D e s i d e r o YYLES: An awesome rap for N C A T!

Yasmin Yusuf Les has just completed the 
N C A T  Folio Preparation course this year & has produced a pretty amazing folio for someone so young! She is planning to go to Monash Uni Caulfield to study Visual Communication. 

I just stumbled on this lovely plug for our course that she has written (Without pressure, I might add!!), on her blog.

We wish Yasmin every success in what is going to be a thrilling career. She may be heading in the design direction, but her fine art skills are just as strong!

Here is what she had to say about us. You can read it here on her blog 

d e s i d e r o or read an excerpt below:

"NCAT Folio Preparation is an amazing program. It gives students the opportunity to develop/further an understanding in Design and Visual Art. NCAT allows students seeking Tertiary education to develop an outstanding folio and receive a Certificate IV in their specialised field. 

My experience at NDS [N.C.A.T] has been one of the most joyful and inspirational years of my education. The program has heightened my skill-set and also given me a further understanding in Design and Visual Art. It has strengthened my ambition to be a Designer and gain an occupation within the Creative Industry. There is such a great difference between my work from the start of February to where I am now. I could not have achieved what I have today without this course and the awe-inspiring and amazing staff members. They have always been so supportive and pushed us to do our best. 

You all have my many thanks and utmost gratitude, I couldn't have done it without you all. 

-insert teary smile- Yasmin"

Sampler: NDS Graduate Book Launch 2011

The 2011 students have finished their year with us and to celebrate we are launching Sampler, their 2011 Graduate book. Come down, have a drink, catch up, grab a book & check out the students work on projection. 

Time	15 December · 19:00 - 22:00
Location	The Loop Laneway Bar 23 Meyers Place (Off Top end of Bourke St) Melbourne, Australia

Current students will receive a copy of the book on the night. We are taking pre-orders for the book from the nds office. Some further copies will be available for purchase on the night as well.

Check out Loop: http://www.looponline.com.au/index.html

It's a bit tricky to find. Here is a google map ref:http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

RSVP on at our Facebook event page: Sampler: NDS 2011 Graduate book Launch

Call us at: NDS Folio Preparation if you need more info: 9478 1333

See you there!

CONCEPTed: bringing design into the classroom

http://conceptedmag.com/

"Designers have the opportunity to make change and to influence visual culture. In school, however, most students end up graduating from grade school without having a clear understanding of what design is. Not only is design important for art, but it also encompasses most of the other coursework students are already working on in k-12 schools, providing a great opportunity for arts integration, collaboration, and vital skill-building. In this issue of CONCEPTed, we look at exciting designers and educators who are bringing design into the classroom".

—Meghann Harris, Founder (with thanks).

To quote from the CONCEPTed website: "CONCEPTed is an online magazine about art education in the world today. The mission of the magazine is to be a free, online source to art educators and educators in other fields, act as a trendy and innovative source for new ideas, and keep art educators current with happenings in the art world and the issues that effect their students. The magazine also seeks to look to show examples of teachers who are doing provocative and exciting things in the classroom, to provide art educators with resources and lesson plans, and to bring awareness of arts education to administrators, parents, and teachers in other subjects".

Exciting stuff... anyone know of similar Australian sites?

We need more positive educational art & Design plugs. Tough economic times hit the creative industries hard. Britain's art schools are suffering a 27% drop in applications, alongside fee spikes of 9000 pounds per year! This has senior creatives fearful for the creative industries futures. As always, it will be the less economically well off that will miss out. Read more about this worrying trend Here. Anecdotally we are seeing the beginnings of similar trends in Victoria, with economically disadvantaged students struggling to cope with university fees.

A new home for Folio Preparation!

NCAT Folio Preparation has a new home and a new name! Formerly Northland Secondary College, the Northern College of the Arts and Technology caters for year 10-13 students seeking a specialised education in the visual arts, performing arts or technologies. Year 10 art and technology streams provide a solid foundation for VCE or VCAL qualifications. Our Year 11 and 12 students benefit from tailored, individualised programs that integrate VET art or technology certificates within a VCE or VCAL syllabus.

