Student Highlights

Mitch Walder

Second year Visual Arts student, Mitch Walder has been doing great work for The Age newspaper, since completing his professional practice work placement as a cartoonist there. Professional Placement is completed as an part of the Bachelor of Design Arts degree.  

Mitch has been published weekly in the 'MyCareer' section of Saturday's 'A2' since he started his professional placement there during the recent semester break.

Below is an account of Mitch’s experiences at The Age:

"My first illustration came about when I was shadowing a fellow artist and I drew my version of the story she was drawing on. She liked it and then allowed me to work on it. From there on I have been drawing for other sections including the front cover of Insight in the main section of The Saturday Age and 'Faith' in The Sunday Age.

Cover illustration for 'Insight' by Mitch Walder

My day starts at 10:30am where I enter and read the papers, accessing my email account and selecting the job for 'The Office' in 'MyCareer'. I read the article a few times and then draw down a few ideas. Usually the cartoon comes out of the first paragraph as there is usually handy references or anecdotes that mould the story. Then, when i've decided what idea I’m going with, I'll either re draw the image or scan it into computer. I open it in photoshop, resize it, then add colour.

Cartoon illustration for 'The Office' by Mitch Walder

I've actually discovered my own style and technique at The Age and it has really helped me in being consistently motivated and recognised. The work environment is great because it is so relaxed and easy going even though everyone is contributing to Melbourne's most prestigious newspaper. I think this mood in the office is manifested because everyone is so well skilled in their field and the trust that they all have in everyone else's ability makes me feel good because I have been welcomed into this system.

Cartoon illustration for 'The Office' by Mitch Walder

I worked pretty hard to get to The Age, politely persisting with emails and phone calls and its really paid off.  The Age provided me with a great opportunity to get my foot in the door and pursue what I've wanted to do for so long."