It is clear that SAE Brisbane Design Alumna, Kara Thattanakham, thinks deeply and passionately about design and the role it plays in the world around us. She has made the most of the internship she acquired at SAE by securing a full time position with Living Dead Clothing.

What inspired you to enter into the career you’re in?
I am very passionate about visual arts and design. I love creating new imagery and playing with colour. I use art to escape, as expression, for recreation and for professional purposes. Art and design have been such a large part of my life I could not picture myself doing anything else.

What are your fondest memories of your time at SAE?
The final project unit. At this point you are able to put all your time and effort into something you love and work independently. Any success or failure you encounter can only be attributed to yourself.

Are you able to shed some light on how studying at SAE lead you to where you are now?
I began by completing a BFA: Visual Arts at QUT and while studying I focused on traditional methods of art. SAE introduced me to digital methods of design and art which took me in the direction I am in now. Additionally, I found digital methods to be a better fit for my art and design.

What are your career highlights?
I was very fortunate to receive full time employment before graduating from SAE. I am currently working for Living Dead Clothing which allows me to practice visual arts and graphic design while indulging in my love of pop culture. The highlight of my career so far is opening social media networks and seeing images of people across the globe wearing clothing with my own artwork on it.

What projects are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on designs for Living Dead Clothing. I also do design work and commissions under my business Kareki Art where I am constantly working on new artwork and merchandising ideas.

What advice would you give to students aspiring to become successful in their field?
You need to be 100% committed and passionate about what you are doing. The creative industries are difficult to break into. If you aren’t willing to put everything you have into achieving your goals you are in the wrong field.