Paula originates from Brazil and utilised experienced-based entry and her working career as an architectural draftsperson, to enter the SAE postgraduate program. Read more about Paula’s creative practice and what inspires her.
Meet the Masters
– Student Edition –
NAME: Paula Cordeiro
COURSE: Master of Creative Industries (MCI)
What made you decide to study the Masters of Creative Industries at SAE?
I knew of SAE in Byron Bay, but I didn’t know they had postgraduate courses. I discovered more at Open Day. I was accepted to the course using Experienced-Based Entry – providing a Brazilian diploma and including references to my extensive work experience.
What is your previous career experience?
In Brazil, I worked as an architectural draftsperson. I also worked as a textile artist with my sister. She and I exhibited our textile arts at some prestigious art centres in Sao Paulo including SESC da Pompeia and the Museum of the Brazilian House.
In Australia, I started working with oil paintings and had my first exhibition at the High Court of Australia. I later moved to Tenterfield, NSW and resumed my textile arts and sculptures. I could not resist the locally sourced merino fibre. I have also exhibited at the Lismore and Grafton regional art galleries in Far North NSW.
What did you enjoy about the MCI program?
I was excited to work on a major project of my choosing. It feels a bit like a flashback to my high school days, in the sense that there were important decisions to make on a theme. I approached my postgraduate study as a project of its own, a kind of biography. To me, my postgraduate education is used as a bridge to a new way of thinking about design and creative practice.
Did you find any new influences or inspiration?
I don’t think that I have changed much, I always research before practice.
However, I developed an interest in working in line with Theo Van Doesburg.
How did you stay connected to other Postgraduate students and staff while studying online?
I had a lot of support from students through the online discussion forums and the postgraduate Discord group. I look forward to future collaboration with students and teachers, after graduation, as a result of the development of our professional network and shared interests.
What are your career goals for the future?
I will apply my knowledge and experience to work with a variety of programs exploring ways to make autonomous systems that can create art – systems that have their own signature and aesthetic.
What drew you to work within the creative industries and become a creative practitioner?
I first became involved in the creative industries in Brazil, while working for the Department of Buildings under amazing architects. Later on and in Australia, I found inspiration working at the McKeever Group in Melbourne, as they were working on the Melbourne Conservatory of Music. I felt inspired by learning AutoDesk AutoCAD.
I always had a soft spot for architecture.
How did studying the MCI online suit your lifestyle?
It was quite difficult to part with SAE when the time came to graduate. The MCI suited my style of working quite well. I could continue to work and study without stress.
What are your top three tips for working online and staying motivated?
- Be prepared for a lesson.
- Working on the weekly tasks can be difficult depending on the module, but I suggest keeping on task as much as possible.
- Read or listen to the recommended books.
- Relate to your colleagues and engage with them as much as possible – in person or remotely.
