TAFE NSW has helped a St Andrews local turn her love for art into training the next generation of creatives, having landed her dream job teaching fine arts and graphic design at her local TAFE NSW campus at 30 years old.

After completing a Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts at TAFE NSW Campbelltown, visual artist Marwa Charmand’s unique works were exhibited in numerous galleries. She also forged a successful career as a freelancer in the graphic design industry over several years, working with the likes of Aldi, Costco, and Big W.

Last year, Ms Charmand completed a TAFE NSW Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as part of the TAFE NSW Training and Assessment (TAE) Scholarship Program, so she could pass on her industry experience to up-and-coming creative professionals. She is now working as a part-time fine arts and graphic design teacher at TAFE NSW Campbelltown and TAFE NSW Kingswood.

“I decided to enrol in the TAFE NSW Diploma of Fine Arts as I’ve always loved art and knew I wanted to make it my career. Working as a freelance graphic designer was incredibly rewarding and the course equipped me with the skills and confidence to meet my clients’ diverse needs, while putting my own creative spin on things,” Ms Charmand said.

“My experience in the industry opened my eyes to just how valuable creativity is in business. It also inspired me to help others hone their creativity and forge successful careers of their own, whether it be as an artist or in the growing graphic design field – the opportunities are endless.

“It’s great to have come full circle thanks to the TAFE NSW TAE Scholarship Program and the valuable skills I’ve gained through my previous studies at TAFE NSW, and in the workplace.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Design Lydia Kullik said students like Marwa highlight how high-quality, practical training opens the door to a variety of rewarding careers.

“The nationally-recognised TAFE NSW Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts equips students with the skills they need to succeed in the creative industry, whether it be as a gallery curator or freelance artist,” Ms Kullik said.

“Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, students learn how to research and apply theories of creativity, publicly present a body of their creative work, and draw and use visual representations tools so they can hit the ground running once they graduate.”

TAFE NSW’s Training and Assessment (TAE) Scholarship Program supports the recruitment of experienced and qualified industry professionals for teaching roles.

For more information about the range of fine arts courses on offer at TAFE NSW, visit tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Emma Woodward, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.woodward15@tafensw.edu.au ​​​​​​​