How Eadie found belonging in the art world

The path to the future we want isn’t always straightforward, particularly in the creative world. For Chisholm Diploma of Visual Arts student Eadie, a long-held desire became a reality when she decided to take the leap into study. With opportunities to develop her skills, build meaningful connections and access professional mentorship through Chisholm’s network, Eadie not only thrived – she discovered where she belonged.

Eadie has always loved art, but the art world felt intimidating. Despite her natural talent and desire to create, she hesitated to take the next step. After finishing school, she spent years travelling and working in entry-level factory roles, all while dreaming of drawing and painting.

Eventually, Eadie decided fear had held her back long enough. “I had impostor syndrome because I felt like I didn’t have anything original to create.” That’s when she found Chisholm, and enrolling in the Diploma of Visual Arts became a turning point.

In class, Eadie found more than just technical skills. She found confidence, inspiration, and a strong sense of friendship. The connections she built were so meaningful that one classmate is now her housemate, a testament to the supportive community at Chisholm.

Surrounded by passionate teachers who were practising artists themselves, Eadie was pushed in new creative directions. “Each lesson brought a new challenge,” she said. “I learned to trust my ideas and back myself.” Many classes involved working on creative briefs and solving client problems, a taste of what's to come as a professional artist. Eadie truly excelled during free-choice time in class, where she could let the creativity flow.

Beyond the classroom, Chisholm introduced Eadie to the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Young Creators Mentorship Program. The program connects creatives aged 18–25 with established professional artists for one-on-one mentorship. Working closely with her mentor opened doors she never imagined. “It was incredible to have someone in the industry believe in me,” she says.

Eadie proudly showcased several of her artworks at Chisholm's End of Year Art Exhibition. Displaying many pieces at an official event was a milestone in her artistic journey. At the event, she won the Highly Commended Award, a tribute to her effort, passion and dedication. This award felt affirming, showing Eadie that she truly does belong in the industry.

Today, Eadie is not just creating art, she’s building a future in the creative industry. She’s made strong connections, contributed to real-world projects, and been accepted into multiple industry-leading institutes for further study. “I’m excited to keep growing and make my mark,” she says. “Chisholm was the perfect place to start.”