Dafni Chantzi (Daphne) is from Athens, Greece and is a student on MA Narrative Environments at Central Saint Martins.
Why did you choose to study your course and why CSM?
Ever since I was young my passions were in art, fashion and spatial design. While my studies in architecture provided me with a solid professional background and valuable skills, I felt my creativity and passion were still not fully realised.
I began searching for a place where spatial design was integrated with narrative and experience, and in an inspiring place like Central Saint Martins, the MA Narrative Environments program felt as the ideal choice. The program offers the perfect balance for me, allowing me to utilise my rational, technical background while embracing a forward-thinking, innovative, and unconventional design mindset based on storytelling and creation.
Moreover, MANE offers close connection to the industry. With most projects being live projects and featuring exquisite collaborations with professionals and global brands, it keeps me connected to the professional path I have already started, while it also provides a crystal-clear idea of what my future as a designer will look like.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
My favourite project so far has been the 'Story Systems' project, which was a collaboration with a major brand. The final delivery was an ideation machine, a story creation platform designed to inspire new products. This project was an opportunity to work on a real-world collaboration, conduct in-depth research, and present ideas and outputs to an industry partner. Despite being both a challenging and demanding piece of work, the result was truly inspiring. However, I hope that by the time I graduate, the most interesting project will be my major project, which I am just now beginning to explore.
Have you completed any work placements / internships whilst being on the course?
Very recently, I finished my work experience placement as part of the third term of my course. I worked as a creative intern at Imagination London, a global brand experience agency. My role involved being part of the creative and the 3D design team, where I worked on various projects and collaborated with some amazing professionals. During my time there, I gained valuable skills such as working within a fast-paced ideation process, engaging in collective decision-making, and learning to use new software tools. Additionally, I put myself into serious action by actively participating in some fun, inspiring and innovative design environments.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
The advice I received myself and tried to follow while being here is to make the most of this experience -- MA Narrative Environments is an extremely multidisciplinary course, allowing students to explore every potential creative aspect of themselves. It's up to them to decide what new skills and knowledge they want to acquire — everything is possible and to me this is amazing. This is the chance to be truly original and free, without any constraints. MANE students should push their boundaries to develop a unique creative voice.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
I think the biggest highlight of my CSM experience so far has been the exposure to various design practices and fields. Thanks to CSM I've had the opportunity to work on real-world, industry briefs through partner collaborations and also had a life-changing placement experience, which seems to be the start for my professional career as an experience designer.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years' time?
My goal is to utilise my architectural background while specialising in experience and set design. In five years' time, I ideally see myself as part of a creative design team, working on fun and forward-thinking projects, that still consider the ethical and social impacts of design. More or less, I want to combine all my passions and turn them into a full-time, fun-time job!
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
The biggest thing I've learned on this course is that good collaboration is crucial for every project. Working with creative people from different backgrounds and skillsets towards a common goal is always rewarding. Everyone brings something unique to the table, making the process both fun and educational. Honestly, you end up learning a lot from your classmates—they often have the best insights and ideas.
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