Fulfilling Her Design Dreams | Naveen Kazmi’s Graphic Design Story

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

It was those aspirational words from Walt Disney that Naveen Kazmi credits with motivating her to enroll at Toronto Film School in pursuit of her dream of becoming a graphic designer.

“My dreams began when I attended the first lecture at Toronto Film School, and looking back, I can proudly say that there is no better school than Toronto Film School,” said Kazmi, valedictorian of the Class of 2022’s Graphic Design & Interactive Media program.

“(TFS) is filled with the most wonderful staff and faculty members, who dedicate their time to the fulfillment of every student’s individual goals.”

For Kazmi, who moved to Toronto from Pakistan in 2020, those goals included parlaying her fashion design skills from back home into a new career in graphic design here in Canada – and she credits her education at TFS for helping to make that dream come true.

An Honours and President’s List student throughout her studies at TFS, Kazmi is currently working as a Graphic Designer at CBRE Toronto – the global leaders in the commercial real estate industry in 100+ countries.

Kazmi recently sat down to reflect on her time at Toronto Film School, her passion for graphic design, and her plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say:

What brought you to Toronto Film School? Where were you in life when you decided to continue your studies with us? 

I am from Pakistan and moved to Canada in 2020 – right before COVID hit us! I was 27 then, and I wanted to break through all the limited opportunities I had as a designer back home. I have always been passionate about art and design, and bring with me to the Graphic Design & Interactive Media Program at TFS an extensive design skillset from my previous work experience in fashion design. I chose Toronto Film School because I was thrilled to find out that I will be industry ready in a year!

What made you decide to pursue your passion for graphic design? 

In my previous role as a fashion designer, I worked very closely with the communications and graphics team, and that is when I realized how much I enjoy graphic design. I was always sure that if I ever pursued a career change, it would be in graphics.

What is the most important thing you’re taking away from your studies at TFS? 

Looking back, I can proudly say there is no better school than Toronto Film School. It is filled with the most wonderful staff and faculty members, who dedicate their time to the fulfillment of every student’s individual goals. That is the most important thing I am taking away from TFS – the importance of building relationships by being there for each other and going out of your way to assist the people around you.

What are your plans after graduation both immediate and long term? 

My immediate and long-term plans are aligned – and they are to really immerse myself in graphic designing, to understand areas that can be improved, to get to know the ins and outs of my strengths and weaknesses as a creative individual, and to extend my expertise in the design world. I am looking forward to seeking out every design opportunity that comes my way!

If you offered one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would that be? 

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them! Be courageous, be creative, be passionate and, most importantly, be ready to solve problems! Every design brief comes with restraints, requirements and criteria that cannot be dismissed or overlooked.