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Student awarded ADFAS scholarship
7 February, 2005
New and continuing students are being encouraged to apply for the wide array of scholarships, bursaries and prizes available at the University.
An expressive style and enthusiastic attitude helped student Max Duff to win the A$3500 ADFAS (Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society) scholarship last year.
Mr Duff, a third year computer-based art and design student, believes winning the scholarship has developed his confidence and defined his career direction.
"I'd never applied for a scholarship before and thought I'd give it a go," Mr Duff said.
"It was a scholarship in an area that really interested me, plus it had internship experience included."
The ADFAS Scholarship is offered by the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society Sunshine Coast division, and is awarded to a student in either the Bachelor of Arts (Computer-Based Art and Design) or (Design and Communication) at the University.
Mr Duff was awarded the scholarship after demonstrating academic success, good communication skills, and critical knowledge of visual arts.
Winning the scholarship aided Mr Duff greatly in his studies, with the funds received enabling him to buy industry-standard computer-based art and design equipment.
The ADFAS scholarship also includes funding for the student to complete a curatorial internship in the University Art Gallery.
"I worked in the set-up of art exhibitions and exhibition openings and promotion," Mr Duff said.
"I also used my design skills throughout the year, designing a gallery newsletter and exhibition flyers.
"Experience is a designer's most valuable asset, and the most important thing to have when looking for a job."
Mr Duff is now working towards completing his studies and pursuing a career in graphic design in the industry of extreme sports.
"Extreme sports and freestyle moto-x is where my passion lies," Mr Duff said.
"There is a strong bond between extreme sports and art and design, as it all comes down to expressing your own style. I consider creating a beautiful piece of artwork to be on the same level as landing a super smooth 360 down at the local skate park. It's all just a way of expressing my style I guess!"
University Scholarships Officer Barb Palmer says there are plenty of scholarship recipients like Mr Duff who can attest to the positive experiences a scholarship can offer.
"We encourage all students to investigate any scholarship opportunities which might be open to them," Ms Palmer said.
"There is a perception that scholarships are only for academically gifted students, but in fact scholarships and bursaries are available to a broad range of students and on a range of eligibility criteria."