As a Registered Training Organisation, the College also welcomes part-time students from other state and private schools seeking to integrate VET certificates within a VCE or VCAL program. Graduate studies, short courses and close connections with industry, TAFE and tertiary providers open pathways for students who wish to pursue further study, apprenticeships or employment.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

In 2010, our College ceased education for year 7, 8 and 9 students to focus on the heart of our service offering. The change in our name from Northland Secondary College to the Northern College of the Arts and Technology better reflects our ongoing extension of VET specialisations and complimentary graduate studies in the arts and technologies. With one of the broadest VET offerings in Victoria, a 17 million dollar technologies facility and a highly successful visual and performing arts record; we look forward to servicing the vocational learning needs of Victorian students in 2012 and beyond.

But wait, there's more... NDS Folio Preparation will be known from 2012 as N C A T  Folio Preparation!

2012 REBRAND AND WEBSITE LAUNCH

We are complimenting the change in our name with a new brand which will be applied across all traditional and online media. This website is an interim measure while we work hard behind the scenes to develop our new website for the new school year. In the meantime, it’s business as usual. You might like to have a sneak peek at our interim website: Northern College of the Arts & Technology

Finding your way as a creative

We only wish someone had told us this when we started out as a creatives... it is about the best advice you could ever be given. Ira Glass is an American public radio personality, and host and producer of the radio and television show This American Life.

The Design Academy Eindhoven

The Design Academy Eindhoven is The Netherlands formost Design school. The school offers students an opportunity to study degrees & postgraduate studies based on a thematic approach. The design department offers themes including:

• Man And Activity
• Man And Communication
• Man And Identity
• Man And Leisure
• Man And Living
• Man And Mobility
• Man And Public Space
• Man And Well Being

The study program is based on Man's ability to relate to these needs & wishes.

To quote the school: "Man is able to adjust his environment to the needs and wishes of a certain time. This ability results in various outcomes, ranging from decadent to socially extremely relevant and from pitiful to very tasteful. Our faith is not in the hands of destiny, we ourselves have power over the possible scenarios for the future. And that is exactly what studying at Design Academy Eindhoven is all about. Design does not just involve tangible matters. It also tacklesissues such as the organisation of health care or the routingat Schiphol Airport.Design is not merely a matter of aesthetics. On the contrary. A designer searches for the right concept within a given context. This implies keeping a close eye at what happens around you. What does it teach you? What do your head, heart and intuition tell you? Can you use a different approach or an experiment to reach a revolutionary solution? Studying at Design Academy Eindhoven means getting some hard work done, developing your own methods, finding out where your strength lies. The academy will guide you through this process and challenge you to continuously work with your talents and develop your personality until you are an authentic and professional designer".

Their website is quite inspiring The Design Academy Eindhoven

Time to send us new applicants for 2012!

It's that time of the year again. We have almost finished 2011 classes and are looking at preparing for interviews for next year's NDS intake.

That got us thinking that we should be asking you to think about anyone you may know of who needs a year at 'Northies' (and don't we all!). We rely so heavily on word of mouth, and there is nothing quite like a recommendation from someone who has really seen the impact (first hand) that the NDS Folio Preparation year can have.

So do you have a friend, cousin, little sibling, friend of the family, neighbour, work mate, niece, nephew, or partner who "wants to do something in art & design but doesn't know how to get a folio together"?

We now offer Certificate IV in Design & Certificate IV in Visual Art & Contemporary Crafts. Students who get a distinction grade average in the course can bypass the ATAR for Monash Uni courses. RMIT takes some of our students into second year of Visual Communication. Victoria University now has direct entry for NDS students into Creative Industries. Monash Uni has NDS specific scholarships. We also offer the VCAL Senior Extension-Folio Enhancement that enables students to get a 10% bonus on their ATAR (ENTER) score.

Applicants must have successfully gained their VCE or VCAL Senior. We readily take on mature age students and are happy to cater for country students.

