Sydney-based designer Jocelyne Kurniawan, a TDK 2025 Award winner in Graphic Design/Branding, brings warmth, clarity, and playful precision to her work. Currently completing her Bachelor of Communication Design at Billy Blue, and a graduate of TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore, Jocelyne developed her award-winning project “Yappy” through experimentation, mentorship, and a strong creative community that continues to shape her emerging voice.
Tell us about where you study/studied and some of your highlights and favourite lecturers and if you are self taught, how did you do it?!
I’m currently in my final year of the Bachelor of Communication Design at Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Sydney, and I want to thank Hannah Schmith for her kind support and help during the submission process.
Before that, I also completed the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design at TAFE NSW Design Centre Enmore, which was where Yappy was born! While designing the brand identity, I was lucky to be surrounded by amazing friends, peers, and teachers who kept me inspired (and sane). A huge shoutout to one of my teachers, Gary Cunliffe, whose guidance shaped Yappy in all the best ways. I’m genuinely grateful for the people who cheered this little project into existence, and now it has won an award — which still feels surreal!
Tell us about your tools / what tech, programs, equipment and environment do you do your best work in?
I do most of my design work using my favourite Adobe programs: Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. And whenever I want to add some cool motion or energy to my piece, I jump into After Effects right away.
I mainly work on my laptop, but I also use my iPad for illustration work, and my sketchbook for sketching rough ideas (paper first, then digital!). My ideal work environment would honestly be my room, with sunlight coming in, caffeine to keep me going, and something cozy to wear. But when I need an extra boost of motivation, I would go to the library where other people are being productive, and grab interesting art books for inspiration while I'm there.
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
This is a tough question! But some of my favourite creative professionals would be Katrina Romulo, and the super awesome peeps at For The People agency and Howatson+Company.
I look up to Katrina a lot, and I love the work she has been doing. Whether it's her graphic design projects, or her creative, informative content she shares online.
I also admire For The People agency for the work they do for their clients. They consistently combine strong storytelling with excellent execution.
Last but not least, Howatson+Company. I always notice their work wherever I go, on billboards, train stations, and those large digital signages around the city. I really respect the quality of their work and the impact it brings.
In terms of inspiring places, The Sydney Modern Project (the expansion of The Art Gallery of NSW) is one of my go-to spots, and so are the streets of Surry Hills, Newtown, and Paddington. They’re filled with small bookshops, gift stores with interesting packaging designs, and shops with beautifully designed products that always spark ideas.
What are your biggest hopes and dreams for 2026, both for the world and your career?
For 2026, I hope the world becomes a little kinder and more thoughtful, where creativity and empathy help make it a better place. For my career, I’m hoping to step into the industry, do internships, gain experience at creative agencies and studios I admire, and eventually land my dream job.
As a creative, I want to keep growing, always learning new things, and work on projects I love that make people feel something and build emotional connections. I also hope to collaborate and connect with other creatives, explore my style further, improve my portfolio (and maybe give it a fresh look, again), and create work that feels meaningful and honest.
Lastly, on a more personal note, since time moves so quickly, I want to explore new hobbies, spend more time with my loved ones and create unforgettable memories, stay productive, and make each day count by doing things that feel worthwhile.
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