Class 2: Peer profile - William Xie

Will is not the kind of person who wants to be bogged down by the mundanities of life and he carries this mindset through all his decision making.

"I'm interested in the media and communications industry purely for the creative aspect.."

It was for this reason that he was quick to transfer from his initial course, Public relations.

"Looking around I just didn't feel like I belonged.. it was just a bad fit. It was missing the creative half that drew me to communications."

He is much happier where he is now in Professional Communications. Looking to the future, Will aims to work in the film industry, starting small but moving up as far as he can by creating industry connections. Something which he feels RMIT specialises in.

Will sees his future in 'steps' and this spring semester is just the first of many.

Animation is a passion of his but he doesn't want his career to be defined by one skillset. A factor which lead him to choose Proffesional Communication over a dedicated animation course.

"I don't see myself slaving away at an animation company on minimum wage for the first 3 years of my career."

Despite this outlook, Will is no stranger to hard work and has previously spent three years as an army cadet, only narrowing missing a full promotion to Corporal after cramping during a swimming test.

A military career was cruelly out of reach for Will, but it was just another step towards his future. Which he believes could be "anywhere".

"A career in China is always a possibility if things don't work out for me in Australia."

He hopes that eventually he will gain enough connections to be able to "jump from one career to another".

"Reality tv to Tv to Animation, it's not that big of a jump." For Will the only way is up to reach his goals in the film industry.

You can find out more about Will (or send him a DM) on his blog here.

-T

The Gestalt principles of design (Chapman 2017) which I considered the most while taking this photo series were the principles of Line and Shape. When looking for an interesting subject to photograph I find myself drawn to natural frames in varying shapes. Frames such as the curved underside of the stairs in image 1 can create a compelling image once combined with an interesting subject to be framed.

The second image is a composite image of 3 low shutter speed photos. I really like the way in which a low shutter speed and a static background can give a real sense of motion and drama to a still image. I believe this image utilises the design element of direction as it provides a path for the audiences eyes to follow, leading from the begining of Will's run to it's conclusion at the basketball ring. I feel it also appeals to the element of texture as the feathery texture of Will in motion contrasts with the solid background (J6 design 2017).

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J6 Design 2019, The principles of Design, J6 Design, blog post, Viewed Dec 14 2019.

(J6Design, < http://www.j6design.com.au/6-principles-of-design/>)

Cameron Chapman 2017, Exploring the Gestalt Principles of Design, Designers, Blog post Viewed Dec 14 2019. https://www.toptal.com/designers/ui/gestalt-principles-of-design

Attempting to channel some Warhol through Will on this one. The end result? A genuine piece of Popart history, view it now before you have to pay to see it at the NGV.