Pimp your Graphic Design career (Student)

The earlier you start, the higher your chance of getting a job. For reals.

Welcome to 'Pimp your Graphic Design career'!
Thanks for being proactive and investing in your future design career. Excited much! We want to take you from clueless student to high-fiving your way into that first job.
So – what is this? 12 steps (take as long as you want) which will SIGNIFICANTLY increase your chances of getting a job. As always The Design Kids (TDK) provides you the skills and knowledge for you to do it yourself. As with everything, the more you put in, the more you'll get out.
As a student just starting out, its all pretty overwhelming; multiple classes, where to get cheap tacos at lunch and how to ace those assignments the night before. We don't mean to freak you out, but the sooner you start thinking about your career, the better its gonna be. Don't wait til you graduate, its too late. NOW IS THE TIME. And guess what - its all fun, we promise!
Our course will show you exactly what you need to be doing *while* you're studying, how to get internships mid course, make the most of the crazy uni fees and finish school with experience, direction and a bunch of sweet job offers. We've got you. Each step will have mini activities and bonus points, so go for gold and good luck!
*** This course is aimed at Graphic Design students currently studying Graphic Design (or Comm Design or Vis Comm – you know what we mean) at school, college or university, or have just graduated less then 3 months ago. ***


Your Instructor


Frankie Ratford
Frankie Ratford

Frankie Ratford is an Australian designer, lecturer, and speaker, and has been working in the design industry for over 10 years. She is the Director of The Design Kids, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between students and industry within Graphic Design in Australia and New Zealand, as well as lecturing for four years, specialising in typography, publication and portfolios.

Each year, she runs an exhibition that teams a Creative Director up with a student or grad, and to date 740 people have taken part in the exhibitions, in multiple cities. During the folio submissions, she noticed the same issues popping up, so in 2013 she launched Folio Coaching, a one-on-one portfolio coaching service to help graduates, which has morphed this 12 step course, to keep it affordable for students.

Other notable achievements include being a International Society of Typographic Designers judge in 2014, working for big name studios herself, continually making job connections for graduates and being on first name basis with over 200 design studios internationally. She's obsessed with design and is very passionate about helping Australian and New Zealand designers find their place in the industry locally, and overseas. She's currently touring the USA to set up better channels for AUS/NZ designers to connect with opportunities overseas.


Course Curriculum


  First Section: GET INSPIRED
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days after you enroll
  Second Section: GET INVOLVED
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days after you enroll
  Third Section: GET HIRED
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days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
I'm studying ceramics - is this course relevant?
<p> Probably not - its best aimed at Graphic Design students, studying in Australia or New Zealand, and are currently still studying. If you are at the beginning, this is the best time to start, but second and third years need it more! The sooner you get started, the better. Its like the washing up. Graduates - we are writing you a separate course! </p>
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.
I studied graphic design in Australia, but I graduated two years ago. Is it still relevant?
<p> We are currently writing a graduate version of this course, so watch this space. </p>
I'm studying graphic design and majoring in illustrator - would you recommend doing the course?
<p> We pride ourselves on giving you the best information we can. We will be writing a tailored course, just for illustrators. So watch this space. </p>

Get started now!