With just under a year in-between the start of this issue and the end of issue seven we thought it would be a good time to catch-up with the recent graduates of issue seven. Celestia Sadeli shares with us what it’s been like entering into the design industry and her journey getting there.

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Who are you? My name is Celestia Sadeli, I'm currently 22 and a graduate from Billy Blue.

How and why did you choose design as a career? I’ve always wanted to do something creative—coming from Indonesia it was quite out of the norm to pursue design. A lot of people would go into science, law or business as it was just perceived as something that could make a lot of money and some people didn't even know what a graphic designer was. I always thought there was more to life than monetary aspects, I wanted to do something that I actually enjoyed. Being a curious person I always wanted to explore different things and there were points in my life where I wanted to be a vet, a journalist or a detective (quite random I know) but I knew they weren't for me. I really liked craft, drawing and painting but didn't know how I could make a career out of it until my dad's good friend (who was a graphic designer) told me all about it. It was then that I was set on being a designer and I don't regret a thing.

Was there a defining moment in your life that shaped you and your path as a designer? Tell us about it.

I would say it was when the Intro to Billy Blue Exhibition happened, I met so many amazing people and got to show my portfolio to some really great designers. I remember being really nervous and anxious. I worked so hard on my portfolio, not to mention it caused quite a dent in my wallet, and I was afraid that I would get negative feedback from the designers at the portfolio review. To my surprise everyone really liked my work and was so nice in giving me lots of advice for when I enter the real world of design and not just designing in the little nest that uni has made for me. To wrap up the night I actually received the Dean's Award, I was seriously dumbstruck and couldn't believe it. It goes to show that if you pour your whole heart into something the results will show. I've always doubted myself from time to time questioning if I was any good but I do have a passion for design and have always tried to push through.

Where have you worked since you graduated?

I've been working at a design startup company and I have been absolutely loving it there. I get to work on so many varied design projects and am very involved on the briefs for only being a junior. I love the array of work we get, from packaging to websites to branding, there's always something different every week. I never knew which path to take when choosing what kind of design stream I should get into because I love all aspects of design, but since we get so many different projects this way I get to be the well-rounded designer I've always wanted to be.

What do you want your future as a designer to be?

I want my designs to be able to make an impact on the world, to be able to help people in need and also to create something that would contribute in solving the environmental issues of today. It's extremely broad and I know I can't change the world on my own but I feel that little things can count too.

Finally, if you could share one piece of advice with a current design student, what would it be?

Always have a story to tell with your designs, give it meaning, give it value. That's what takes a good design and turns it into an amazing one.

You can view more of Celestia's work on Instagram