How formal study in visual arts helped Manuel grow his skills and career

When Manuel moved to Australia from the south of Spain, he thought studying business might be the right step forward. But after some time reflecting on what truly mattered to him, he returned to his creative roots and decided to build on his career as a painter. 

Originally from Malaga, Manuel had been creating large-scale murals for years. His colourful, emotive works often span entire building facades, transforming blank walls into powerful visual experiences. While he had always worked as a self-taught artist, he saw the value in gaining formal recognition and expanding his skills. 

“Until now I was self-taught – it's good to have some formal recognition for prior knowledge and skills,” Manuel said. 

That decision led him to enrol in the Diploma of Visual Arts CUA51120 Painting/Printmaking at Melbourne Polytechnic. 

Location also played a part. With a studio based in Collingwood, Manuel was familiar with the Collingwood campus and started researching Melbourne Polytechnic. After learning more about the course structure and how it supported creative independence, it felt like the right fit. 

The flexibility of the course has allowed Manuel to shape his learning around his existing practice. Unlike other programs he had explored, the diploma gave him the freedom to focus on his own projects while also developing new techniques. 

“It’s flexible – it's not closed off. I get to do my own project. You don’t have to do specific assessments. You have more choice here,” he said. 

One unexpected highlight of the course has been life drawing. While mural painting usually involves working from photographs or sketches, life drawing challenged Manuel to work from live reference, encouraging a different way of observing and solving visual problems. 

“It’s different when you’re working with real life – so in life drawing, you need to be aware of different things and solve problems differently,” he explained. 

As an international student, studying in Australia has come with challenges, including managing work and study independently. But the experience has helped Manuel grow both personally and professionally. 

After completing the diploma, Manuel plans to continue into the Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development CUA60420 at Melbourne Polytechnic. He also intends to keep working as a mural artist, applying what he’s learned to future commissions. With a stronger portfolio and more defined creative direction, he feels better prepared to pitch for projects and attract new clients. 

Manuel’s journey shows how formal training can give artists the structure, skills and support they need to grow their practice. With the freedom to experiment and the guidance of experienced teachers, studying at Melbourne Polytechnic has helped him build a clear path forward in his creative career. 

Ready to grow as an artist? If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, push your creative boundaries and build a portfolio that opens doors, studying Visual Arts at Melbourne Polytechnic could be the foundation for your creative future.

Discover what you can create — start your journey and learn more about Visual Arts courses today.