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Creativity is a global industry, and Collarts prioritises connection and collaboration across the planet. Our diverse student body works to expand that widespread network one class and conversation at a time, bringing together different yet interconnected perspectives to create well-rounded, globally-minded graduates.
Aye Thadar is an Interior Design student completing her degree online from Myanmar. Pursuing her creative career goals in the midst of political turmoil has given Aye a unique perspective on the power of art and aspiration to make positive changes for yourself, your local community, and the global creative industry.
I’m fascinated by the intersection of different creative industries like fashion, photography, fine arts and the performing arts, and I particularly love supporting the diverse talents of young creatives in Myanmar. The community is quite strong and people are really willing to share their knowledge, expertise and skills. Growing up in a place with rich traditions, intricate stories and beautiful sacred sites, I've learned to truly value and appreciate the depth of heritage that surrounds me. I always feel something familiar yet new from warm interactions with local people, delicious traditional cuisines, and the rich architecture around Myanmar. To me, passion is highly contagious. Listening to and observing others when they talk about their interests and passions is sort of like getting a glimpse into their world, and often leads to new ideas, perspectives and approaches that I hadn't considered before. Their enthusiasm is infectious and it encourages me to dive deeper into my own creative pursuits. The wonderful thing about creativity is that it can be shared, celebrated and received universally, allowing me to learn from the people in my life and share my own creative journey with them.
My designs are a translation of my vision, deeply rooted in my values and experiences. Both my design philosophy and passion reflect what I want to see more of in the Interior Design space, where environments are sensibly designed and embedded with storytelling. Through embracing experimentation and surrendering myself to the process, my designs visually represent my journey, growth and evolving design language. While some designers may have confidently settled into a specific style or niche, I find joy in exploration. I’m constantly seeking new techniques and pushing boundaries. Stepping out of my comfort zone fuels my passion for growth and encourages me to approach each project with a fresh perspective.
I always knew I wanted to pursue a creative career. I didn’t know when or how, but the instinctive feeling of wanting to make a positive impact, help people and bring ideas to fruition propelled me to explore all the possibilities. In my studies, I was looking for a supportive and inclusive environment, a collaborative approach to learning, real-world relevance, and a focus on fostering individuality and creativity. My partner suggested I look into interior design and I began watching YouTube videos and reading articles on the industry and believed interior design could holistically nurture my interests. After completing my Cert IV at Sydney Design School, Collarts was high on my list of potential colleges. I religiously checked their social platforms and reached out to alumni to ask about their experiences there, because I wanted to be a part of something bigger and more meaningful.
Collarts’s Interior Design course has been instrumental in shaping my aspirations and providing me with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in my field. The comprehensive curriculum has given me a solid foundation to apply to real-world scenarios, hands-on projects and effective collaborations. Throughout the course of my studies, the immense amount of support and constructive feedback I’ve received from all the lecturers and coordinators at Collarts has been invaluable. Their dedication to student success is clear in their willingness to go above and beyond, ensuring each student receives the guidance and support they need to excel.
It’s been challenging, but highly rewarding. My initial concerns were not being able to have that in-person interaction, not receiving enough support, having limited technical skills and not being familiar with Australian communities and cultures. However, the online learning environment has been enriching in ways I never thought possible.
Although the difference in time zones and the inability to attend on-campus events has been a challenge, Collarts’ welcoming environment ensured I felt supported at all times. I had access to recordings of classes so I wasn’t missing out on crucial content, and being remotely-based allowed me to be close to family and home. I’ve learned to rely on my own initiative and resourcefulness to absorb and understand complex concepts, which has not only made me a more effective learner but also helped me gain confidence in my capabilities. The opportunity to interact with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds has also broadened my perspective and encouraged me to be proactive in seeking out guidance.
It’s taught me to approach situations with resilience, adaptability and sensitivity. Being born and raised in Myanmar – seeing, hearing and witnessing the devastating impact of political unrest on my home country and its people – has instilled a deep sense of empathy and determination in me. The resilience and unity shown by the people of Myanmar have been a source of inspiration for me. Their ability to persevere in the face of adversity has encouraged me to make the most of every opportunity and contribute positively to the world around me. An important lesson I learned from my dad at an early age is the value of resourcefulness. He taught me how an adaptable mindset and finding opportunity in challenges are essential skills. This has stuck with me throughout my life and guided me in my academic pursuits, helping me to grow personally and professionally. Design is all about empathy and the ability to understand and connect with the needs and desires of others, so storytelling has become an integral part of my design process. I find meaning in everything I take on, even if it might not be apparent at first glance. This approach has allowed me to find solace in recognising that I’ve given and done my best in any moment.
I envision myself taking a dual-edged approach, giving back and sharing what I’ve learned with others while also continuing to grow and evolve as a designer. Being open-minded and having an enthusiastic mindset in welcoming opportunities will be the driving forces in my journey. Although I’ve been contributing what I can to alleviate the challenges the communities here have been facing throughout my studies, I want to dedicate more time and energy towards this cause after the completion of my studies. By sharing my own experiences and skills and being open to receiving the same from others, I believe this will create a ripple effect in contributing to the development and enrichment of communities at large. In terms of professional growth, I’m excited for the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of real-world context and challenges, as well as hands-on experience in the field. Ultimately I hope to collaborate and work alongside like-minded individuals as a versatile and forward-thinking designer who is committed to making a positive difference in the world through design.
Aye has also shared some resources for those looking to make a difference for the people of Myanmar: