After spending five years teaching in Japan, Bina Shurety decided to study for a New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design through Ara Institute of Canterbury and eCampus NZ, as a first step into a new career.
“I’ve always been creative; I love art and make my own music,” she said.
“When my partner and I moved back to New Zealand at the start of 2021, I decided that I wanted to get into a career in art and design.”
“I know I’d need to re-educate, particularly because I had never used Adobe before.”
How did Bina find the course?
While she’s comfortable in the digital world, Bina decided to fast-track her learning journey by enrolling to study online with Ara.
“I’m a fast learner with technology, but I thought getting a foundation in basic Adobe skills would be a good idea – so I could teach myself from there,” she said.
Bina enjoyed the practical nature of the course.
“We created posters, logos, children’s books, recipes – all sorts of things. I really liked that we had to produce something every week, rather than just learning theory and taking tests,” she said.
“Because we were actually creating digital art and using the skills we were learning, I know I’ll remember what I’ve learnt when I need to use these skills in future jobs.”
She loved having the opportunity to express herself.
“There was more freedom than I was expecting; as long as you follow the design briefs, you can really explore your creative side,” she said.
About the New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design
eCampus NZ worked closely with Ara Institute of Canterbury’s Department of Creative Industries in 2021 to launch an online version of the New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design.
There are challenges associated with offering such a practical, creative programme online.
Inspired by the challenge and determined to equip learners with the same skills they would learn in a studio environment, our eLearning designers created a virtual design house called Aronga Whanokē Design.
Learners navigate through this virtual world, using design briefs to create a variety of works using photography, illustration, video, and animation, and learning how to use the Adobe suite along the way.
In the first course, learners get a foundation in basic design principles as they create a range of digital materials in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
Facilitator Sandy Galland, who guides learners through this course, has loved seeing Adobe beginners producing “quality, creative, and technical work” by the end of the first, 10-week course.
Are you interested in a career in digital media and design? Check out our courses and apply today!