April 24, 2019

After tough start, graphic design graduate thrilled to finish degree

AIME integral to helping Josh Pickering embark on university studies. 

As a high school student in Blacktown, deep in Western Sydney, Josh Pickering had no idea how to get to where he wanted to go.

He wasn’t sure if he would graduate from high school, let alone attend university, and thought his career would eventually be in a field he wasn’t particularly passionate about.

Then along came AIME, the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience, which changed the course of Josh’s life.

“I was in a bad place in high school,” Josh said. “But AIME started at my high school and the program picked me up when I was down. It helped me to figure out my way forward.

“Without AIME, I wouldn’t be finishing university and be here today.”

Yesterday (Wednesday 24 April), Josh was among the cohort of creative arts students graduating from the University of Wollongong (UOW). He received a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Graphic Design), a moment he described as “a real accomplishment”.

Josh had always considered himself creative; he loved art, loved to draw, and was heavily influenced by an uncle who was an artist.

But he was apprehensive about taking on a degree. He came to UOW via Woolyungah Indigenous Centre’s Admissions Program, and a tour of the campus, led by arts lecturer and the Head of Students Joshua Lobb, was an eye-opening and inspiring experience.

Taking the plunge, Josh began a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Graphic Design). Despite some low moments in his second year, which he said he overcame through the support of his teachers, including Mr Lobb, Josh has thrived, earning high marks in many subjects.

Internships with Foxtel and Lendlease have enabled him to expand his creative wings and immerse himself in the world of design and branding.

“I love working on brand identities, working with a company to create something that captures what they do,” Josh said.

Last year, the impending arrival of his first child, now a gorgeous, almost one-year-old boy, coincided with the completion and delivery of his major third-year project. For that, he chose to completely redesign Wollongong’s identity with a dynamic, captivating brand and logo. But

Josh took the juggle of new parenthood and studies all in his stride, and is now a proud, doting father.

He is thrilled to be graduating, thrilled to have made it this far. As the first in his family to complete university, Josh has a promising career ahead in a field he clearly loves.

“It feels incredible,” he reflected.

Now, years after high school, Josh has advice for those who may not feel like they have their own path ahead, like he once did.

“Being at university, I’ve been able to become who I wanted to be,” he said. “I feel like I have learned to open up and be myself.

“I would encourage anyone else to not be afraid to ask for help. Don’t follow the same road as everyone else, just because you feel like you should. It’s boring. Be who you want to be.”