A “STAR WARS” STORY
A Senior Publicity and Publications Officer shares about her 5-year journey with DAS.
A NEW HOPE: MY FIRST ASSIGNMENT
I joined DAS a year after graduation, eager to bring something to the table and to leave a mark. My first assignment was to design a series of A2 posters for the
upcoming library exhibitions. As any amateur designer would do, I went straight into Pinterest. I colour-picked the exact colour palette from the design that attracted me and recreated it on Adobe Photoshop. There were at least two lessons that I learned from that project. One: Always use DAS colour palette. Two: Illustrator would be a better choice of software.
THE EMPIRE STARTS FILMING
My first video project was done for fundraising. At that time, we have never filmed (semi)professionally using an in-house team. I remember feeling very empowered and thrilled to take control because this was actually something that I had a decent amount of experience in. When it was completed and published, I felt an immense
sense of accomplishment and drive to keep going. I knew then that this was my thing. Eventually, more video requests came in and other teammates started taking
over video editing roles. Video-making was an inevitable category that the publicity team would end up delving into, with or without my presence. However, it still made
me proud that I played a huge role in getting us there.
THE EMPIRE STARTS FILMING
My first video project was done for fundraising. At that time, we have never filmed (semi)professionally using an in-house team. I remember feeling very empowered and thrilled to take control because this was actually something that I had a decent amount of experience in. When it was completed and published, I felt an immense
sense of accomplishment and drive to keep going. I knew then that this was my thing. Eventually, more video requests came in and other teammates started taking
over video editing roles. Video-making was an inevitable category that the publicity team would end up delving into, with or without my presence. However, it still made
me proud that I played a huge role in getting us there.
ATTACK OF THE CERTS
In 2018, I begin attending certificate courses provided by the DAS Academy. One thing led to another and now, I have a Specialist Diploma in Learning Support for Specific Learning Differences (SpLD). I must say, it was the congregated effort of my bosses and DAS Academy lecturers who pushed me through every hurdle till the finishing line. This diploma was an unforeseen yet satisfying achievement and I owe it to them.
THE RISE OF EVERYTHING
DAS keeps growing bigger and faster! Over the years, I repeatedly challenged myself to create something original for each project. It was only later that I learned the value of continuity and cohesiveness in a brand. There is always this unique challenge of keeping the main brand united-looking but sub-brands distinct from each other. This is something that we continue to explore in the team.
THE (WORK)FORCE AWAKENS
Speaking of team, I wouldn’t have made it this far if I was not surrounded by resilient individuals who work really hard and have a strong force to do good. We are made up of different strengths and we constantly support each other in areas that we lack in. The company, in general, are people who are genuine and good-natured. We understand the impact of our jobs to children, and now adults, with learning differences. It is a very fulfilling duty.
NOT THE LAST JEDI
From a young padawan to a self-proclaimed jedi, I have definitely found growth here. DAS has played a considerable role in my personal and professional development during these past five years in the workforce. I am grateful for all the trust shown and support offered. It is through the myriad of opportunities given and talented people I have been blessed to work with and learn from, was I able to hone my skills and develop into a more confident creative. This role is not for the faint-hearted. Take it up if you are desperate to learn how to get creative and make a difference.
Written by
Dian Nadhirah Sachiman
Senior Publicity and Publications Officer,
Dyslexia Association of Singapore
20 February 2023
