2025 Hot New Things: Frankie Robertson, Otago Polytechnic
Design Assembly profiles a selection of the top graduates from the best Art and Design Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. We welcome these talented emerging professionals to our industry, learn about their passions, final projects, developing creative confidence and ambitions for the future.
Today we speak with Frankie Robertson who recently graduated her studies in Communication Design from Otago Polytechnic. Find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate study options in art and design by visiting our Design Schools page.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Hi! I’m a Communication Design student at Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin. I’m exploring fashion, portrait, still life, and documentary photography through my studies and work experiences. With my love for the arts, I can’t title myself as a photographer. I work and play with film, and graphics as mediums also. I feel that these practices go hand in hand in the art and design world. I use photography as my main medium to show my perception of the world. As we live in a digital world, I enjoy applying physical elements to the work. Whether it’s reworking the image with physical material or using roughened analog film, I want to show the human touch. I like to capture of a different perception through an image and show a different story or manipulate. When you are challenged to understand an image, there are so many ways to perceive it. I find this the most rewarding feeling to create something new.
What was the focus of your graduating project?
When Company of Strangers sought to capture fresh imagery for their permanent jewelry collection ‘C.O.S Classics’, I explored a blend of physical and digital techniques to move away from the usual product photography to capture compelling imagery that expands the brand’s audience. This project began with photography exploration and let into physical displays, film, graphic designs and store prints to support the collection narrative. Photography offers a unique opportunity to tell stories and collaborate with other creatives. My experience studying at IED in Milan this year, allowed me to be fully immersed in photography as a discipline, pushing my boundaries to foster a diverse skill set. This journey deepened my appreciation for the craft. My desire to explore this industry continues to evolve.
Why did you choose to study design at Otago Polytechnic?
In school the only classes I cared about were the creative subjects. I’ve never been an academic girl and have a fear of a depressing office job — worst nightmare. So, when I left school I focused on finding my place in the creative field. Communication Design gives you the taste for many industries. It allowed me to dabble in graphics, photography, film, screen printing and film developing. Although, the experience only grew my desire to try more practices and experience new skills.
What did you enjoy most about the design programme at Otago Polytechnic?
The absolute highlight of the program was my exchange to study in Milan, Italy. This allowed to to fully explore photography in such a different depth and attend classes with inspiring industry practitioners. I had no idea what an intense semester I was stepping into, but the lifelong connections I made and the skills I grew at IED were so rewarding.
What was your biggest challenge while studying?
In the beginning I struggled to have confidence in my sharing my designs. I think it’s because most people had a certain look or aesthetic from the beginning and I was confused about what own my approach was. By completing a range of different projects I learnt that you don’t have to design one way with a single aesthetic, you have a freedom to create anything you desire. Although, I did find I love the a style that’s not crisp or obvious, and is overall imperfect.
What inspired you to pick design as a career path?
Growing up in the ‘gothic’ and ‘underground sound’ Dunedin, with many designers and artists throughout my family, made the creative career obvious to me early on. Watching the creative process in fashion – from the creative spark, to the manufacturing. to people purchasing and loving garments — I was so fascinated that you can have a career in playing with shapes, colors and textures. But I didn’t want to follow in my relatives footsteps, so I turned to communication design to explore other creative practices. Now I’ve found photography and want to explore it more!!!
Which piece in your portfolio are you most proud of and why?
I find it hard to look at past work, it’s such a learning curve to look back with fresh eyes. Although I don’t love the outcome, my most proud work was putting together a 8 look editorial on the pollution in Milan during my study at IED. I called it ‘Morte Lenta’ meaning slow death in Italian. I was so stressed at the time with many other projects, so I would have loved to put in more energy for a better collective but I’m proud of what I put together in the time I had. The editorial is shot at Garibaldi, a fast past corporate part of the city. The book flows through daily life expressing the slow death in a polluted city. I chose this narrative for my project because I was shocked how careless Italians are about their health compared to Kiwis. This was a great learning experience for organizing and managing people and creating a story through fashion photography.
Who is your favourite designer/creative/artist and why?
OMG this is the hardest question ever!! At the moment I love Jack Davidsons portraits and photography books. He can bring so much personality and emotion through the photo by playing with physical techniques and even theatrical looks to bring his intense photos to life.
What’s next for you?
I’m undecided where to go from here. After traveling this year I’m super eager to go back overseas with my camera and just be inspired by the different art, life and culture. I would absolutely love to intern or assist at a photography agency overseas and learn more through experience and gain confidence to work in the film and photography field.
Where can we see more of your work?
I post a little bit on my design Instagram and have a portfolio website with more projects.
