2025 Hot New Things: Emma Jackson, 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 Emma Jackson who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Communication (Design) from Otago Polytechnic School of Design 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:
Kia Ora! My name is Emma Jackson, and I’m a Dunedin based UI and concept artist. Outside of study, I enjoy running, netball, reading and painting, and always make time for some video games for “research”. I’m a values-driven designer, deeply passionate about environmental conservation, fostering diversity, and creating games that represent people equitably and inclusively. I hold a Level 4 Certificate in Digital Media and Design, and am soon to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communication (Design).
What was the focus of your graduating project?
I was lucky enough to be offered an internship with Christchurch startup oVRcome, who make accessible VR exposure therapy (cool right?!?). I collaborated with them to develop a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) based game, aimed at managing ADHD symptoms in kids, that could be used in supplement to VR therapy. Over the 12-week internship, I developed the first level by myself – teaching myself how to code, write narrative, do sound design, and navigate Unity (the game engine). It was an important topic for me – CBT is an incredibly effective medication alternative for kids with ADHD yet is wildly expensive and completely inaccessible for a lot of whānau. I was super excited to be a part of something that would genuinely help people.
Why did you choose to study design at Otago Polytechnic?
I got into games through watching playthroughs on YouTube as a kid, and as my love for art developed through high school, studying to become a concept artist for video games felt like a natural progression. Otago Polytechnic offers the Communication (Design) degree which is widely flexible (also offering paths down graphic design, film, app and website design and photography). It felt like a degree that (due to its range in papers) I was sure to enjoy!
What did you enjoy most about the design programme?
I really enjoy the freedom the degree gives you – the Polytech is really good at building on your own interests and encouraging you to do/design/build what you’re passionate about. I feel it encourages you to come out the other side of the degree with strong values and passions, and with a clear plan of what you want to work on next. I have also had some amazing lecturers – people who go out of their way to help you and support you in any way you need (inside or outside of the class).
What was your biggest challenge while studying?
Definitely the programming part! I’m very much a visual person, and I’m not quite built for coding I don’t think. Of course, I had to do it for my internship, and thankfully had a lot of support from my lecturers when I got stuck! I’m very proud to say that by the end of the 12 weeks, I was confident enough to write code myself, but it’s not something I enjoy. I do feel like the experience has made me a better developer though, as in my future projects I feel I can support the programmer on the team better, and even take on some simple tasks to help them out if they need!
What inspired you to pick design as a career path?
I come from a pretty artistic/creative family in generally, but my Dad is the true inspiration. He’s an amazing painter and metal sculptor and has always been extremely encouraging of my art (even when it was horrible). He’s the first to ask what I’ve been drawing lately and gives great feedback. I don’t think I would be a designer without him!
Who with your favourite designer/artist/creative?
My dad (Southern Sculpture)! His work is beyond amazing. He’s so patient with it and definitely a perfectionist (it shows). His work is so unique and he puts so much time and energy and thought into each piece.
What piece in your portfolio are you most proud of?
Definitely the work I did for my internship/graduation project. Since it was for a client, I took extra time to make it as polished as possible, and I couldn’t be prouder of the result!
Where can we see more of your work?
My portfolio website and on LinkedIn. Or email me at emma.jackson43@gmail.com
