The Otago Polytechnic student will graduate today with a bachelor of design (communication) — something he is already making a name for himself with.
His final-year project involved creating an art activity as part of Otago Polytechnic’s Ka Mua, Ka Muri: Walking Backwards into the Future exhibition, which opened at Otago Museum last Friday.
He created a stencil kit that can be used to keep children entertained, get them thinking creatively and show the many different study and career options at Otago Polytechnic.
Mr Savage-Mason said participation in the exhibition project meant learning how to work with real-world clients with complex briefs.
One of the major design challenges he faced was finding the right materials to produce an attractive, durable and sustainable product that would be used in a busy museum.
He said it meant a lot for an up-and-coming designer to be involved with such a highly-publicised exhibition.
"I’m so happy with the outcome from this project. It’s awesome to have my work in a big venue like the Otago Museum."
His work on the exhibition had given him a taste for laser cutting, and he intended to pursue the craft.
Now that he was graduating, he was also looking forward to a career involving branding.
He said he loved working with graphics, and in particular, he was attracted to logo, website and poster design.
Mr Savage-Mason is one of about 500 Otago Polytechnic students who will graduate with various degrees in two ceremonies at the Dunedin Town Hall today.
Otago Polytechnic executive director Jason Tibble said it would be the last time the educational institution held ceremonies in December.
"As of next year, we are scheduling them in March and September. This decision is based on feedback from a range of stakeholders.
"As our sector changes in an effort to improve outcomes for learners, this week’s graduation is a timely reminder about why we do what we do — which is to empower people, through education, to improve their lives."
Graduands from both ceremonies will march in the same parade, which starts at 11am outside the University of Otago Dental School.
