Organised by the GIS Art Department, our Year 9 students enjoyed an online workshop, entitled ‘Creative Career Professional,’ where five of our alumni, all of whom have pursued careers in the creative industries, generously gave up their time to share their career tips, experiences of working life, and general life lessons.
Ev Abbott, Head of Art said, “Students were excited to learn about the real-world experiences of creative professionals, and how skills they are building up in the classroom could be applied to careers in the future. A common theme was the importance of creative problem solving, resilience and the ability to communicate your ideas.
Here are some of the words of wisdom shared during the session:
Alumni Tommy Mansur, Class of 1984 – Artist, Production and Costume Designer
“Garden International School today is a different establishment compared to the one I attended in the 80s. It has gone from strength to strength, resulting in what we have today. Very little emphasis and encouragement went towards the Arts and the creative activities like music and drama when I attend this school, but now after decades of being away, I find myself teaching and sharing what I love back to my old school. It’s a full circle for me, and seeing myself four decades back being able to learn the subjects they love is just so personally fulfilling for me”.
Alumna Yasoja Ratital, Class of 2016 – Graphic Communications Designer & Illustrator Graduated from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London
“My key take away from speaking to these students is the wonderful feeling that I have inspired and provide them insight into the vast creative world. The design scene is constantly changing and any young aspiring designer should feel comfortable with projecting their ideas – by talking to them I hope to have demonstrated that. A creative’s process will also constantly evolve as they develop professionally. By showing my work I highlight just one out of numerous creative avenues they can work towards”.
Alumna Lisa Wong, Class of 2011 – Independent Artist (Malaysia)
“I was pleased to see the Year 9 students come up with an excess of intelligent and thought-out questions about pursuing a creative career. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for artists, students, and teachers alike to be able to come together to discuss creativity as a career path. My hope for the GIS arts department is that there will be many more brilliant collaborations with the local artists, art residencies, and galleries”.
Alumna Akiko Ogawa, Class of 2015 – Artist and Design Technologist | Software Designer, San Francisco Bay Area
Akiko provided an insightful video for our students to be able to listen to her inspiring story on how she became a well known Artist
Alumna Khadijah Mirzan, Class of 2014 – Gallery Executive at Ilham Gallery
“I left for England (IGCSEs) and then the US (6th form and university) for the rest of my academic career (so far). I graduated from Carrabassett Valley Academy, a ski school in Maine in 2014, and graduated from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire in 2019. Started working at ILHAM March of 2020 though”. Khadijah took part in a zoom interview video and had shared her journey after GIS and also talked about her career at Ilham Gallery with our Y9 students.
A huge ‘Thank You’ to these inspiring Alumni who generously shared their time and experiences with our Year 9 students virtually, despite their busy daily schedules. If you are interested in sharing your journey post-GIS, then please get in touch with us at alumni@gardenschool.edu.my.
We are always updating our page with news from the Alumni community across the continents, and would love to hear from you and share your stories. Please get in touch via Facebook, LinkedIn or simply send an email to alumni@gardenschool.edu.my. We can’t wait to hear from you!