Taylor's got her career down to a fine art

Born and raised in the Territory, Taylor has always been torn between two worlds: art and the environment. Thanks to her flexible CDU degree, she’s got the work-life-study balance down to an art.

Her love for art started as a little kid but growing up in the Territory gave her a “deep, embedded appreciation and connection to the land, animals and lifestyle” as well.

“So, during high school I chose art and biology classes,” she says.

“After graduating year 12, I wanted to study art but a part of me also wanted to study marine biology or environmental science.”

She took a year to think about it before applying for uni. During that time, she worked, created art, built up her portfolio, and started showcasing and selling her work.

“Not only did I see potential in my artwork but so did others. This made me apply for a Bachelor of Arts at Charles Darwin University, majoring in creative and digital art.”

The beauty of online study

CDU was the natural choice for Taylor.

“Being able to choose a well-established university close to home whilst being close to family and friends was easy,” she says.

“CDU has a great advantage over other universities down south: it’s small enough that lecturers recognise you and remember your face, but big enough to equip you with all the right tools to reach for that dream job you are wanting.”

Knowing she wouldn’t be able to study full-time for the duration of her degree, the option to study remotely was a big deciding factor.

Taylor is finishing her degree from beautiful Numbulwar Community in South East Arnhem Land.

Being able to study online whilst living remote has been a highlight. I’ve been able to study online and incorporated much of my travel and experiences into my art projects.

“Studying hasn’t stopped me from living my life and adventuring outside and enjoying what the Top End has to offer,” she says.

Taylor has spent her degree stepping out of her comfort zone “in the best way possible”, using the diversity of subjects within CDU’s arts degree to find her true artistic style.

“My creative art projects have really cemented the type of work I want to do. Being able to work full-time in graphic design jobs, sell art and design work on the side, and study part-time has really helped shape the person I am today and the goals I want to accomplish as an artist.”

A colourful future

Like many creatives before her, Taylor was worried she wouldn’t be able to make a living out of her artistic talents.

I tossed with the idea of whether or not to follow a career in art and design, thinking I wasn’t good enough, there’s no money in it and there are limited work opportunities. How wrong I was.

“Fast forward six years and I’ve been able to build a diverse portfolio and a network of clientele across the Top End but also interstate. The Territory may be a small community to some, but it has a lot of opportunity and support.”

In the future, Taylor hopes to combine art and her other love, the marine world, especially if she can promote conservation efforts in the Top End.

“I want to share my passion with others and hope to create artwork that will inspire, motivate and encourage people to actively engage with the natural world.”

Taylor was awarded the Edgar Dunis Award for outstanding academic achievement in creative and digital arts at Charles Darwin University.

Wherever her career takes her, Taylor’s future is looking bright—and always colourful.

Get your creativity flowing with an arts degree at Charles Darwin University.