Life beyond Radford
Andrew Kominek
- Advanced Diploma, Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Screen (Animation), 2004-2005
- Advanced Diploma, Canberra Institute of Technology, Design (Digital Media), 2006-2007
- Bachelor Degree, University of Canberra, Graphic Design, 2008-2009
- Digital Director, Coordinate, 2009-Present
Santa’s Shaped Christmas Tree Farm 
Coordinate What does life look for you now?
Life is pretty simple at the moment. I am working, living and have a new family all in Canberra.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I have always loved watching and playing sport while growing up. This influenced my current lifestyle, which has led me to be as active as I can outside of work. And on the other hand I have always enjoyed movies, animation, design and computer technology advances.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I always hoped to play sport professionally and for my country. I didn't really care what sport either!
What is your favourite Radford moment?
I don't really have one favourite moment but I always enjoyed any trip away with friends, teams and class mates. Getting to know and experience people outside of school was always the most enjoyable.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
No I didn't have any particular role model while at Radford but always looked up to the older kids from year 7-10.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
It wasn't too hard. It was either playing sport or something in the digital arts world.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
No. When I first went to AIE and studied 3D animation I thought the next step was to work on the next big PIXAR movie. When I finished studying I found out it was extremely hard to get a job in the 3D animation world so I decided to keep studying and moved onto study digital media and graphic design. This was the best thing I could do. Having a varied and wide skill set has got me to where I am now.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
That the world isn't as scary as it seemed. If something doesn't work out there are so many other ways of doing what you want to do. Enjoy the challenges and obstacles that life throws at you, it can be a blessing in disguise. Also enjoy life, work and study is only a small part of it.
What advice do you have for current students?
My only advice is to enjoy Radford and the study/work experience/travel you do after school before working full time. They are the experiences and friendships that will last and influence you the most. Also don't put too much pressure on yourself about future decisions and study. You will always need to put in the hard yards but when you find your passion the study/work you do won't feel as hard.