So... if you know of anyone, direct them to the NDS Folio Preparation Course blog  NDS _ How do I apply? for an application form.

or they can call us direct on 03 9478 1333

Help! Mucked up your preselection/VTAC app?

How do I apply to nds?

Need to put an art/design folio together? Mucked up your preselection/VTAC app? You need a year with us at the  NDS Folio Preparation Course! 


Things to keep in mind:

• It is a skills building Folio Preparation course
• It prepares you for entry into University, TAFE & the creative industries
• It is a 12-month course 
• You attend 4 days per week
• It is government funded (No TAFE fees)
• You have to be POST VCE/VCAL-Senior 
• We welcome mature age students
• It gives you a chance to put an awesome portfolio together
• It is a not for profit course
• We have been helping to launch art & design student’s careers for well over 20 years
• The staff at NDS is an experienced & dedicated team of artists and designers
• The course is well respected in art and design education, both secondary & tertiary
• It has dual qualifications (Certificate IV in Design or Visual Arts & VCAL Senior Extension - Folio Enhancement
• We are accepting applications now 

Jennifer Lea 'I Love Rabbits'

Jennifer Lea (Farrand) did NDS back in 2005 and went on to complete Honours in Computer Mediated Art & Multimedia in 2010. She is currently chewing on the possibility of a Diploma of Education!


Jen's blog is an eclectic mix of drawing, illustration, photography & multimedia projects all of which have their roots in simplicity & the everyday.

Jen says: "I'm an explorer armed with a camera and a lot of pens and paper" 

Check out her blog "I love Rabbits" here: I love rabbits.blogspot and her flicker photos here: Jennifer Lea's photostream 

*All Images all courtesy of Jennifer Lea with thanks Copyright Jennifer Lea

"Hood" by Ex-NDS student, Tegan Connelly

Tegan Connelly did NDS in 2005. She went on to do a bachelor of Visual Communication Design at Monash University. She is currently doing her Masters at Monash Uni. Although she studied Visual Communication, she has always had a passion for illustration and has done electives in Illustration throughout her studies. Tegan currently has an exhibition of her work at Synergy Gallery

Hood; an exhibition about a girl & a wolf

Tuesday 18-Saturday 22 October 2011

Synergy Gallery

253 High St 

Northcote Australia

http://synergygallery.blogspot.com

Hood is a showcase of Tegan's masters work for the past two years.

"Based on Red Riding Hood, It a story about about wolf with a choice, a girl with some unusual hobbies and a granny who's been there, done that and brought the tee-shirt".

Tegan's artworks are delicately hand cut illustrations of an age old story but have been offered a modern twist!

Tegan painstakingly hand cut her images in black card using a scalpel. The images float pinned above a gold background.

Alongside the large exhibited artworks is a small limited edition artists book. 

Tegan hopes to complete her Masters in April next year & then work as an Illustrator (If further study doesn't tempt her!). NDS wishes her all the best!

Our Sketchbooks have just arrived from the USA!

Fifty five cute little sketchbooks are sitting on my table awaiting our student's inspiration, fresh from The USA!  The current NDS - Folio Preparation students have won the opportunity to free entry to the 2012 Sketchbook Project, thanks to loads of people voting for us in the Sketchbook Project's  Community Challenge!. Our sketchbooks will be exhibited at The NGV's Studio - Fed square, Melbourne & internationally! Check out The Sketcbook Project and maybe sign up!

Kern Type, the kerning game

You just have to have a go at this addictive little kerning game http://type.method.ac/

It is made by Mark Mackay for Method of Action,  "peer to peer education for people wanting to get things done & learn by doing, participating & teaching". Our sort of people!

Have a look at their site here: http://method.ac/blog/design/what.html

Erik Spiekermann on Creative Block

http://spiekermann.com/en/creative-block/


Here is an excerpt from the wonderful Erik Spiekermann's blog, on Creative Block:

Creative block

"This seems to be a “trend­ing topic”. Just read about seven tips by Mark McGuin­ness to avoid Cre­ative Block (yes, cap­ti­tal­ized) and went on to look what I had writ­ten to Alex Cor­nell two years ago when he asked me “What do you do to inspire your cre­ativ­ity when you are in a rut?”

