Amber Butt

3rd-year student, Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Communication Design

Designing a campaign when she was in high school inspired her to study communication design, says Amber Butt who is studying a Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa.

“From as young as kindergarten I always favoured the arts and crafts table, but I didn’t think of it as something to pursue as a career until the end of Year 13. In my final year of design in high school, I was able to create a body of work for a campaign of my choice; a campaign to spread awareness and to help people feel less alone.

“Knowing that the campaign could have affected someone was rewarding and special; whether or not it reached a large audience. This led me to communication design. To communicate and help others through design is something I love to do and am excited to pursue as a career.”

Amber says seeing work by other art and design students inspired her to choose AUT for her own journey towards becoming a professional designer.

“I was in awe not only because of the talent but also because of the diverse range of styles, media forms and topics. It made me realise that AUT’s design degree is a very hands-on and expressive one that truly allows people to grow and convey their strengths. I hadn’t seen anything like that from other universities I had been looking at.”

A new adventure
Amber says the diverse range of assignments and topics has been one of the highlights of her studies.

“From packaging to awareness campaigns to self-portrait concertinas, it really has been an adventure so far, and I appreciate being able to have skills and knowledge in various areas of design. I’ve enjoyed the sense of independence. University is definitely a step up from high school but in the best possible way, being able to mix with new people, being in a new location and being on my own schedule has been very enjoyable for me.

“I recommend AUT as you’ll be surrounded and supported by likeminded people who have a passion for the same thing as you. You’re also constantly being supported by the staff, from things like mental health support to encouragement when going out into the ‘real world’. Studying at AUT has made me feel less scared about the future.”

She says receiving an AUT Find your Greatness Scholarship has also helped her immensely through her university experience.

“The scholarship has given me a sense of comfort and security. By receiving this scholarship, I’ve had the privilege to be able to experiment more within my degree, and not have to worry about things like printing and material cost.”

Advice for other students
Now in the final year of her studies, Amber has some great advice for other students.

“My advice is to enjoy the experience of being at uni as much as you can. Be confident in yourself and the work you produce as that truly does make the biggest difference.”

It's not all about study, she adds.

“Try your best to balance student life with your work life and your social life, and make sure you’re looking after yourself.”