If you`re passionate about colour and design and want to

If you’re passionate about colour and design and want to change
your life or career, iscd is the ideal place to start. With more than
30 years of industry experience, iscd is a leading design school that
offers
a friendly, forward-thinking environment that helps you fulfill
your creative potential. We are passionate about colour and design
and are dedicated to providing a learning experience that gives our
students all the knowledge and skills to realise their creative potential
in a nurturing environment.
Ab out Us
Introduction
Since opening its doors 30 years ago,
the International School of Colour & Design (iscd)
has helped thousands of people realise their
creative potential.
iscd offers industry
recognised courses
and diplomas
that cater for all
levels of skill and
experience.
Whether you want to fulfill a lifelong dream of
becoming an artist, colourist, decorator, designer
or stylist, or you simply want to unleash your
creative side, iscd offers industry-recognised
courses and diplomas that cater for all levels of
skill and experience.
Our courses can adapt to your needs and living
situation too. Students are welcome to join our
vibrant, creative community on campus or learn with
us via distance education. Full and part-time study
options are also available.
The level of excellence offered at iscd is unique in
Australia. Our courses are all industry recognised,
and our educators are all successful design
professionals who bring a wealth of real-world
experience into the classroom and are genuinely
invested in seeing you shine.
The focus at iscd really is on you – we want to
nurture your talent, honour your personal journey
and help you realise your goals. Our courses are
life changing – so many of our graduating students
have gone on to forge successful careers. Are you
our next success story?
Ab out Us
Why iscd?
S etting the ind u str y standard
From its earliest days, iscd has been a world
leader in design education. Now a proud
member of the RedHill Education Group, our
reputation for excellence stems in part from
our commitment to maintaining a close working
relationship with consultants and businesses in
the design industry.
Throughout
the learning
experience, iscd
offers students
the opportunity
to engage with
the design industry
and gain real-world
experience.
Throughout the learning experience, iscd offers
students the opportunity to engage with the design
industry and gain real-world experience. Our
courses feature mentors and guest speakers,
on-site tours and industry design projects.
Similarly, all our educators – many of whom are
themselves iscd graduates – work in the design
industry and bring years of experience and
wisdom into the classroom.
Our course structure boasts plenty of flexibility,
allowing you the freedom to experience a broad
taste of colour and the different design disciplines
in our Foundation – Certificate IV in Design course
before deciding on a diploma course.
During your studies, you'll have the opportunity to
complete actual industry working briefs and, each
year, over 25 industry awards are issued to our
students from businesses that support iscd. These
companies have been in partnership with us for five
years or more and many have gone on to recruit
graduating students.
E ducators and Teaching Style
Our Education Style
W e care abo u t ed u cation
“Here at iscd, every educator is genuinely
interested in the progress of each student.
We really do care and want to see our
Most people come to iscd with a thirst for colour students do well. Colour isn’t a job to us;
and design, and a desire to change their lives it’s a lifestyle.”
At the core of our curriculum is respect for each
student's personal journey.
Lisa Koehler, Educator, Interior Styling Diploma
for the better. Our hands-on education style
is firmly based on the belief that every student
is inherently creative and deserves the utmost
encouragement and care.
Alison Nicol (Head of Certificate IV in Design)
the majority are former iscd students, and all are
caring and nurturing by nature.
Jill Barker (Educator)
“All the educators are working in
the industry, so we’re able to offer our
students a good grounding in what’s
We boast a wonderful team of educators at iscd. Each happening and how the trends are
is a highly qualified, successful design professional, moving.”
Alison Nicol, Educator, Head of Certificate IV in Design
Majka Stylianou, Educator, Graphic Design Diploma
Our educators have a deep passion for colour and
design, and bring a wealth of first-hand experience
into the classroom and a willingness to share
and learn themselves. To encourage creative
thinking, iscd's teaching style is more organic and
progressive than the lineal model used in most
schools. Class structure is kept relatively informal
and relaxed, and class sizes are always small enough
to guarantee individual attention.
Let the team at iscd help you to unlock your inner
creative and turn your passion for colour and
design into a satisfying new career.
Jill Barker, Educator, Colour Design Diploma and Certificate IV in Design
Sally Farrugia, Educator, Interior Styling Diploma
Ways to St udy
Ways to Study
At iscd we are
flexible. Our
courses are
conveniently
offered on campus
or via distance
education.
On Campus
Via Distance
Nestled in the bustling hub of North Sydney, you
will find the vibrant creative community that is
the iscd campus.
In the comfort of your own home, in your own time
and at your own pace you can gain the skills and
tools to realise your creative potential by enrolling
in our course via distance education. The well-equipped and modern campus is situated
five floors above street level with views from
each of its four air-conditioned studios allowing
plenty of natural light in each studio. The bright
and spacious floor plan promotes creativity and
interaction with both students and the iscd team.
A communal student area includes kitchen facilities
and an expansive gallery space with student and
commercial exhibitions always on show.