I sent my answer in a short email, with­out think­ing about it too much, men­tion­ing only six strate­gies. I have since added a sev­enth. BTW: Alex is writ­ing a book about the topic, to be pub­lished soon by Prince­ton Archi­tec­tural Press.

I have seven strate­gies for this situation:

1. Avoid Do some­thing else, wash the car, back-up your data, do errands…

2. Think Sit back and think about the issue, just let your mind go…

3. Research Look up stuff, go through your old projects, but avoid Google — it takes too long to find any­thing useful…

4. Col­lect We all have lots of stuff; there must be some­thing in there that is wait­ing to be used…

5. Sketch Draw­ing is great, even if you have no tal­ent. Just visu­al­is­ing the sim­plest things makes them come alive…

6. Decon­struct Take the prob­lem apart, look at the parts and then put them back together…

7. Talk Find some­body to talk to. I can­not really think unless I talk, and as I do, ideas come up.

I have uploaded a lit­tle brochure from the series that we pub­lish at Eden­spiek­er­mann now and again. This one fea­tures the essay by Hein­rich Kleist “On the grad­ual com­ple­tion of thoughts dur­ing speech”. The brochure has the text in Ger­man and Eng­lish, and the lan­guages start at either end of the printed piece. The PDF, there­fore, needs to be turned around to read it prop­erly in English".

*Article courtesy of Erik Spiekermann, with thanks

Our Sketchbook Project sketchbooks have arrived!

The 2012 Sketchbook Project 

WOW, our sketchbooks have finally arrived
AND
Australia's Sketchbook Project exhibition dates have been announced...

National Gallery of Victoria Studio
at Federation Square

November 10th-25th 2012

The Sketchbook Project is so excited to announce our Australian tour date for 2012! Between November 10th-25th, 2012 we will be exhibiting all books contributed by artists from Oceania as part of The Sketchbook Project at NGV Studio in Federation Square!

---

Have your book exhibited at NGV Studio in Federation Square and go on on a 13 city tour of the United States by participating in The Sketchbook Project.

The 2012 Tour

Brooklyn, NY

Boston, MA

Chicago, IL

San Francisco, CA

Atlanta, GA

Austin, TX

Los Angeles, CA

Philadelphia, PA

Portland, OR

Portland, ME

London, England*

Melbourne, Australia*

Vancouver, Canada

Toronto, Canada

 

Jacob Cox: Dusk Dweller

Duskdweller

Man Made God - mixed media piece - acrylic paint and digital Copyright Jacob Cox

Jacob Cox did NDS back in 2001. He went on to do Illustration at NMIT and is now a freelance illustrator. His images are dark and textural and bring together acrylic painting & digital techniques. Check out his blog "Duskdweller" on deviantart here: http://duskdweller.deviantart.com/#/d1x1c9x

New award in memory of Kate Derum

Kate Derum Award for Small Tapestries 2011

Kate Derum was the wife of (former) long time Northland Secondary College staff member Brian Derum. It is great to see that this award will keep Kate's memory alive and will celebrate tapestry as a wonderful artform. *The following article is courtesy of The Australian Tapestry Workshop... You can find them here: http://www.austapestry.com.au/

The Australian Tapestry Workshop Kate Derum Award has been established to honour Kate's memory and her contribution to tapestry. This non acquisitive award is open to all professional Australian and International tapestry artists. Finalists will be invited to submit a tapestry for display in an exhibition at the Australian Tapestry Workshop from 20 October - 18 November 2011.
The Kate Derum Small Tapestry Award exhibition of selected finalists opens at the ATW gallery Thursday 20th October 6pm, till Friday 18th November. 
This award has been generously funded by the Tapestry Foundation of Australia.

Please contact Sara Lindsay on slindsay@austapestry.com.au
or
call 9699 7885.

