2022 Hot New Things: Azi MacPherson, Wintec
Each summer DA profiles a selection of the top design graduates coming out of our tertiary institutions. We welcome these talented emerging professionals to our industry, learn about their passions, final projects, developing creative confidence and ambitions for the future.
In this article, we talk with Azi MacPherson from Wintec. You can find out more about Aotearoa NZ creative study options by visiting our design schools page.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Azi, I’m a recent graduate from Wintec. I love animals, reading, coffee, tattoos, and all things creative. I’ve always enjoyed art and found myself excelling more in this area during school, although I had my first taste (and love!) of graphic design in year 13, and from that, I knew I wanted to continue my career path in design.
What did your graduating project focus on?
My final graduating project was a brand identity for a hypothetical smoothie bar called “Crooks smoothie bar.” The brand focuses on creating an edgy and alternative “seven deadly sins” themed smoothie bar. My project aimed to use a disruptive idea that stepped away from the “norm” of the current smoothie shop market.
Why did you choose to study at Wintec?
I chose to study at Wintec as I wanted a more hands-on study environment. I had heard from others that you could create better relationships with your peers and tutors at Wintec because the classes were a lot smaller, so I decided based on this that it was where I wanted to go.
What did you enjoy most about your course, or what do you feel you can take away now that you’ve completed it?
I enjoyed getting the opportunity to work with real clients for some assignments as it gave me a more industry-like experience while studying. I also really loved having a multitude of different elective classes to take as well! I feel like having the opportunity to delve into things such as screen-printing, surface designing, illustration and more, really opened the opportunity to find a niche and just upskill myself!
Were there any exciting or unexpected discoveries to come out of your studies?
I found it exciting to learn about the whole design process! I love how much it opened my eyes to the full thought process behind a design, it’s amazing to see how much work goes on behind graphic design and it’s not all about just making things “pretty”.
What was your biggest challenge while studying and how did you overcome it?
The covid lockdowns! We had a large chunk of our study affected by the multiple covid lockdowns, but the hardest challenge was having our final semester of study almost completely online. This demotivated not just me – but almost everyone I know from my class, and it became a mental struggle. Although through good support systems at Wintec and just persevering to make a final project I was happy with, I managed to overcome it all.
How are you feeling about the future?
Very excited! But also, nervous. I know there aren’t many design jobs going where I’m currently based, so it looks like making a move elsewhere is the go!
What does your dream job look like?
My dream job is to work in a design studio that has a wide variety of projects they work on and one that has a close team of creatives.
What’s next for you?
The next step for me is getting a job in the graphic design industry!
How can people get in touch or see more of your work?
Email: azimaccas@gmail.com
Instagram: @azis.design
