Art and design alumni

Product Designer, Xero
Bachelor of Design in Communication Design

The opportunity to intern at a leading branding agency in New York was just one of many highlights of his studies, says AUT communication design alumnus Finn Clark.

“After I graduated at the end of 2015, I travelled to New York to intern at Red Antler, a branding agency at the forefront of the design industry in America. Living in New York City gave me so much perspective on my career – I was able to hit the ground running when I returned to New Zealand,” says Finn who received his internship through the AUT Internz International Scholarship Programme, which enables AUT graduates to immerse themselves in a new market and culture.

“I met so many amazing people in New York and learned more than I could have ever imagined. The highlight for me was working in a company that is truly at the top of their game in terms of the quality of work they produce.”

Sharing a passion for design
Finn initially came to AUT because of his passion for the design industry, and the strong reputation of AUT’s School of Art and Design.

“Design was a field I excelled in at high school, and I knew that a communication design degree would give me the best opportunity to find a path that fits me. AUT is known for having one of the best graphic design courses in New Zealand. I applied knowing this and fortunately was accepted into the programme.

“My fellow students shared a passion for the design industry, which made for a truly collaborative three years. I found that the academic staff were extremely invested both in my growth as a student and in developing skills for my future career.”

Finn’s advice for other design students is to make the most of the opportunities on offer.

“Talk to the knowledgeable staff and bounce ideas off students in your classes, take opportunities to extend your skills and make the most of the unique facilities that AUT has to offer.”

Creating better user experiences
Now working as a product designer at New Zealand-based accounting software company Xero, Finn is responsible for designing user interfaces, working across multiple platforms.

“I enjoy the challenge of creating a visually appealing piece of design that works in the most functional and uncomplicated manner. I love working with a talented team of people, to create the best possible user experience.”

He is constantly applying what he learned during his studies at AUT, Finn says.

“What I found really amazing about AUT was that my degree enabled me to explore many unique avenues of design, from calligraphy to web design. The design knowledge we covered throughout the stages of my Bachelor of Design means I can deal with complex design issues in a systematic and practical way.”