FAQ - TRACTOR

How can I apply?

Firstly to be considered for Tractor you'll need to have already completed at least one year of a traditional design course or have relevant industry experience.

You'll need to apply to organise a portfolio interview. Tractor reviews portfolios up until two weeks before each course and offers places to the top applicants for any group.

What equipment will I need?

You will need your own laptop. You’ll also need to bring a notepad and any other equipment you usually work with when you’re developing your ideas.

What computer software programs will I be using?

You will need to be of a competent level in industry tools and relevant computer programs in order to be able to express your ideas proficiently. You will need to have the appropriate software on your laptop.

Can I apply if I haven't graduated from a design course?

Yes!

We simply need to be satisfied you have the appropriate talent, skills and work ethic.

You'll need to have successfully completed at least one year in a tertiary design course. It's possible you may already be working and want to join us to broaden your knowledge, experience and industry contacts.

Studying at Tractor gives you the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the industry's most senior and most successful creatives.

What are my chances of finding
a job once I graduate?

It's not really a question of how difficult it might be to find a job. It's more a question of getting to know the industry and the people in it. If you're good at what you do and are prepared to work hard, you'll be successful.

Studying at Tractor gives you the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the industry's most senior and most successful creatives. This is not only going to give you unparalleled industry connections, it will also give you an opportunity to create an outstanding portfolio of work...putting you front and centre of the industry when it comes to getting a job.

What sort of things should I include in my portfolio when
I apply?

Your portfolio should have about ten to twelve pieces of original work. By original work we mean work you've created yourself. It doesn't matter whether it's things you've done during your studies, at work or for yourself. Ideally it should have a few examples of your creative process. By this we mean examples of work that have originated through your own experience and visual research and progressed through logical stages to a finished design solution. It's important that the design work you include reflects and demonstrates your creative thinking, initiative and personal commitment to a particular project.

We're also looking for a high work ethic and real enthusiasm.

What's the difference between traditional design courses and Tractor's course?

Traditional design courses are necessarily required to meet a wide range of criteria all of which lead to a formal qualification. Their focus therefore is not only to provide an education, but also to help make sure their students can graduate. Whilst this is useful in lots of ways, it inevitably dilutes the industry connection. The design industry is driven by creativity, talent and ideas, not by qualifications.

We work solely with industry to design, develop and constantly upgrade what we teach. You don't have to worry about passing exams or having to measure up against any academic criteria. In short, our curriculum is solely focused on helping you become the very best designer you can be.

How long is the course?

Our Studio program runs for 20 weeks. Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm. That’s 35 hours a week...basically the same as working in a commercial studio for a few months.

Our Industry programs run from 6pm to 9pm, two nights a week. You'll spend over 60 hours spent in the company of your peers and a range of leading designers.

Sessions are held in the CBD in a warehouse, shop, studio, gallery, workshop, depot, fort, barn, shed or armoury.

Never in a classroom.