Denby Smith is a participant in the 2018 Creative Arts and Design Professional Practicum from RMIT University. Denby is studying a Bachelor of Design majoring in Digital Media. Denby received a $3,000 New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant to support their participation in this program.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake ACICIS’ Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum?
I wanted to experience life in the creative arts outside of Melbourne, where I have been based all my life, and wanted to learn about life in Indonesia.
Q: How will the Creative Arts & Design Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
I think the experience I have had in Indonesia will help me put my practice into an international context. The experience will also help me broaden my horizons and the scope of future projects.
Q: Which organisation did you intern with? What were your roles and responsibilities?
I interned with Lanting Animation where I was responsible for developing an Augmented Reality application for their portfolio. I also was responsible for developing concepts, assets, animation characters lighting scenes and recording vocals for music for paper-based stop motion film.
Q: How did you find the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
Work practice differs from some organisations in Australia that I have worked for in that there is a lot less pressure and the pace is slower. Australia is very fast-paced and you can struggle to keep up – which doesn’t necessarily improve creative outcomes. At Lanting Animation, we were between deadlines, so that might account for the slower pace…
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
I would love to return to Indonesia someday. Hopefully I can be part of a collaborative project with some people I have met here on this trip.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
I have enjoyed seeing sights and going to art classes. I also enjoyed Jakarta’s night life.
Q: Favourite place to eat and favourite Indonesian food?
Eating Padang is pretty fun! Eating brains with my hands is an experience I’ll always remember! They have mean fried chicken over here too… My favourite place to eat, with the best food, is Gioi restaurant.
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
My favourite, or at least most used, Indonesian phrase is ‘’Saya lupa!’’ which means ‘’I forget’’.
Q. What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
I have been to volcanoes and waterfalls in Bandung so far and plan to travel to Jogjakarta when my placement finishes. Lastly, Bali before returning home.