Student Profile

John Crawford
Certificate III in Printmaking

After visiting the end of year Art Exhibitions at Hornsby and Meadowbank college galleries, John Crawford was inspired to take up Printmaking.

After a long and illustrious career in Architecture, Project Management and Property Management, John spent three years studying Printmaking at Hornsby College before taking on a new start as an artist.

Now a busy artist bustling about Sydney’s art scene, life couldn’t be better says John.

“Participation in the TAFE printmaking course has enabled my life to be both creative and productive, and has opened up social connections that I consider vitally important,” said John.

More than just a hobby, John was able to combine his creative skills with his management and coordination skills from his previous career together with his artistic talents, highlighting a hidden talent for curating exhibitions.

“Since completing Printmaking I, II & III, I have been accepted as a member of Open Bite Printmakers group, as well as the TAFE Northside Printmakers,” said John.

“Both involvements have resulted in a host of group and individual exhibitions, and have given me the opportunity to refocus my earlier management skills into the aspects of curating and directing exhibitions.

TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute works closely with industry so you can equip yourself with the necessary skills to find your way in the working world.

Sam Hayward

Diploma in Music Industry Technical Production

NSI graduate Sam Hayward is an up and coming Sound Engineer who is taking the silver screen by storm.

Sam has not only received an Australian Screen and Sound Award, but was nominated for an AFI award in 2007 for his work on the documentary film ‘Cuttlefish’.

Not a stranger to success, the former TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute music student boasts a long list of credits including such films as Happy Feet, Jo-anne Lees – Murder in the Outback, The Tender Hook and Suburban Mayhem.

Sam’s career began to flourish after he completed his Certificate III and IV in Music Performance at Bradfield College. Not expecting a future in sound mixing, Sam found himself drawn to music production.

“When I first started with TAFE, I had vague aspirations of being a musician. I played the guitar and I wanted get into that side of things,” said Sam. “As my course went along though, I realised I liked working with sound production.”

Finishing with a Diploma in Music Industry Technical Production, Sam went on to work for one of Australia’s top sound mixing facilities, Philmsound as a facility assistant.

“Without the skills learnt at TAFE I would not have been able to perform in my position. TAFE NSW was instrumental in me starting my career in the Film Industry,” explained Sam.

“I have met some amazingly talented, caring and hard working people at TAFE and in my work in the Film Industry. Enrolling at TAFE is one of the best things I have done in my life.”

As for Sam’s advice to other aspiring sound engineers and film makers:

“Go for it!” said Sam, “even if you aren't exactly sure what you want to do career-wise, TAFE is invaluable in giving you the resources, skills and education to give you many options.”

Sam Pinczewski and James Rabbitts.

Certificate IV in Sound Production and a Diploma of Film and Television Production.

When film producer Sam Pinczewski left school, he enrolled at university hoping for a career in finance. Only six months into his university degree; Sam knew a future in finance wasn’t right for him.

Making a swift career decision, Sam began a Certificate II in Film & Television Production Techniques.

“I started doing work experience with networks like ABC and Channel Nine, building on my experience at TAFE NSW,” said Sam.

“At TAFE NSW I gained a technical understanding of how things work. I found it was better to spend the time doing practical training so I could get the job done.”

While at TAFE NSW, Sam met friend and future business partner, James Rabbitts. Together, the two completed a Certificate II in Film and Television Production Techniques, Certificate III in Film & Television Production, Certificate IV in Location Recording, Certificate IV in Sound Production and a Diploma of Film and Television Production.

The duo have since formed Great Southern Land Entertainment, and have spent the last few years creating short films, music videos and commercials together.

A long list of credits for the pair include Nova, Uncle Toby’s, Dunlop Golf, and Country Music Channel commercials, as well as their latest film ‘Night Train’, featuring Australian actress Victoria Hill and Kate Kendall.

“James and I met at TAFE NSW and we worked on a few things together. We realised we had the same passion for film, so we decided one day to worth together and are now working on our first feature film.”  

Fellow director James Rabbitts said that attending TAFE NSW was a great decision that helped him get ahead.

“At TAFE I met people with common goals, interests and passions,” said James.

“TAFE gave me the technical training to carry on with a career in the industry. Given the hands on approach and small class sizes you really have great access to a wide range of gear and skills,” said James.