Often referred to as Sydney's second CBD, North
Sydney offers excellent fashion, food and commercial
facilities. It is the central hub of rail and bus networks
with parking stations and metered parking nearby.
Our goal is to support you in your creative
journey. In line with our philosophy you are
supported by our Education team who will guide
you through your studies and mentor you on
the course syllabus and communicate with you via
email and post.
Our administrative team will be on
hand to answer any queries you have about your
course, and we ensure that you are put in contact
with other students studying courses in your
area. At iscd we currently have distance students
studying with us in locations all around Australia,
New Zealand, U.S.A, Singapore, Hong Kong and
Europe, to name a few.
Ways to St udy
Our Courses
Our Course Structure
F le x ible way s to st u d y
On Campus
Our Professional Courses run on campus over a four
term year with holiday breaks in between. There
are four enrolment periods for our Foundation
Course- February, May, July and October. There
are a variety of format choices, from 8 weeks to
30 weeks, depending on the time of year you enroll
and your personal goals.
Our Diploma Courses have two enrolments per
year, in February and July, offered as a 15 week
or 30 week course. These include incursions and
excursions with industry specialists, design studios
and product suppliers.
Following each class, students continue their course
work at home. Class sizes are kept to a maximum of
18 people to ensure personalised attention.
Our short courses are held throughout the year.
Via Distance
Courses studied by distance can be started at
any time throughout the year. In addition to
the textbooks, distance education students receive
a learning manual which contains an easy to follow
step-by-step syllabus that outlines each lesson.
Minimal computer skills are necessary to complete
these courses.
We offer on campus workshops throughout
the year so you can meet up with people from all
over the world who are completing our courses via
distance education.
iscd Short Courses
At iscd we offer a range of short courses that are easy,
fun and informative. Each course offers interesting
and valuable ideas for you to use in your home.
“My study covered
a variety of
subjects, including
a Foundation Course
that delved intensely
into colour theory.
I enjoyed the different
styles of the teachers.”
Jenny Page (iscd graduate)
iscd has designed a course structure that offers
you the flexibility to try a number of different
course disciplines before you decide on your final
Diploma option. New students first complete
the Foundation Course, which is an accredited
Certificate IV in Design. This course includes
a selection of each of the diploma disciplines
as well as covering all of the fundamentals of
colour and design.
We understand that not everyone wants to be
a professional designer, but most of us want to
enjoy some creativity in our lives and learn how to
make our homes beautiful places to live and enjoy.
We have created a series of short courses and
journal courses that you can attend on campus or
via distance in your own home. Who knows? After
completing these courses, you may be ready to
embark on a professional course and even start
a new career.
Once you have completed this course, you can
decide on your study path by enrolling in one of
our specialised Diplomas: Colour Design, Interior
Styling, Surface Design and Graphic Design. Students
must complete the Foundation Course before
progressing on to a Diploma.
C E RT I F I CAT E I V I N D E S I GN
Surface
Design
Diploma
Colour
Design
Diploma
Graphic
Design
Diploma
Interior
Styling
Diploma
Ca reer C ou r s e s
Kelly Ross
ed u cator
“
After graduating with a BA in Human
Environmental Design with a double major
in theatre, I toured and worked in theatre
production, prop styling and scenic art for
13 years. When I eventually settled in Sydney,
I came to iscd to study interior styling. I’ve
since started my own business and offer
my design services in interiors, events and
installations.
I take all my experiences in my work and bring
them onto campus. I love connecting with my
students and giving them encouragement and
confidence. A lot of what we do as teachers
is build their self-esteem creatively and help
them see strengths and abilities they never
knew they had.
In turn, I learn from my students’ life
experiences. I’ve also found teaching has
really helped me communicate more clearly
with my own clients. I know how to simplify
my language around design so that I don’t
alienate people.
There’s a great sense of community at iscd
between the educators – it’s a real support
network. Working here is a great opportunity
to share information, contacts and resources.
As a teacher, you feel your experiences really
do have an effect and a place, not only on
the students, but on the nature of the course
and the curriculum.
”
{
Foundation Course
C E R T I F I C AT E I V I N D E S I G N (N AT I O N A L C O D E C U V40311)
The iscd Foundation Course is a nationally
recognised Certificate IV in Design that teaches
the concepts of colour and design and their
application in the contemporary design world.
Taught by passionate tertiary and industry trained
professionals, this course provides you with
extensive colour knowledge, effective design skills
and creative confidence, preparing you for our
specialised Diplomas.
Subject Areas
• Introduction to Colour Theory
• Introduction to the elements and principles of
design
• Conceptualisation and the design process
• Composition and basic order of design
• Developing monochromatic colour schemes
• Design techniques and counterchange
• Abstract and semi abstract design
• Development of colour schemes
On graduating, students of the Foundation Course - • Drawing inspiration from the natural environment
Certificate IV in Design have completed two • Exploring texture
industry design briefs, developed a professionally • Chroma reduction
presented portfolio of design work and possess • Tertiary colour applied to a design
the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their • Dimensional design
• Colour inversion
creative career further.
