Marni creates her own career path

Sixteen-year-old Riverside Christian College student Marni MacDonald—who is looking to turn her passion for the arts into a creative career as a tattoo artist—recently gained her first qualification at TAFE Queensland’s Hervey Bay campus and is already working on her next, with the proactive teenager currently halfway through a Certificate III in Visual Arts (CUA31120) at CQU.

Having developed a love of art from an early age, Marni said her chosen career was a no-brainer. But while the decision to become a tattoo artist was easy, Marni was keen to give herself options.         

“I’ve always had a passion for art. I joined an art class when I was in Year 7 and loved it so much, taken art every year since, so I knew I wanted to do something related,” she said.

“I love drawing, and I like drawing on people, so I thought I could make that into a career.

“That said, I want to make sure I have a wide variety of qualifications, so I can make retail a part of my career, or make cosmetic tattooing part of my career – I want to keep my options open so I’m not limited in any way.”

Keen to get started, Marni was given the perfect opportunity to grow her skills and gain her first qualification by undertaking a Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics (SHB20121) through the TAFE at School program, which enables high school students to gain a nationally recognised qualification while they are still at school completing their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

“I’m not super patient and I want to start my career as early as I can,” Marni laughs. “I want to be a tattooist – I know that I want that, so why not start now?” she said.

“I really enjoyed the teaching style of TAFE versus school; it was very supportive and well structured, while giving us more free reign. The practical side of getting to do makeup on people was fun, and it was great to interact with student of all ages and get a taste of what it’s like to be in an adult learning environment.”

While she’s only just completed Year 11, Marni is now on track to have two qualifications to her name by the time she graduates this time next year, giving her the confidence to pursue her goal of obtaining a Bachelor of Arts, as well as the portfolio and skills needed to kick-start her career in the creative industries.

“I was nervous about doing a different form of education at first, but I loved it, and from there it’s opened up so many different pathways and doors for me,” Marni said.

“If you’re still in school and have the opportunity to do TAFE at School, do it – it’s only going to benefit you in the long run.”