts of the experience.”
A mix of art education and professional design
Now working for TsingMei Art Studio in Auckland, Wayne enjoys being able to combine design, creativity and education in his work.
“As a graphic designer, I work on visual communication, branding, website design, photography, video and promotional materials. At the same time, I work as an art tutor, teaching children drawing and creative art, as well as introducing them to digital design and Adobe Creative software. I particularly enjoy helping children discover their own ideas and creative ways of expressing themselves. I’ve also obtained official Adobe certification, which allows me to bring my professional design experience and digital skills into my teaching.
“Being able to work across both professional design and art education allows me to continue developing my own creative practice while helping the next generation of young artists and designers build confidence in their creativity.”
He says AUT’s Master of Design prepared him well for the career he has today.
“Before studying at AUT, I thought of design mainly in terms of creating visual outcomes. AUT helped me realise that design can also be a way of researching, questioning and understanding the world around us. Through my research, I learned to slow down, observe my environment, work directly with materials and learn from unexpected results. Collecting grass and other green waste, talking with neighbours and making paper became part of my design methodology. I now see design not only as a professional skill, but also as a way to connect people, places, materials and ideas.”
