Sebastian Hermawan

Melbourne-based photographer, designer, and visual artist Sebastian Hermawan creates work that explores how people, place, and experience shape visual communication. Working across photography, design, and experimental media, he is interested in how images can express emotion, capture memory, and tell stories that connect with audiences on both a personal and visual level.

Currently completing a Bachelor of Design (Photomedia) at Swinburne University of Technology, Sebastian has developed a strong foundation in visual storytelling, image composition, and digital media production. His approach balances creativity with technical understanding, combining conceptual thinking with practical design skills.

Influenced by music, fashion, and contemporary culture, Sebastian draws inspiration from the energy and emotion found within these worlds– translating rhythm, style, and atmosphere into his visual work. He values experimentation and curiosity in his process, always seeking new ways to communicate meaning through imagery. Through his projects, Sebastian continues to refine his ability to translate ideas into engaging visual outcomes– whether through still or moving image, print, or digital formats. Ultimately, Sebastian strives to produce visually compelling work that balances creativity, purpose, and communication.

everything i am becoming

A photobook exploring the scientific concept of 'entropy' as a metaphor for the human condition.

Neera

An exploration into editorial photography with Neera Vititwatanakul

DROPPED

A poster for 'DROPPED Fest' - based on a photo series inspired by the myth of 'drop bears'

RADAR

An excerpt from RADAR magazine - an exploration into fashion photography

Treasures

An excerpt from 'Treasures' - a series following the sentimental items people hold dear to their heart

Acknowledgement of Country

The School of Design and Architecture respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and knowledge-keepers of the lands, waters and sky that surround us, where we work, learn, create, communicate and make place. We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded and this always was and will always be Wurundjeri Country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to make a better world through design.

We extend our acknowledgement to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, alumni, real-life clients, and knowledge keepers, who have contributed to our own education diversity and growth. We will continue to ensure that staff and students respectfully honour ancestral connection to Country and Place in everything that they do.

We are dedicated to the notion of design to make a better world and we acknowledge that making tools, shaping place, sharing stories, making meaning, wayfinding and collaborating have long been and continue to be both central and integral to First Peoples' cultures. We recognize that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural contributions have continued relevance to design practice and commit to: reconciling ancestries of design and contemporary practice as well as pursuing culturally and professionally appropriate ways to engage with a diverse population of colleagues, industries and clients. In a time of treaty-making and voice we understand that there are overlaps between caring for Country and the sustainable production of goods, services, experiences, products and buildings.

Guided by the principles of respect, reconciliation, and reciprocity we undertake to indigenising and decolonising design practice by dismantling colonial structures and challenging biases that have marginalised Indigenous voices and design.

As students of SoDA you will be given opportunities to both engage with and educate yourself in Indigenous creative practices and cultural protocols through a lens of inclusivity, diversity, respect, mutual understanding, inter-cultural dialogue in all aspects of design practice. Indigenous people have been telling stories, making tools, and connecting to Country through visual media, placemaking and place marking for more than 60,000 years and these practices are part of an ongoing, evolving and live tradition.