As the communications link between supplier and consumer, the graphic design professional conceives and executes concepts that inform, motivate, educate or sell, making Graphic Design an extremely important aspect of today's commercial world. The Academy of Design (AOD) as Sri Lanka's premier Design Education Institution, offers the most widely recognized and internationally accepted Graphic Design curriculum available in the island.

AOD students are constantly exposed to the requirements of the industry in which they will ultimately become a part of, and as a part of this exercise they are frequently given the opportunity to participate in international competitions and award programmes. As a result, Rochelle Jayatunga a second year graphic design student at AOD represented Sri Lanka in the Student Category at the Cannes Lions 57th International Advertising Festival 2010 (Predictions) and emerged runner-up among hundreds of design students from all over the world. (The student awards were organized by the Roger Hatchuel programme organized by the Roger Hatchuel Academy).

'AOD students' Graphic Design projects address industry needs by combining creativity with practicality'

"It was a really good experience and I'm really glad I was able to take part… I also got to meet a lot of people from leading advertising agencies and I got a better understanding of how the industry works and what they expect from people planning to get in to it." stated Rochelle who also went on to say that she was thankful to her design campus-the AOD, for taking the initiative for her to take part in the competition "It was the AOD that asked me to consider taking part in this competition in the first place. They constantly supported and encouraged me and I'm very thankful for that. My education there definitely gave me the confidence I needed to take up the challenge…the marketing and presentation skills that I acquired through the AOD helped a lot."

Taking part in international competitions is a trait that AOD students continue even during their professional career. Samantha Weerawardane who is a BA (Hons.) Graphic Design programme student of the AOD, besides being a part of Sri Lanka's advertising industry through her own practice, also took part in the Print category of the Young Lions competition - Cannes Lions 57th International Advertising Festival 2010 and was chosen the winner.

The winners received the opportunity to travel to France for the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival 2010 and this was the first time that Sri Lanka was represented in the Print category of the acclaimed Advertising Festival. "It was a proud moment for us when we saw our work booth with a Sri Lankan flag on it…It was great mingling with advertising professionals of our age from different countries" said Samantha. She also added that the practice that she received on presenting in front of a panel of judges at the AOD helped a great deal at the competition.

AOD exposes students to a spectrum of careers and possibilities in the field of graphic design, and helps them to reach beyond what's conventionally accepted as 'graphic design'. AOD Graphic Design programme's additional exposure to the fields of advertising and marketing along with the essential fluency in presentation and communication skills, ensure that the students are experienced in industry requirements while at the academy. "We involve our students in local and international design/advertising competitions as one of our strategies to bridge the gap between education and industry. We aim to give our students theoretical and practical knowledge that will prepare them for today's design and advertising world" said Alain Parizeau, Head of the Graphic Design Programme -AOD, elaborating on how AOD graduates are well prepared for the challenges that they face within the practicalities of the industry.

AOD offers internationally recognised British Design Degrees right here in Sri Lanka, where students can study for a BA (Hons.) degree in Graphic Design, Fashion Design or Interior Design from the Northumbria University-UK. AOD also offers widely recognized Jewellery, Game design and Design Foundation programmes.

AOD's globally recognized curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities paired with the industry-required exposure guided by a panel of internationally qualified tutors makes the design programmes at the AOD the best way to ensure a successful career in the dynamic profession of design.