• Colour effects, colour psychology and symbolism
• Introduction to graphic design
Industry Briefs and Awards
Designer Rugs: Each year a panel of industry experts • Calligraphy & typography
and representatives from Designer Rugs reviews
designs created by our students. Five finalists have
their work produced and offered for sale and proudly “…We do look favourably on graduates
displayed in the iscd gallery each year.
from iscd – and we work with a lot of
The Fred Hoskings Group: Students design
a corporate Christmas card in response to
a brief from The Hosking Stationery Group with
the chance of having their design selected for
printing and production.
them when they become decorators and
designers.”
Yosi Tal (General Manager, Designer Rugs)
Ca reer C ou r s e s
{
“
Aaron Reynolds
G rad u ate of C ertificate I V in D esign
I've always had a fascination for design, even as
a small child. In high school I dreamed of being
an architect but I studied science instead and spent
almost ten years working in brain research.
I grew tired of working in the lab, I needed to meet
new people and take pride in my work. I went to
the iscd information day and it felt like a really
buzzy, creative environment full of happy people.
The teachers were clearly passionate, I instantly felt it
would be the right education experience for me.
I undertook the Certificate IV in Design then went
on to complete the Colour Design Diploma. In
the certificate course, I was in a small group so
there was lots of one-on-one attention, which
was fantastic.
The course at iscd Since graduating, I've launched my own business
has really helped called Chroma Zones. The name is a play on my
change my life. former life and the plan is to integrate my love
”
of audio and acoustic with my love of design.
Essentially, I create the look and feel of dedicated
spaces to listen to music or watch TV and film in.
Recently I was engaged to do colours and finishes
for a basement music room in an architecturally
designed home in Sydney's northern suburbs. It's
a niche market but my services could be used for
home theatres, school halls, conference centres
even daycare centres.
The course at iscd has really helped change my
life. One of the things it really fostered, for me
at least, was a very strong peer support group.
The feedback you get from your fellow students
is so important. At first it's easy to doubt yourself,
but one of the real things you learn through
the course is to believe in yourself as a designer.
I've gone from being very unhappy and lacking in
confidence, to being a completely different person
in the space of 12 months.
Skills you will learn in
the Certificate IV in Design
• How to apply colour principles and theory in
response to a design brief
• How to produce drawings to represent and
communicate concepts
• How to interpret and respond to a design brief
• How to effectively apply the design process
to 2D and 3D work
• The ability to source and apply design
industry knowledge
• How to create concepts and conduct critical
discussions
• How to research and apply techniques for
graphic design
• How to professionally present a major
project in spatial design and product design
Ca reer C ou r s e s
Donna Allen
ed u cator
“
I studied at iscd in the late 1990’s and early
2000’s. At that time, colour and interior styling
were just personal interests – I’d spent 18 years
working for global corporate organisations.
In 2007, I left the corporate environment and
started my own colour and design consultancy.
I work with residential and commercial clients
and offer everything from colour consulting
through to styling and design.
Having studied with iscd, and knowing
the sort of organisation it is, I was very
happy to be able to come back and teach
here. What I enjoy most is the excitement
and engagement of the students. Seeing
the design world through their eyes keeps it
fresh and new for me, too.
{
Colour Design
C olo u r D esign D iploma
The Colour Design Diploma is highly specialised and
has everything you need to launch your successful
creative career as a Colour Designer. Taught by
industry professionals that ensure the course is
relevant, contemporary and practical, you will
receive essential knowledge and skills related to
the colour industry.
The Diploma builds on the colour psychology; colour
theory and design principles from the Foundation
Course to give you the ability to create colour
schemes for a broad range of projects.
Industry Briefs and Awards
It’s a very supportive environment here and I’m
always impressed by how much the students
support and engage with each other. The school
also gives them the opportunity to experience
and connect with the design industry. Over
time we’ve seen many of the companies we
work with offer internships, work experience
and jobs to our students.
• Dulux award for Creative Colour Application
• Resene Award for Excellence in Sustainable
Colour & Design
• Murobond Award for Excellence in Both Colour
Design & Interior Styling
• Murobond Pure Colour Award
• Porters Original Paints Award for Excellence in
Colour Design
• Wattyl Award for Colour Design- Excellence in
Commercial Design
The teachers at iscd are all in the industry, too,
so what we’re able to offer is current and reallife experience and perspectives. We all work
from the same syllabus and course manual,
and then we’re able to add to that.
• The role of a Colour Designer
• Application of colour theory to design practices
• Client analysis and colour scheme development
• How to respond to an interior client brief
”
Subject Areas
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Colour psychology and mastering colour moods
Paint systems and applying interior finishes
Understanding styles and trends
Historical and cultural styles
Business development and fees
Colour design for exteriors including exterior
architectural features
Exterior colour scheme development
Consulting for commercial properties
Colour theory and marketing
Colour design for business imaging
Marketing and managing the creative business
Business imaging palette development
Effective presentation skills
How to respond to a franchise brief
“… Porter’s Paints employs a number of
graduates from iscd in key roles within
the business. We’re all about colour, and
our iscd graduates have come to us with
the specialist colour and design skills
and enthusiasm we need.”
