Winnie Lim
Graphic Designer, 2013
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic & Web Design (3+0)
I went from being spoon fed to being taught in an independent holistic approach which allowed me to be more mature in thinking.
14 March 2013
International Education Locally
Written by Victoria Edwards
When Winnie Lim was looking for the best University her first choice was to look at an international school. But there was one option close to home. Winnie saw that at Limkokwing you can pursue an Australian degree right here at home.
“I finished my foundation in another college but to do degree I was looking for a university that’s degree can compete on an international level. I went to Limkokwing because it’s the only local university that offers 3+0 degrees in Malaysia also it is a reputable school. When I visited Limkokwing I noticed the campus lifestyle was very intriguing and different from the other universities in KL.”
When I visited Limkokwing I noticed the campus lifestyle was very intriguing and different from the other universities in KL.
Closing the Gap
Getting into the creative industry can be scary at first. But Winnie says the teaching methodology helped her adjust to working life.
“I went from being spoon fed to being taught in an independent holistic approach which allowed me to be more mature in thinking. The presentation style made me an outspoken person and I was not afraid to voice my opinion in a room full of my peers. Mixing with people from different countries and ages in the university and doing group work helped to make work situation easier to adjust to.”
Breaking through
Breaking through to the industry was an easy glide for Winnie. She was noticed, while still in school, by a part-time lecturer who gave her industry experience right after she graduated. From then it was smooth sailing all the way to her position as graphic designer for Men’s Health magazine.
“My ex part-time lecturer recommended me the job. I wanted to try something different than just doing solely advertising and designing. This job allows me to do more than that. I got involved in events as well. It is something more interactive which I really like. It was like a path being laid out for me when I needed a breakthrough to the industry. I was at this integrated fusion marketing agency for two years before I changed to BluInc Media, the publishing company I’m with currently. Now, what I’m doing is quite different but I gained different experience which is all extra skills for me.”
International but Familiar
Being in the creative industry whether it’s Events, Advertising, or Publishing is an exciting and busy lifestyle. But there has been and always will be that touch of glamour that intrigues us and makes us want more. Winnie is living right in the center of that exciting world.
“My greatest achievement so far I would have to say is the feeling of participating in events that I helped design from scratch in my old company. As for now, it would be the thrill of getting to direct photo shoots with models and celebrities and laying out the pages until it becomes a complete magazine each month. When the issue comes out at the end of the month and I see what we have created, which is an international men’s magazine, but still being able to keep that Malaysian look, this is a great feeling.”
You will have success when you are doing what you love to do. You have to be determined and whether there are ups or downs, you can’t give up.
Adaptation
This industry is fast paced, spontaneous and rapidly changing. Take advice from an experienced and successful woman.
“You will have success when you are doing what you love to do. You have to be determined and whether there are ups or downs, you can’t give up. You will not enjoy true success if you become greedy and lose your believes in why you joined this industry in the first place or do something that is considered unethical in the industry. As for the fresh graduates who want to come into this industry you have to read up and always be well-informed especially if you want to get to the commercial side of it. Develop your sense to have good taste and sharp observation skills. One very important thing is, be flexible and versatile; you can be working on a project and people don’t show up, equipment is late, whatever may happen you have to be ready to deal with it. There is a lot to discover in the industry and sometimes you can’t predict what’s going to happen. Always be ready to learn new things and the experience you gain over time will help you to achieve your goals.”
