Anis Faizal, a Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design alumna is currently a creative designer for Waarna Apparel. Her role involves the creation of editorial marketing assets, photoshoots, set design and prop sourcing & management. She enjoys being deeply engaged in and contributing to the entire lifecycle of her company’s promotional campaigns, providing her with a sense of fulfilment.

A graduate of the class of 2019, Anis has been interested in the visual arts since her formative years. She was immersed in animation media (mainly British clay animation) and classic manga. This led her to search for visual arts programs immediately after completing her SPM examinations. Eventually, she enrolled in Sunway University as it aligned with her desire for a versatile programme that would not confine her to a single career path.

Throughout her diploma studies, Anis developed a professional mindset – learning to be realistic to overcome the industry's swift pace and sharp edges. She expresses immense gratitude to her lecturers for their strict guidance in cultivating essential values such as flexibility and quick thinking. Their encouragement to participate in competitions (such as the Adobe Certificate Professional competition) was transformative, prompting her to seek responsibilities she would have previously avoided actively. In her final year, she even took on the role of president for her cohort's graduation exhibition.

To Anis, one highlight of her student experience is her relationship with her classmates. “My experiences have significantly influenced the dynamics of my decision-making process in the classroom,” she comments. As a lively and talkative cohort, the group often exchanged ideas and even conflicting viewpoints, which developed into a valuable skill set. The group learned to negotiate effectively and adopt a proactive approach to problem-solving. Anis and her cohort kept up with each other after graduating, supporting each other’s new projects wherever possible. “They are one of my first and most cherished contacts in my professional career,” she adds fondly.

In her final semester, Anis secured admission into a degree course based on a paper she wrote for her studies. However, challenges quickly emerged as her campus life was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after it began. While confined to her home, she took on the role of secondary caregiver for her grandfather while trying to complete her degree online. Meanwhile, she also tried to find employment, which was difficult for a fresh graduate amid a global pandemic. However, despite these challenges, Anis was determined to keep enhancing her skillset and portfolio, engaging in various contract and part-time positions.

Eventually, Anis found an opportunity in a short-term project with Suria FM for their Jelajah Malaysian tour. The project allowed her the unique chance to glean insight and learn tips and tricks from seasoned veterans in the industry while further refining her skills as a designer. As her work experience grew, Anis discovered a shift in her career trajectory as she desired to engage in conceptual skills. This led her to move away from pure advertising and marketing and into her current job with Waarna Apparel.

Now a budding professional in the industry, Anis reflects on the importance of learning to go at one’s own pace. “In today’s world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by others’ success. Social media adds to the pressure, making us unconsciously compare our achievements,” she muses. “Appreciate your successes, even the small ones, so that when you succeed, you won’t be stressed about setbacks.”