Sheila O'Meara (Porter's Paints)
Ca reer C ou r s e s
{
Jenny Page
G rad u ate of C olo u r D esign D iploma
Colour has always been instinctual to me. Long
before I began working in the industry full-time,
people would approach me for advice on paint
and furnishings. I undertook the Colour Design
Diploma at iscd to formalise my innate knowledge
and gain a professional qualification that would
help me turn my creativity and passion for colour
into a rewarding career.
My study covered a variety of subjects, including
a Foundation Course that delved intensely into colour
theory. I enjoyed the different styles of the teachers.
Nearing graduation, I began to look for a job
in the colour and design industry. People don't
necessarily realise how much opportunity there is
out there. The Colour Design Diploma really helps
open doors and links you into the colour community.
“
The Colour Design
Diploma really
helps open doors
and links you
into the colour
community.
”
I was offered a full-time position in what's called
the selection centre for CSR, one of Australia's
leading bricks and roofing companies. The centre
is a hub for developers, project builders and
tradespeople, who come in needing advice on what
products and colours are available. After two years,
I was promoted to CSR's Architectural Segment
Manager for New South Wales.
I often do up mood and product boards for clients,
which is something I learnt to do in the course.
Early on, I had a developer walk in who had
a group of townhouses he needed advice on. He
was so happy with my suggestions, he came back
to me 18 months later for another project. I've
since gone on to do the colours for a residential
estate of 1000 houses.
Skills you will learn in
the Colour Design Diploma
• Your colour knowledge will be expanded,
consolidated and made relevant to the industry
• The use of colour to assist in the creation,
branding and image development of
a business or product
• Application of colour skills to interiors and
exteriors of the built environment
• Colour application to market development,
styling and marketing
• The art of client analysis by responding to
hypothetical briefs designed to enhance
your problem solving skills
• Trend analysis including what influences a trend
and how to cleverly use trend colours whilst
learning how to identify a style versus a trend
• Building your personal presentation skills
• A portfolio featuring professionally presented
colour design solutions including technical
specifications and painted finishes
Ca reer C ou r s e s
Sharon Gage
ed u cator
“
I first came to iscd as a student and it gave me
a newfound love for colour and design.
My background is in fashion and textile design.
I’ve worked in outerwear, run my own label and
got to senior designer level with an intimate
apparel brand.
Around this time my love for pattern and
textile design was reignited. I was told iscd
was the only place to study surface design.
I ended up doing the Foundation Course before
going on to complete Surface Design and
Colour Design. From there, I started my own
colour consulting and design business. That’s
going back about 15 years now.
I started teaching at iscd about eight years ago
and it’s been an absolutely fulfilling chapter
in my life. The school prides itself on having
educators who are working in the design
industry, and who have a yearning to teach and
help people reach their potential. We give a lot
to our students but they give you tenfold back.
When my students present their work after
each industry design brief, I often get a bit teary.
You think, I’ve impacted on this person’s life to
some degree and look what they can do.
One of the biggest things I always tell them
is that surface design may seem a little
ambiguous, but there’s a world of opportunity
out there waiting for them.
”
{
Surface Design
s u rface design diploma
The Surface Design Diploma teaches you how to • Advanced drawing skills: materials, techniques,
theme, composition, line and shape
create designs that are suitable for a wide variety
of applications including homewares, textiles, • Design styles and techniques, designing for
specific shapes, uses and spaces
paper products and fabrics. Surface Design offers
an attractive balance between creativity and • Repeat patterns and textural effects, understanding
printing requirements
technical confidence.
• Translating original hand-made designs into
computer images
You will learn skills in illustrating a variety of
techniques and media with an emphasis on • Developing computer generated workable designs
individual creative solutions to commercial briefings • Marketing and managing your creative business
from key industry suppliers.
Industry Briefs and Awards
• Porters Original Paints Wallpaper Design Award
• Lilly & Lolly Bed Linen Textile Range Awards
• Mokum Textiles Design Award
“…We’ve employed graduates before and
always find iscd students are skilled
and focused, and have mature attitudes
to the industry.”
John Turvey (Mokum Textiles)
Subject Areas
• Understanding a client's briefing and needs
• Developing an artistic and practical perspective
• Development of a design story to a commercial
brief
• Researching the industry, including knowledge of
the market and textile studios
• Mixed media exploration, resist and printing
techniques
• Mono printing, collage and textural effects;
introduction to acrylic painting skills, pencil and
crayon; fabric dyeing
• Advanced colour theory and design development
Ca reer C ou r s e s
{
“
Being at iscd was
a great time in my
life. The school
offers more than
just a course, it’s
a wonderful,
creative community.
