Chanelle Powley-Doreen

Studying art design at high school led Chanelle Powley-Doreen to the realisation that she wanted to turn graphic design in to a life long career. “I have always been a very hands-on, artistic person, passionate about ‘stuff that looks cool’.” she explains. However, her goal was to work and travel so she discussed her options with peers who had already been overseas and decided to take their advice - train to have a combination of graphic and web design skills.

This meant Chanelle was not interested in completing a three year degree studying “just one aspect of design” so after hearing about Natcoll through her high school careers department, she decided to apply for the one-year Diploma of Computer Graphic Design. “I went in for an interview a few months before I started the course and fell in love with the atmosphere the campus had. That was ultimately the deciding factor.” she says. After learning about graphic design she went on to complete the Diploma of Interactive Design to gain web design skills.

She now feels she is fully equipped with all the basic knowledge required to begin working in the industry. “Natcoll is renowned for their student knowledge of ‘industry standards’.” explains Chanelle, “And I felt very prepared going out into the real world to get a job.” In the months following graduation from Natcoll she had work experience in a small graphic design company called iCandy Media working alongside the art director as an assistant designer. And recently Chanelle has started work as an assistant designer at Cube, a Wellington based print, design and signage company.

After spending two years at Natcoll, Channelle is certainly qualified to offer an opinion on Natcoll. “I would defintiely recommend Natcoll to other students. The tutors are awesome. The campus atmosphere is vey laid back. The courses include everything you need to know. You meet people you will never forget. You won’t regret it!””