Capturing the essence of RMIT in design

Fashion graduate Minxuan Chen put everything she loves about RMIT into a greeting card design that leaps off the page with joy.

Minxuan designed her winning entry into RMIT’s 2023 Graduation Greeting Card Competition using design skills honed in the Bachelor of Fashion (Design).

Seven people can be seen gathered around the red RMIT logo. One is wearing a hijab and throwing her graduation cap in the air, another wears overalls adorned with a rainbow pride patch while a woman sits in a wheelchair filming proceedings.

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The diversity of people and skills made it the winner of the RMIT Graduation Greeting Card Competition. 

“Inspired by the vibrant and dynamic spirit of RMIT, my piece is a celebration of the academic journey and the boundless potential that follows when graduating with a degree from RMIT,” Minxuan said. 

“The piece honours the graduates of RMIT, who are diverse in field of study and in personality. The RMIT logo, featured at the centre of the design, symbolises the university's role as the guiding force in the graduate’s educational journey. The students surrounding the emblem represent the many skills that can be acquired at RMIT, each one a testament to the university's commitment to nurturing a diverse community of talented individuals.” 

Drawing on her own experiences of teamwork at RMIT, Minxuan said it was important to convey people making a difference together. 

“Their collective presence evokes a sense of connection between members of the RMIT community, showcasing the power of collaboration,” she explained.  

“This artwork radiates pride, reflecting the hard work, dedication, and achievements of RMIT's students. It embodies the joy of graduation and the well-earned sense of accomplishment that follows.” 

Design for life 

Minxuan embarked on the Bachelor of Fashion (Design) with a passion for creativity and a goal: to carve out a career in the fashion industry.  

She immigrated to Australia with her family from Hunan, China in 2015 and was influenced by designers such as Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyaki. 

During the course, she began veering away from fashion and into illustration. 

“I slowly began to gain insight into my real passions and learnt more about the fashion industry more broadly,” she said. 

“Through this, I realised I did not particularly enjoy manufacturing garments, and it was designing that made me happy. 

“However, I can say with confidence my favourite part of the fashion design course was the initial phase of the design process, which was a part of many assignments. This included things like creating mood boards, illustrating and exploration with various materials.  

“Furthermore, the designs would go through several iterations and would also need elements to support the presentation, such as posters or videos. I enjoyed this creative process so much that it slowly became the thing I wanted to continue with beyond my degree, particularly illustrating.” 

Minxuan photographed wearing a brown sweater standing in a gallery space “Inspired by the vibrant and dynamic spirit of RMIT, my piece is a celebration of the academic journey and the boundless potential that follows when graduating with a degree from RMIT,” Minxuan said.

Building a business

Since graduating in 2021, Minxuan has set her sights on starting her own business and forging a freelance career.

“I have spent time researching how to start my own small business that would sell products such as prints, greeting cards and other stationery items that feature my illustrations,” she said. 

“I have been doing various freelance jobs in the meantime. Most recently, I have been teaching online drawing classes to school-age children and I greatly enjoy it.”

Studying at RMIT brought Minxuan a defined sense of style she says will help shape her future.

“My time at RMIT taught me to be open-minded and willing to experiment during the design process,” she said.

“I have found this to be very important, as it can take a long time to find your own style and what makes you special. 

“The next step for me is to begin selling my own products in online and local stores. Winning the competition has given me a sense of confidence that my design work is good enough to make it.”

Story: Kate Jones

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.