”
Aimee Grant
grad u ate of s u rface design diploma
Prior to coming to iscd, I was studying a Bachelor
of Fine Arts, majoring in painting and drawing.
Towards the end of my degree I did some short
courses in design and textiles.
I began to search for related courses and chose
the Surface Design Diploma at iscd. The diploma
has a solid foundation of colour theory and creation,
plus you work through a number of industry
briefs, which open communication channels with
the different types of Australian companies that use
surface designers.
The course led me to my current job with Porter's
Paints. They supply a wallpaper design brief and
I actually won the award for it that year. From
there, the company approached me to interview for
a position. Since then my role has really expanded.
In the last few years I've been collaborating with
guest designers and being a real part of the design
and colour process.
One of the main things I've been able to use from
the diploma in my working life is the process of
design – seeing a brief through from concept
development to final finished artwork. That
experience in the classroom has been really valuable.
Once you hold a Surface Design Diploma you can
go freelance, focus on commercial art or, like me,
work with a company that develops a product.
Right now I just love the fact I'm building a career
in an area I'm really passionate about.
Being at iscd was a great time in my life. The school
offers more than just a course, it's a wonderful,
creative community. I felt right at home. On
the whole, what really struck me were the teachers.
They were very open and generous with their
experience and knowledge. It made for a very
encouraging atmosphere.
Skills you will learn in
the Surface Design Diploma
• To extend and apply your colour and
design skills to projects from swimwear to
wallpaper; giftware to soft furnishings
• Adobe Illustrator skills, which will give you
exposure to industry's technical requirements
as well as hand drawn designs
• Professional standards for presentation of
concepts and a quality portfolio of work to
equip you to present to potential employers
• How to create style and mood boards which
form the basis of learning how to research and
create design themes, innovative solutions and
colour palettes for yourself and your clients
• Style, trend interpretation and application,
and an understanding of the design profession
Ca reer C ou r s e s
Jodie Warters
ed u cator
“
My background is in graphic design – I’ve been
doing that for about 20 years. Before coming to
iscd, I ran my own design business, which had
a focus on marketing.
A few years after starting the business,
I decided I wanted to do something different
creatively. I had lost my passion a little. I studied
jewellery and fashion design before realising
that I loved colour and pattern. That led me to
iscd. Coming here, I immediately felt like I was
part of a family. Even as a student you feel like
the staff really want to help you.
The journey to iscd is quite a big deal for
a lot of our students; there’s often a lot of fear
around starting something new and part of
our job is to really care for and nurture our
students. The aspect of teaching I love most
is when students realise they can be creative –
it usually happens suddenly and it becomes
a newfound passion.
A part of what makes iscd so great is that we
have the flexibility to change our courses to
meet the trends and changes in the industry.
Our students are also given briefs that
are designed and judged by people in
the industry. We put the right people and
opportunities in front of them, and it’s up to
them where they take it.
”
{
Graphic Design
G raphic D esign D iploma
The Graphic Design Diploma will show you how
to develop the core skills essential to become
a print ready Graphic Designer. You will develop
strong problem solving abilities, so you can
offer creative solutions that go way beyond your
clients' expectations.
The Graphic Design Diploma is balanced between
work in our computer lab and hand drawn creative
expression in our studios. We see the computer as
a tool which is only effective if we develop a strong
ability to express our personal creative ideas. Our
focus is on developing your creative and technical
skills using industry relevant projects.
Industry Briefs and Awards
• ACP Real Living magazine - design brief
• Dashing Print - promotional brochure brief
• My Sweet Prints - stationery design brief
Subject Areas
• An introduction to Graphic Design
• The role of a Graphic Designer
• Application of design theory to design practices
• Client analysis
• Creative problem solving – developing and responding
to briefs
• Colour psychology • Colour systems: Pantone and CMYK
• Typography techniques for design work
• Preparation of text and graphic files for print
processing
• Business development • Business identity design development
• Product and packaging design (3D)
• Image retouching
• Effective presentation skills
“…I’m very impressed with the standard
the students are achieving through
the Graphic Design course. The brief
they complete appears very well rounded
with no stone unturned and the work
is presented beautifully. We would
definitely employ candidates from
the graphic design course.”
Deborah Bibby (Editor, Real Living)
Ca reer C ou r s e s
{
“
I loved
the atmosphere of
iscd and the fact
it’s a very industry
based course.
”
Nikki Dent
G rad u ate of G raphic D esign D iploma
I'd always wanted to do Graphic Design – I'm
quite graphic and love packaging – and when
a girlfriend told me she was going to iscd, I knew
I was ready for it.
I've always been creative. Before I had my kids I was
a fashion designer with my own label. My husband
and I have also built and renovated houses for
the last 20 years.
I undertook the Certificate IV in Design then went
on to do the Surface Design Diploma and Graphic
Design Diploma. The graphic design course was
fabulous. Our teacher was very experienced and
was so giving of her knowledge – she went above
and beyond the call of duty. She would push you
and push you until you came out with the most
amazing stuff. I'll actually be partnering with her
in the future to create a range of high-end fabrics,
general fashion and swimwear.
