Sharley Aitchison

Sharley Aitchison was one of the older students in her Diploma of Computer Graphic Design class having worked for a few years before deciding to go back studying. She found this an advantage. “I was very focused on what I wanted to learn and was able to get the most out of what Natcoll had to offer,” she explains. And not wanting to spend too much time out of the work force, Natcoll’s diploma course meant she qualified in less than a year and gained the concrete practical skills she was after.

Other deciding factors for Sharley were the initial “word-of-mouth” recommendations, flexibility of start dates with several intakes throughout the year, affordability, and the Wellington campus (its handy location, upbeat feel and comfortable facilities). “And once I had started the course I found I had a fabulous tutor who was not only a great teacher but shared her industry experience which I really appreciated.”

After finishing her diploma, Sharley worked for five years as a Graphic Designer/Creative at Glassons. This was a varied, unique role assisting the marketing, buying and virtual merchandising teams. “Lots of variety: 2D, 3D, window designs, swing tags, garment prints, virtual merchandising propping, etc. Fun, fun, fun!” She now has her own graphic design business in Byron Bay, Australia where she works for a diverse range of smaller clients. Sharley spends most of her time working on website design, Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) and look books, business identities, brochures, business cards, etc. “It is really fantastic having the retail promotion experience, as I can assist my clients achieve things they did not know existed.”