Intent
Clarify why you want to study design
Start with your reason for learning. Some learners want career exploration, some want a creative skill, and some want structured portfolio-focused learning.
- Write down whether you want to explore, build a specific skill, or follow a broader pathway.
- Note what kind of design work you already notice or enjoy.
- Be honest about your current confidence with drawing, planning, software, or presentation.
- Decide whether you need beginner guidance or a more focused next step.
Shortlist
Identify your preferred discipline or shortlist
You do not need to have a final answer before counselling, but a shortlist helps the discussion become practical.
Learning Depth
Decide whether you want exploration or structured learning
A focused short course may suit exploration. A full course may suit learners who want broader development and repeated review.
- Choose exploration when you want to test one design area first.
- Choose structured learning when you want a wider sequence of topics and projects.
- Ask whether your goal needs one focused skill or a complete pathway.
- Confirm the current batch format before deciding.
Examples
Collect examples of work you admire
Bring references that show what you like. They do not need to be polished or original. They help admissions understand whether you lean toward fashion, interiors, graphics, digital content, or portfolio building.
- Fashion references: garments, styling boards, fabrics, silhouettes, or mood images.
- Interior references: rooms, materials, furniture layouts, colours, or presentation boards.
- Graphic references: posters, logos, typography, social posts, brand visuals, or app screens.
- Any rough sketches or past creative work, if available.
Portfolio Goals
Prepare questions about practical assignments and portfolio review
Ask what work you may create and how it will be reviewed. This helps you understand whether the course supports reviewable student work.
Before You Speak
Confirm current batch, fees, duration, and format during counselling
Current course details can change by batch. Keep these questions ready so the discussion covers practical fit, not only interest.
- What are the current fees, duration, schedule, and batch format?
- What practical assignments are included?
- Which tools, software, or materials are used?
- How is student work reviewed?
- What should I bring or prepare before joining?
Common questions
Questions students usually ask.
Do I need a portfolio before counselling?
No. If you have past work, bring it. If not, bring references and questions so counselling can focus on your interests and next step.
Should I know my discipline before counselling?
It helps to shortlist interests, but you can use counselling to compare Fashion, Interior, and Graphic Design.
Can counselling guarantee admission or outcomes?
No. Counselling helps clarify course fit, current details, and learner readiness. It is not a guarantee of admission, placement, or career outcome.
What should I bring to counselling?
Bring your questions, preferred disciplines, example work you admire, schedule constraints, and any creative work you have already tried.
Counselling next step
Prepare a clearer counselling conversation.
AFI counselling can help you compare course options once your interests, portfolio goals, schedule, and practical questions are clear.