I loved the atmosphere of iscd and the fact it's a very
industry based course. As you go along you get to
meet all these people from different areas, and they
can make you offers. It helps you realise that design
covers such a broad spectrum; the course can open
up so many different opportunities.
It was a lot of work, but you get out what you put in.
I couldn't wait to get there each week! I'm still good
friends with some of the people I studied with too –
we get together and have dinners.
I plan to launch my own freelance design business.
I've always been very good with colour, but studying
at iscd really made me look at everything and start
to see the design in things. It really changed my way
of thinking.
Skills you will learn in
the Graphic Design Diploma
• The ability to expertly respond to complex
design briefs with confidence
• Technical foundations of Graphic Design
using the Adobe industry standard software
• How to create original illustrations and
designs by hand as well as a range of
professionally presented design solutions
produced using Adobe Software
• How to respond to a range of exciting and
challenging industry briefs in the syllabus. These
include: corporate and small business identity,
packaging designs, marketing material, CD
covers, event collateral and poster design
• The creation of a professional and
comprehensive portfolio which will ensure
you get the attention of any client or
potential employer
Ca reer C ou r s e s
Sharon Raco
ed u cator
“
I come from a family of builders and worked as
a fashion designer in the rag trade for 15 years.
When my daughter started kindergarten, we
moved into a great big house that needed
renovating. Soon all my friends were coming
around asking for my help.
Initially I partnered with a friend and we
specialised in murals and painted finishes.
Along the way we realised we had different
interests. I wanted to concentrate on interior
styling and today I do interiors, exteriors,
kitchens and bathrooms, window treatments,
commercial work and styling.
I first came to iscd as a student. A few years
after graduation, I returned as a guest speaker,
then was later invited to join the staff. I love
the interaction I have with my students and
the fact we all get so excited about design
together. I love seeing the light bulb come on in
their head when they get it and I love, at the end
of the course, when they realise just how much
they’ve learned. It’s very fulfilling.
{
Interior Styling
I nterior S t y ling D iploma
The Interior Styling Diploma is aimed at those
wishing to learn the elements and principal
components involved in decorating and styling
of a pre-existing space. It will inspire and impart
the necessary knowledge needed to move into
a career in styling.
This Diploma teaches the essential aspects of Interior
Styling, from initial brief to client presentation and
how to develop an exciting yet functional space for
both residential and commercial clients.
Industry Briefs and Awards
• Di Lorenzo Creative Tile Award
• Laminex Award for Creativity
• Tekform Award for Excellence in Kitchen Design
• Warwick Fabrics Award for Excellence in Interior
Styling
• Zepel Fabrics Award for Excellence in Bedroom
Design
Subject Areas
Interior styling is quite a broad area and there
are many ways to get into the industry. There
are a lot of excursions and incursions during
the course and the school is quite well known
and respected. Recently I took students on
an industry tour and it was amazing just how
many ex-students we ran into!
”
• Conducting site visits, taking a brief and specifying,
presenting concepts, invoicing and fees
• Dealing with Commercial and Residential clients
including client analysis and expectations
• Setting up a reference file and researching
contacts and suppliers
• Window treatments, fabric, upholstery, accessories
and trims; acquiring and hanging artworks
• Flooring and wall treatments
• Psychology and styling, mood and style
development
• Soft furnishings, furniture and furniture
arrangement
• Advanced colour theory, tone and texture
• Feng Shui and space manipulation, lighting and
flooring
• Historical and cultural background to styles
• Drawing and rendering, working on floor plans
and 3D Computer Programs
• Contracts, legal aspects of decorating, marketing
and managing your creative business
“… I’m always impressed with the quality
of work. We would look favourably
on someone who has graduated from
the school.”
Brent Beach (Di Lorenzo Tiles)
Ca reer C ou r s e s
{
“
iscd really prepared
me for this
business. Having
the technical
expertise –
understanding
colour and how it
behaves, especially
in the built
environment – has
been so important.
”
Kerry Copp
grad u ate of I nterior st y ling diploma
After many years working in adult education and
running business leader courses, I decided I'd had
enough of corporate life. I'd always had a love for
interior design; it was always in the back of my
mind. I undertook the Certificate IV in Design
at iscd, then went on to complete the Interior
Styling Diploma.
environment – has been so important. One of our
teachers was working in the industry and when
she explained things like how colour changes
and how whites behave, you knew she wasn't
speaking theoretically – she was speaking from
real experience. This kind of insider information
has really helped me.
iscd was a really pleasurable experience for me.
I felt the programs were well thought out and
the calibre of teachers was very good – they're all
creative and genuinely interested in each student.
They're keen to see you succeed and will offer
extra support if it's needed.
It's a giant leap of faith for a client to trust you.
The most rewarding aspect is seeing the delight on
their face when everything comes together and
you've met the brief.