Jolet, a work in progress

 Jolet Ucchino - NDS circa 1999

Jolet Ucchino has gone from strength to strength after her beginnings at NDS. She did Visual Communication at RMIT but found her real groove in Fashion. The following write up is courtesy of her website bio:  

Profile

Designer, Jolet Ucchino, launched self titled label, JOLET, in 2008.  Formally trained in graphic design at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Jolet’s design background imbues her work with directional design elements and an emphasis on wearability.

Jolet’s work is informed by her time spent working under Australian design stalwarts, Akira Isogawa, Rich and Claude Maus. The label’s innovative style was earning industry recognition as early as 2007, when Jolet won numerous awards including the Fledgling Designer Project held by Melbourne label Body.

Today, Jolet’s design process is instinctual and emotive with each new collection designed to parallel her life and reflect her personal journey. One theme that remains prevalent throughout Jolet’s collections is the pursuit of ultra-perfection.  Jolet views the human quest for perfection as a compelling force and her work draws inspiration from the battle between the genuine and perfect self.
This conflict is best expressed through Jolet’s use of contrasting masculine and feminine elements.  The sharp, sculptural nature of her tailored pieces is effortlessly juxtaposed with more feminine qualities; draping, pleating and sheer fabrics.  It is the layering of these different elements within each range that helps create a more comprehensive look for JOLET patron.  With an emphasis on high quality, natural fabrics, Jolet creates a sensory experience for the wearer.

JOLET is an ardent supporter of the local industry and is proud to have all garments manufactured in Australia.

Sharni Brear, current NDS student featured on Yen's site

 

Sharni Brear 
*Article  courtesy of Yenmag: http://www.yenmag.net/artery/featured-illustrator/sharni-brear/ 
 

By Elise Pitt | 1 September 2011

Melbourne lass Sharni Brear likes to sit under fairylights in the AM hours of the morning and doodle bohemian goddesses.

Cleverly working with in a variety of mediums, from computer manipulated grey lead sketches to watercolour collages in her moleskine journal (which never leaves her side), it seems wondrously unfair that this talented gal is only eighteen!

She’s currently studying graphic design in the hope of becoming a world famous fashion illustrator and has recently named as one of the top 20 Finalists for the Rimmel Design a Tee competition. Well done Sharni!

Ex nds student Aleks Kostadinoski aka AdamNOTeve visits the nds photoimaging students

Ex nds student Aleksandar Jason Xavier Kostadinoski came out to inspire the photoimaging students this week. He is an amazing networker who is really going places! Aleks started blogging at NDS last year and now has over 2,000 followers! His blog can be found here: http://adamnoteve.tumblr.com/

He is regularly getting photographic shoots with music acts that include Snoop Dog, Lil' Bow wow, 16 bit, 50 cent, Nelly Kilis, Ludacriss, Lil Kim, Fabolous, The Jezabels, Danananaykroyd, Boy in a box, 360, Busta Rhymes, Bands of Tokyo, The Drums, Mike Snow, Foals, Pheonix and Noah & the Whale! 
See his Bands snapped album on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.211706442216590.57174.101324043254831&closeTheater=1 


Aleks regularly shoots at nightclubs, has done fashion shoots, is soccer mad and shoots at games constantly. He's not too shabby at catching portraits too. Check out his fb page: https://www.facebook.com/adamnoteve

In addition to all this, he is studying full time (Photoimaging @ RMIT) and he is only 19!!

Ex NDS student Fady Hachem's success story

Fady Hachem did NDS some years ago. He is now founder & director of Hachem, an award winning Melbourne based multi-disiplinary Design company. Hachem specialises in Arcitecture, Interior Design & Industrial Design.

Polka-Dot Studio: Eye Candy!

 Polka-Dot Studio

Tanya D'Souza did NDS in 2006. She went on to study Textile Design at RMIT. Tanya has taken a year out from study to work at GMH Holdens' Colour & Trim Department.

Here is a link to her blog...
In it she says:

"I'm a textile loving, cupcake eating,mess-creating designer in the making.
The Polka-Dot studio isn't really a studio.Yet!
Its a space full of the happenings in my life as it goes on (well, my creative life mostly)
It will evolve as I evolve.
Today its this, tomorrow...who knows!
Stick around and we can find out together!"