My occupation:
Academic RMIT University. Advertising Copywriter / Art Director (Freelance)

My responsibilities:
I coordinate a studio based honours program within RMIT university. It is a studio based education program. I’m both an educator and creative director for 8 students from the communication design undergraduate program.

What inspired me to get involved in skilled volunteering:
It’s a great opportunity to utilize my creative skills and guide students through applied communication, design solutions on projects that make a positive benefit and improve lives. These are communication problems that have solid, interesting content. It’s also a chance to meet passionate, dedicated people.

Which organisations have I fulfilled volunteer projects for:
- Stonnington Council Youth Project.
- Fitzroy Adventure Playground.

A bit about the volunteer projects I fulfilled, what I achieved and their outcomes:
Both projects required an identity which reflected the organizations values, aims and represented the personality of their members / users.

In each case a brand / identity was completed and applied.

What the community group gained:
- A brand identity.
- A creative response to a communication problem.
- Something that reflects their ideals becomes the visual language which helps move their branding and communication forward.
It’s also a chance to work with and benefit from fresh creative perspectives and see how their communication / business needs develop from a visual perspective.

What I got out of volunteering my time and skills:
I have learnt a great deal from working with clients who are passionate and connected to their particular community group / cause. Their enthusiasm is contagious. I have found myself researching their issue out of personal interest. This fuels the creative process and builds a stronger client relationship. Most of these client relationships have extended beyond the initial briefing to further long term, creative projects.

Tips for Community Groups and volunteers working together:
It’s the same as any collaborative process; clear communication, defining skills and working with deadlines are the key.