2026 Hot New Things: Lola Crocker, YOOBEE
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 Lola Crocker who recently graduated from YOOBEE in the Diploma in creative marketing. Find out more about tertiary study options across Aotearoa New Zealand on our Design Schools page.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I knew I wanted to do something in the creative space after high school but I’ve never been the best at school and didn’t feel like going to University was really for me. I decided to take a gap year after I finished high school and during that time I found the Diploma in Creative marketing course at Yoobee. It felt like something I could do and I could do well so I decided to give it a shot and it has been so amazing to learn all of these new skills and see just how far I can push myself.
What was the focus of your graduating project?
My graduating project focused on skin care. I chose to create another line of skin-care for Dermal therapy focusing more on how the products make you feel rather than the results. I believe skin-care isn’t just about the results but how each product feels on your skin and how wearing those products makes you feel. I wanted to create something that could appeal to a wide range of consumers while still being beneficial and results producing.
What did you choose to study Diploma in creative marketing at YOOBEE?
I chose this program because I know a few people who do marketing and I wanted to as well however I didn’t want to go to University for a minimum of 3 years to mostly read and not do many practical assessments. I chose this program because it being only a year, mainly practical and online sounded like the dream program to me.
What did you enjoy most about the programme?
I enjoyed learning new things and putting them into practice. I learn by doing, not watching. So to be able to actually do everything and try everything I was able to succeed in my course and really out my best work out there.
What was your biggest challenge while studying?
My biggest challenge was staying focused during the day. I loved doing online work because I can have a flexible schedule and do ym school while still being able to do everything else I enjoy. However during the days when I had something on after school I would only think about that and wouldn’t be able to focus much. I over came this my setting goals for myself for the days that was happening, e.g. Finish these 3 activities for today or Just finishing editing this one project today.
Who (or what) inspired you to pick design as a career path?
My auntie inspire me to pick a design career path. She has her own graphic design company and it able to have a flexible schedule while also creating amazing pieces of work for people. She has also made some really amazing connection through doing the work she does which has been really inspiring.
Who is your favourite designer?
My favourite creator is Emma Chamberlain because she has managed to create a brand and a unique identity for herself in a sea of trends and bandwagons. I especially love her coffee company “Chamberlain Coffee” because although there are hundreds of coffee brands she has created something new. She uses cute drawings of animals on the packaging and animals for the names e.g. early bird blend and fancy mouse espresso blend. She is unapologetically herself on the internet and you can see that through her company as well. Chamberlain Coffee feels like an extension of Emma’s personality.
What is next for you?
I would love to start working in the marketing industry next year and start making a name for myself. I have plans to move to London in 2027 and want to have some “real world” experience before moving there.
Where can we see more of your work?
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lola-crocker-3a22562b6
Email – lolamae.crocker@gmail.com
Phone – 0224071474
Lola Crocker
