APT Academy - Tonje Goff

Q. What has it been like to spend a week at APT?

It has been a really good week, I like the difference in environment compare to waking up and going to school. I feel kind of empty knowing its my last day here.

Q. What is your top highlight of the week?

Getting to pet the dogs, Dawn letting me use her tablet, and me and Jessica making tea for everyone as well as just talking to everyone in general.

Q. What has been the most important thing you’ve learned?

How to handle a work load, confidence in talking to the people you work with and getting my first experience of making something for a client.

Q. Has anything surprised you about working as a illustrator / designer?

I don't really know what you mean by surprise but I was kind of surprised when I found out I would be actually doing something for the business at all. I thought they would just give me busy work until I left but I got to draw some thing that actually contributed and I'm glad they trusted me.

Q. What next steps are you thinking about after school?

Probably collage since I'm not staying in six form. I know that's what my family wants regardless. I'm thinking of going into art and animation since those are the two subjects I care about the most.

Maybe uni if I feel like I'd be stable enough money wise and have enough reason to go but its not a top priority for me right now.

When I'm finally done with all that I'll probably get your average beginner jobs like work for a fast food or a shop while also building up my artist career by gaining a bigger online presence in any way I can like do commissions, maybe start my own graphic novels, start uploading animations on YouTube as well as some art tutorials once I'm stable enough.

Maybe if i get comfortable enough I'll start hiring a animation or art team for a studio.

Q. What do you like about illustration and design?

As a child I never had much initiative in my life, I always relied on people telling me what to do because I believed that if I did what everyone wanted me to do they would be happy, but also I was afraid. although back then I didn't want to become an artist back then it was the one thing I did that mad me less afraid to do what I wanted to do and when and helped me become the artist I am today, its all I want to do now. I love creating worlds to explore in my perspective of reality. I love the technical aspect of it and I love the way it calms me without me knowing. I love how its changed my life from the kind of content i surround myself to how i talk to other people and analysis myself.

Q. Do you have any advice for students who are considering a work placement?

Just be aware that one of the dogs will always consistently race to you every day barking so get use to that! And also be careful not to step on any bees. And don't be afraid to ask for help!

Follow Tonje & her work on her handle: kitty40tatoon_draws