Graphic Design Student Recognized by AGDA
Ara was recognized as a finalist for two entries in Brand Identity in the student category at the AGDA Awards on Saturday 16 October. AGDA, the Australian Graphic Design Association, is the national organization for professional Graphic Designers. The AGDA biennial awards have been honouring design innovation, culture and business since 1992.
Abington Group, Ara’s first finalist entry, was developed as part of a Wesley Institute class with Khim Stone, as a complete re-branding of leading American engineering company, Abington Group. The brief was to re-create the company’s logo and stationery, and show an application of the new identity. Ara notes, “A corporate, yet modern look was given to update brand perception, while imagery was used to relay the type of work at Abington Group. The logo suggests a forward movement and showcases the many facets of Abington Group. The brand is strong, easily recognizable and cements Abington Group as a leading engineering company.”
Ara’s second finalist entry, Market City, was also developed 
as part of a class with Trevor Hotten at Wesley Institute.The brief was to create an identity and brand which appealed to the main target audience of Market City, a retail factory outlet located in the heart of Sydney's China Town. Discussing her solution, Ara states, “The logo created for Market City is modern and fresh. The four arrows pointing towards the centre convey Market City’s proud location in the heart of Sydney's China Town. The arrows, circular in formation, also represent the community, while the colours represent the four floors of Market City. To launch this new look, a campaign using black and white imagery, paired with simple typography would give Market City the energy it needs.”
Graduating with a Bachelor of Graphic Design in 2009, Ara is currently working as a mid-weight designer at Factory One. Reflecting on her study, Ara says, “Wesley Institute has taught me so much about design. You are expected to have a number of skills at hand and Wesley Institute has given me those skills. Learning the design process and all it entails is something which has aided me the most. Having teachers that have been in the industry for a number of years is also a key benefit. Working closely with them on each project really helped me grow as a designer.”
In the future, Ara would love to pursue Graphic Design opportunities in Melbourne and overseas. “The best thing I learned at Wesley Institute,” says Ara, “was how to push myself and keep doing better than what I've done before; not settling for ordinary design, but continuing to push the boundaries.”
Read more, including an interview with Ara, at Fervr.net.
