My AWARD School journey
Jessica Sutton
AWARD SCHOOL 2022 | ART DIRECTOR | PERTH, WA
Despite nearly a decade of design experience behind me, I still didn’t consider myself “creative” and I was in need of a new challenge. Art direction seemed like an exciting prospect and a logical step from design. I didn’t necessarily think I had a shot of getting in but I figured it might reboot my flagging brain and teach me more about thinking creatively. So there I was, sitting in the AWARD School welcome lecture. And so began the rollercoaster of anticipation, excitement, despair, satisfaction, and relief as briefs were released, lectures were watched, concepts were developed and ideas nervously presented.
It was far from an isolating or lonely time. Thanks to the tutorials, in-person lectures, and other more casual events, I quickly got to know my tutorial group and people within the industry. Our group chat became a safe space to ask questions, rant, share memes, and support each other through the toils of AWARD School and life in general.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was how to persevere in the creative process. It’s easy to go with your first idea but this is rarely where the magic happens. Over the 12 weeks, I developed my own creative process and started to find out what worked for me. No more waiting around for inspiration to strike!
“While AWARD School is an excellent way to get a foot in the door of the advertising industry, it’s not just for aspiring copywriters or art directors. It’s for anyone who wants to learn to think more creatively and push beyond their own boundaries.“
AWARD School is a wild ride - intensely thrilling, nerve-wracking, euphoric, and probably not ideal for the faint-hearted. But if you’re willing to put in the work, you’ll get so much back. Over 3 months I developed a more curious mindset, sharpened my creative skills, gained an understanding of the industry, forged friendships, connected with mentors - and created a portfolio I’m dang proud of.
Angus Whalan
AWARD SCHOOL 2022 | DIGITAL ARTIST | SYDNEY, NSW
There’s no denying the course is packed, but that’s by the by. Everything about AWARD School just hurts so good. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to wring out your mind in search for new ideas, you’ve come to the right place.
“When the applications open email came around, I impulsively signed up. I thought hell, it’ll be a challenge and if I’m any good, maybe I can build my way up from retoucher to art director - turns out I was half decent!”
The classes for the course were so much fun (they’re one evening a week). We started off so uncomfortable and awkward in our tutorials - so scared to show off our ideas, lest they get judged. But by the end, everyone was throwing out their best and their worst without caring about the result. Because we all knew that a bad idea could become good once we all got talking.
AWARD School is great for those who want to reopen their minds and scoop out every thought they’ve ever had. Creativity is your pencil, and AWARD School will sharpen it.
Charlie Rosanove
AWARD SCHOOL 2022 | CREATIVE | SYDNEY, NSW
If you're a creative searching for a job or industry that doesn't require a three-year degree or a huge portfolio of work, then AWARD School is for you. I didn't know what advertising was when I first applied. I didn't get in first time around, but did the second time knowing that the ad industry was definitely where I wanted to be. After completing this course and getting a job, I'm now literally paid to spend time coming up with ideas that resonate and honing my creative process. I liken it to daydreaming - it's my favourite pastime.
"The best part of AWARD School was catching up with everyone after the lectures. You get to see everybody's work and how far you've all come. It's not just a community of creatives - you make really good friends."
It has definitely opened doors for me. Within the first few weeks, through lectures and meeting tutors and the school heads, I made a bunch of new contacts. A lot of job prospects came my way from just reaching out to people at companies that I liked and asking them for help with my book. It's an amazing platform and an opportunity to meet and stay in contact with a lot of people in the industry.
I applied because I wanted to do a course that would push me and take my creativity to the next level. The 12-week experience was tough, but also fun and super rewarding. There's never a dull moment and you meet a lot of like-minded creatives that are motivated just like you. I still catch up with a lot of them.