A Career in the Making: Pathways for a Career in Craft and Design

A Career in the Making is a student-focused careers event to be held during Sydney Craft Week 2026. The event is designed to provide students with insight into the diverse professional pathways available within making practice. The session will feature a moderated panel discussion with four accomplished practitioners whose careers span independent studios, commercial production, and globally recognised brands. Collectively, the panellists represent a breadth of perspectives on building sustainable, creative careers in craft, art and design.

Panellist 1: Milly Dent
Founder, Milly Dent Ceramic Studio
Milly Dent is an independent ceramic artist whose practice encompasses studio production, exhibition, and design-led craft entrepreneurship. Milly regularly hosts UNSW students through the Art & Design WIL program and is also hosting the Smith Street Ceramic Market as part of Sydney Craft Week. Milly is a UNSW Art & Design alum.
Website: https://millydent.com

Panellist 2: Annika Karskens
Designer, Paspaley
Annika Karskens brings a commercial and luxury design perspective through her work with Paspaley, offering insight into large-scale production, brand collaboration, and corporate craft contexts. Annika is a UNSW Art & Design alum.
Website: https://www.paspaley.com/

Panellist 3: James Walker
Designer and Studio Practitioner
James Walker’s practice sits at the intersection of material experimentation, contemporary design, and collaborative practice. James is a UNSW Art & Design alum.
Website: https://jameswalker.co/

Panellist 4: Kenny Yong-soo Son
Founder, Studio KYSS
Kenny Yong-soo Son leads Studio KYSS, a multidisciplinary design studio working across objects, interiors, and spatial design, reflecting hybrid and cross-disciplinary career pathways.
Website: https://studiokyss.com/