I became good friends with a few other students and
when we graduated, we approached a paint shop
and told them how we could help their business by
offering in-store colour consultations.
This is where I meet most of my clients for my interior
styling company, See it in Colour. People come in
and ask for paint advice and often I'll end up doing
their whole house. Most of my work is colour design
and styling, but I also do commercial and strata work
such as office refurbishments.
iscd really prepared me for this business.
Having the technical expertise – understanding
colour and how it behaves, especially in the built
Skills you will learn in
the Interior Styling Diploma
• How to apply colour and design concepts
to interior decorating/styling scenarios
and concepts
• How to approach all facets related to
decorating a space
• Knowledge on the scope of styling a room
or house
• Increased knowledge of successful, creative
ways to present visual information to a client
• A comprehensive industry reference file
• An understanding of the breadth of styling
as a field and the confidence to create and
execute individual styling components
Shor t C ou r s e s
Gina Berney
ed u cator
“
I’ve been running my own interior design
business for about 15 years now. When I’m
not teaching at iscd, I spend my days helping
clients make the best design decisions for their
homes or commercial spaces. Colour is my real
passion – it all starts with colour.
I’m an ex-student of iscd and I love to share
with my students stories of my successes – and
my disasters! I teach Colour + Design LITE
and iSTYLE Colour and these tend to attract
people who are just starting their creative
journey. They’re at a bit of a crossroads in
their life; they may want something else
career-wise or they’re feeling a bit creatively
starved. I think iscd is a fantastic place to
come and explore your creativity on so many
different levels. Students do leave the school
and have very successful careers, but you can
also just leave the school feeling creatively
nourished and fulfilled.
There’s a real sense of community here.
The camaraderie between the educators
and support staff is fantastic. There’s no real
hierarchy and the students pick up on that. We
also encourage our students to work as a group
rather than an individual. There’s always
something to learn from your peers. I still
learn things every day.
”
{
Short Courses
i S t y le
Follow our easy step-by-step process to create your
own decorating journal, whilst learning to decorate
your home using professional colour and design
principles. This course can either be completed at
home in your own time, in our new online format, or
on campus over a 6-week period.
C olo u r + D esign L ite
Colour + Design LITE is an enjoyable, creative leisure
course that is quick and easy. It has been designed
to unlock your creative potential and is perfect
for anyone with an interest in learning about
the basics of colour, design and creativity without
the pressure of accreditation, assessments and
large amounts of homework. Subject Areas
• Introduction to personal colour for home
decorating
• The psychology of colour: mood and colour
palettes
• Colour scheme development: style and room
analysis
• Creating the mood using tone and neutral
colour
• Discovering texture, pattern, fabric and paint
finishes
• Inspiration from nature: creating your own
colour style board
You will create a comprehensive A4 portfolio of your
work and apply your knowledge to creative and
practical projects. This course can be completed at
home in your own time or on campus over a 10-week
period (3 hours a week).
Subject Areas
iscd holds a number of short workshops throughout
the year.
• Fundamentals of colour theory + design with
collage
• Mood development with tone and
monochromatic colour
• Drawing & design techniques
• Related & contrasting colour schemes
• Design development
• Shadow palette, texture, pattern
• Colours in nature: tertiary colour
• Colour psychology
• Conceptual design & research
For more information, please visit our website
www.iscd.edu.au
There are no entry requirements for iSTYLE or
Colour + Design Lite.
The iSTYLE family also includes iSTYLE Décor and
iSTYLE Outdoor.
C ont i nu i n g E ducat ion
Becky Stanley
grad u ate
“
Before coming to iscd, I’d been a florist for
25 years and was stuck in a bit of a career and
life rut. I was looking for something else and
went to the open days of a couple of colleges.
iscd just stood out a mile. The atmosphere of
the school really nailed it for me.
I undertook the Certificate IV in Design then
went on to do the Diploma in Colour Design.
I started getting work halfway through
the certificate course – I was assisting on
photoshoots for magazines and absolutely
loved it. The course really opened my eyes to
all the different creative avenues you can
choose to go down.
I run my own company, Beautiful Interiors,
and work as a colour consultant and prop
stylist for television.
The most important part of my experience
was the teachers, they were amazing. Really
down-to-earth and encouraging. They were
realistic about the future, too.
I used to be petrified of change, of taking
a chance. The thing I got most out of iscd beside
confidence was the belief that my creativity
can be used in so many different areas.
”
{
Continuing Education
P rofessional D evelopment and I nd u str y C o u rses
At iscd we like to think that you have joined our
creativity community for more than your study
period with us.
Designers and creatives require constant
stimulation and up to date information. We aim
to provide our graduates, alumni and industry
associates with opportunities to attend trend
events and networking opportunities as well as
continuing education programs.
Business Mentoring Program
The Business Mentoring Program is an initiative of
iscd which has been developed to take your design
education and apply it into the business world. You will
be mentored by successful industry leaders who will
equip you to succeed in the increasingly competitive
commercial world of design. Special attention is given
to planning, budgeting and professionally presenting
and communicating your business.
