The Communication Design Graduate Show at UniSA is an essential, and sometime life-changing event for the students involved, says the exhibition’s 2022 Co-Chair Sam Brown.

“Unlike many other creative degrees at uni… we don’t have to do a mandatory internship. The actual industry connection and industry experience is not advertised at uni.

“I feel like the Grad Show, for a lot of students, is really their only opportunity to connect with industry. I know a couple of people have actually scored a job out of their Grad Show.”

Less often acknowledged, though, is the opportunity the Grad Show presents for those already working in the industry.

The event, which showcases the final year work of dozens of new generation design students, is a fast-track to accessing the emerging aesthetic thinking and trends that will soon be shaping the creative sector.

Among her cohort of students, who are still only halfway through their final year, Sam has already noticed some strong themes.

“I feel this year, a lot of students are putting a lot of focus on textures - physical stuff,” says Sam. “The show’s Co-Chair, Lucy [Turczynowicz], she just completed some wine bottles and her labels are felt.

“And we’ve been a bit more creative this year in terms of our final presentation of our product mock-ups. A lot of us have put a lot of effort into creating realistic objects.

“Then we have a lot of really talented illustrators this year, so that’s another thing that’s pretty exciting.”

The Grad Show is a student-led event, and can be a significant financial drain for graduates attempting to manage event costs while also funding the production of their exhibition works.

The exhibition committee is currently seeking modest industry contributions toward the Grad Show’s operational expenses.

“This event is entirely student-funded,” says Sam. “We’re just reaching out to some people who might be able to help, because I think this event is really important for some of the students.”

Sponsorship packages include benefits like advertisement and logo placements in the exhibition catalogue, and recognition on social media.

And, of course, there’s invitations to the event itself included too – the chance to see the next generation of creatives and their aesthetics.

“It should just be a really nice time,” says Sam, “a big celebration of creativity in Adelaide.”

The 2022 UniSA Communication Design Graduate Show will launch on November 25 and be open to the public until December 2.

For more information or sponsorship enquiries contact Sam Brown via thisisthedesignshow@gmail.com