Bribie Island resident Lani Machado, 21, has launched into a freelance design career after graduating from the University of the Sunshine Coast.

The 2012 Bribie Island State High School graduate gained his USC Bachelor of Computer-Based Design at the recent USC ceremony.

Lani, who majored in Graphic Design and E-Media, said he was enjoying work as a freelancer, helping startup businesses in particular, and ultimately aimed to join a design agency.

“USC helped prepare me for communicating with clients and all the steps to go through to successfully complete a job,” he said.

“My tutors guided me through how to market myself to attract clients, and provided helpful feedback as I studied.

“I’ll keep improving my skills and learning new design strategies, and would like to focus on building business brands from the ground up, as well as rebranding.”

Lani said he chose USC’s Sippy Downs campus because of the environment, its proximity to the beach and the easier drive north from Bribie Island, rather than south to Brisbane.

To view USC’s four final graduation ceremonies for 2016, click here.

— Julie Schomberg