Subject Areas
• Setting up a new business
• Research and analysis of the market and
economic environment
• Preparation of a business plan
• Preparation of marketing plan
• Communication of presentation of your business
• Forecasting and budgeting
Corporate Training Courses
At iscd we pride ourselves on the impact our
education has had on many people and businesses in
the design, retail and manufacturing sectors.
As well as providing education to individuals, iscd
provides customised training courses to corporate
and commercial clients. Whether you require training
courses on selling colour in a retail environment, or
more in depth design courses, iscd can customise
a course to your specific requirements.
Work i n g w ith I ndust r y
Working with Industry
Colour Design Diploma Course Work
Certificate IV in Design Course Work
Graphic Design Diploma Course Work
“We’ve been affiliated with iscd for about
ten years now. It’s been a long-standing
relationship that we enjoy. Each year we
offer a brief to design a rug for us. We
whittle hundreds of entries down to around
five finalists, and produce those designs as
rugs. We’ve had some outstanding entries
over the years, but it’s also a way to give
back to the industry. We do look favourably
on graduates from iscd – and we work with
a lot of them when they become decorators
At iscd we know how important it is to make and designers.”
At iscd we are quite different because we focus
on you and your personal goals by providing
design education that is unique, contemporary
and life changing.
At the core of the iscd creative
community are our industry connections which
have been accumulated over the past 30 years. Key
industry partners have developed our curriculum
and they engage with our students both on
campus and off campus giving then exposure to
the design community.
the right industry contacts and to ensure that
your course content is industry relevant. We
work with leaders in industry to provide relevant
course content and industry briefs throughout
all professional courses. Industry contacts judge
each of the briefs and award sought after awards
to outstanding students.
iscd actively works with industry to provide
employment opportunities for our graduates.
Whether it is internships, work experience or
full time employment, there are numerous
opportunities for iscd graduates to work with
industry leaders.
Yosi Tal (General Manager, Designer Rugs)
“Mokum Textiles has been affiliated with
iscd for at least five years now. Each year
we brief the Surface Design students to
create three indoor/outdoor fabrics. They
come in to our showroom and see the
Mokum signature and how our design
process works. We’re always impressed
with the results. It’s a very long and
difficult process picking the top three
designs as the standard is so high. We’ve
employed graduates before and always
find iscd students are skilled and focused,
and have mature attitudes to the industry.”
John Turvey (Mokum Textiles)
Interior Styling Diploma Course Work
Surface Design Diploma Course Work
Photo by Jeremy Simons, courtesy of Inside Out magazine
More T ha n Just a S chool
More Than Just a School
iscd is a creative comm u nit y
iscd is more than just a design school, we aim to
inspire and educate you to fulfill your creative
potential. We are proud to work with leading
industry associations and companies who offer
added benefits and opportunities to our student
community.
Throughout our school year we hold various
events for the iscd community and beyond. These
include annual Trend Seminars, regular Open Days
and Design Events with professional designers
presenting to our students.
Colourways 2012 Trend Forecast Workshop
Susan Trainor, winning Designer Rugs entry 2012
We see our role as a leader in design education, to
support industry by sharing knowledge at Australian
consumer home and decorating shows right through
to industry design, trade-only exhibitions such as
DesignEX.
Each year iscd work with Australia's leading
design magazines to present design and decorating
workshops around Australia. This year we held
a series of colour workshops with Real Living
magazine and a national Mood Board workshop
program with Inside Out magazine.
iscd is a member of Colourways, Australia's
leading Trend Forecasting association specifically
focused on the design industry. Colourways
provides innovative and accurate colour and
Inside Out Workshop, Melbourne
Photo excursion at Circular Quay, Sydney
material trend forecast information for Australian
designers, manufacturers, retailers and product
specialist. iscd provides professional colour
training for Colourways members each year at
their annual trend forecasting workshop. iscd
shares trend forecast information with students
to ensure that they are well informed on crucial
market information.
iscd is a member of The Design Institute of Australia .
Our Team
iscd team
R edhill
iscd has a dedicated team that work to support
each of our students, whether it be on campus
students or those studying via distance education.
Listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in
September 2010, RedHill Education is Australia's
newest name in high quality education.
Hand selected for their broad knowledge, keen
interest and flair for colour, design and creative
education, they are committed to offering you
the best possible advice towards furthering your
creative education. They are here to assist you in
making an informed decision.
We are building a group of Australian-based
businesses at the premium end of the education
services market. Each business is carefully chosen
for its reputation for quality, the calibre of its
teaching and administrative staff and its academic
excellence.
As leaders in the design industry, with strong,
longstanding relationships with so many industry
luminaries, iscd perfectly meets these criteria
and we are delighted to have them as part of
the group.
iscd's alumni are testament to what we believe,
which is that studying at iscd, and at all
the member colleges of the RedHill Education
Group, can truly be your springboard to future
career and personal success.