BrightSparks 2020 Vol. 1 by CareerBuilder Singapore
With a wide range of programmes in a world-class campus, LASALLE College of the Arts offers an unparalleled arts education designed to nurture your passion for the arts.
If you have the flair and passion for the arts, then LASALLE College of the Arts will set you in the right direction. It offers contemporary arts and design education programmes taught by a faculty led by a community of award-winning artists, designers, educators and researchers.
Recognised as Asia’s leading contemporary arts and design institution, LASALLE offers more than 30 diploma, undergraduate and graduate programmes. Here, students develop their skills and creativity to become forward-looking designers, artists and critical thinkers working in various industries.
Beyond just learning how to be the best arts and creative industry practitioners during your time at LASALLE, the practical and practice-based programmes also promote industry collaborations and participation in competitions on a regional level. This inculcates a sense of real-life experience that will hold you in good stead once you step into the environment
of contributing to the economy at large.
LASALLE graduates designer Sarah Yap and animation artist Jennifer Chua, both 22, tell us why they chose to pursue their passion at LASALLE.
What initially drew you to an education at LASALLE?
Sarah: Being a visual person, I have always been fascinated by the design of the LASALLE building as an open campus. Anyone can walk into the campus to interact and appreciate the art works created by students. But more importantly, what attracted me to take on a course at LASALLE was its multidisciplinary approach. Even though I studied Interior Design, I was able to collaborate with other disciplines such as Product Design and Design Communication.
Jennifer: My reason was a little more practical – LASALLE’s city campus was close to where I live. My ethos is that no matter where I go, I want to learn and absorb whatever is offered. Most definitely, LASALLE has fostered my imagination, experimentation and new knowledge in animation art.
What is the culture at LASALLE, and how has it shaped you as a person?
Sarah: The culture in LASALLE has always been very free and open. There are many opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another. In our design studios, the first, second and third year students share one large space. As there is no hierarchy between levels or disciplines, it exposed me to many different forms of art and design. As a designer, I believe that you should never restrict yourself or your knowledge to the field you’re studying, but instead expose yourself and constantly keep up with the art and design industry.
Jennifer: I made many meaningful connections during my time in LASALLE. My friends
and classmates were a daily joy to be around during my three years there. Everyone was kind, friendly, opinionated and highly collaborative. It was an absolute privilege to be in such a creative environment, surrounded by a diverse community of students and lecturers from around the world where I was able to express ideas and receive constructive feedback about my work.
Both of you have won awards while studying at LASALLE. How do you feel about receiving the accolades?
Sarah: I feel incredibly honoured to be a recipient of the McNally Scholarship, as well as a nominee for the McNally Award For Excellence in the Arts 2019. I see this as a motivation to continue pushing myself and develop my artistic as well as design styles. These achievements also encourage me to think about furthering my education in the creative arts.
Jennifer: I never expected to win the McNally Award for Excellence in the Arts 2019 and it really came as a wonderful surprise! The award is definitely a confidence booster, knowing that the films I made were recognised.
What would you say to someone who is considering an education at LASALLE?
Sarah: A lecturer once told me to always be ‘rigorous’ in everything we do – be it research, design or model-making. I would like to say the same thing to someone who is considering an education at LASALLE. Be rigorous, step out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to experiment. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun, too!
Jennifer: Hello! I was once standing in your shoes. The future is unpredictable and the unknown makes it all the more scary and risky. Take a leap of faith and pursue an arts education at LASALLE if that is where your passion lies.
“The culture in LASALLE has always been very free and open. There are many
opportunities for collaborations and learning from one another.” - Sarah Yap
“It was an absolute privilege to be in such a creative environment, surrounded by a diverse community of students and lecturers from around the world where I was able to express ideas and receive constructive feedback about my work.” – Jennifer Chua
Sarah Yap (left) and Jennifer Chua (right) are 2019 graduates from LASALLE College of the Arts. They hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Design and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation Art respectively.
