The pursuit for creative expression is instinctive to students from Raffles Design Institute, where an array of design-related programmes are available.

By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

Step into the quaint campus of Raffles Design Institute and you’ll be greeted by an atmosphere of unique inventiveness made alive by the impressive display of students’ designs at its reception.

Established in 1990, the school develops creative professionals and entrepreneurs in the areas of Fashion Design, Interior Design, Interactive Media Design (Multimedia Design, Animation, and Games Design), 3D Design (Product, Furniture, and Jewellery Design), Graphic Design, and Fashion Marketing (Fashion Marketing & Management, Retail Management, and Fashion Communication & Journalism).

The education provider also spans major cities in China, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand.

Stepping out, stepping up
Industry experience might kick-start a career in design, but propelling to success requires the support of a good foundation in design concepts.

Fashion Design student Zhang Xiaoqing has experienced this firsthand.

“Because what I studied in my previous college was very basic knowledge, I had to learn a lot of things by myself,” the 31-year-old reveals.

Having had experience in modelling and starting her own garment-making business in Vietnam, Xiaoqing might be considered an experienced veteran by some. However, her desire to pursue formal training in design prompted her to enrol with Raffles Design Institute in Singapore.

“My friends in the fashion business from Europe and Vietnam recommended Raffles Design Institute to me. When I arrived, I checked out the different schools. They’re all doing well; but among all the schools, I think Raffles Design Institute’s curriculum is stronger, which I think is very important,” she says.

The school not only provides a holistic curriculum, but also presents opportunities for students to showcase their talent and innovations on an international platform. Xiaoqing had a chance to participate in a design competition for a national costume to be worn by the winner of Miss Singapore Universe.

“It was a really great experience for me because I’ve never done a costume before,” she enthuses. “It’s about the colour and the structure, and costume design was really new for me, because what I did before was always ready-to-wear. So it was really out of my safety zone.”

Through that experience, Xiaoqing sharpened her communication skills. “I learnt how to cooperate with clients who have specific requirements, so I think that helped me for the future a lot,” she adds. “It also gave me more motivation.”

Another source of motivation is her fellow peers and inspirational teachers. “I like interacting with all the other students,” Xiaoqing says. “Also, I really enjoy the experiences that my teachers share with me. When I have a question, whether technique-wise or design concept-wise, I can always approach them.”

She continues, “I like the challenge of the course as well. It’s not for the faint of heart, so you have to be very strong and passionate about it.”

The heart of design
Meanwhile, Kankariya Gaurav Kiran, a second-year Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) student at Raffles Design Institute, believes that interior design is his calling – certainly a fitting choice, given that his parents are an architect and an interior designer.

“If you look at my background, my family is wholly into interior design,” Gaurav shares. “When we were constructing our own house, from that moment on, I had an interest in it.”

At Raffles Design Institute, skills are honed in an enjoyable and inventive environment, rather than dulled by an entirely theory-based curriculum.

Gaurav has also had his fair share of achievements, one of which includes winning a Bronze Award at the 9th Annual Seoul Beautiful Furniture Design Competition where he was asked to illustrate his idea of a “beautiful bench”.

The win, he says, is the biggest takeaway gained from his years at Raffles Design Institute. Because of the keen competition among students at the advanced diploma level, the desire to excel in the course is enough to propel them to a high standard.

“The learning environment here is very good,” he reveals. “It’s a bit strict, so we have to work 12 weeks in a term, and complete everything by then. But what I enjoy most about this course is that you get a chance to showcase your creativity.”

Gaurav had been impressed by Raffles Design Institute’s presentation during an educational exhibition back in Mumbai, India. Despite having already attained a diploma in his homeland, he decided to join Raffles Design Institute so as to learn more about the industry.

“Here, every subject is taught in detail,” he explains. “In design, you have to think about all the details, like constructing, plumbing and joinery. Everything is taught in a proper way in Raffles Design Institute.”

Like Xiaoqing, Gaurav finds that his lecturers’ extensive industry experience have positively impacted him and his fellow students.

“There are professors who have been in the industry for the last 20 to 25 years,” he says. “If you have a problem with your work, or if the construction of your design is not working, they’ll help you out with how to make it work, and how to go about doing it.”

Look in the mirror
Before you commit to one of Raffles Design Institute’s many reputable courses, Xiaoqing advises that you should first reflect on your abilities and passion. For starters, merely having “drawing skills” is not enough.

“You really need to recognise if you have the talent. I think that’s the very first stage,” she shares. “If you do believe that you have the talent, and you have the passion, then go for it. It’s very intense and demanding. You need to have both, and you need to really work hard.”

Gaurav agrees. “For every subject, you need to know what syllabus there is, and what you are actually going to do. All these things are important in selecting a course.”