“I feel a lot more ready for the workplace now—and I really didn’t have any confidence at all before.”
When Niah McGiff joined the mentorship programme, she was feeling unsure about where she belonged in the creative industries. Coming from a background in freelance art and tattooing, the idea of stepping into a structured, professional environment felt daunting. But over the course of her sessions with mentor Megan, something shifted. With guidance, encouragement, and practical advice, Niah began to see new pathways—ones that blended her creativity with clarity, structure, and impact.
Together, she and Megan explored the wide landscape of creative careers, from art direction and advertising to healthcare communications. For Niah, who had once dismissed digital design tools as “not real art,” this opened up a whole new perspective.
“I used to think digital or graphic design wasn’t ‘real art’—but I’ve realised I can absolutely transfer my creativity into those tools,” she shared. That realisation became a turning point.
Niah McGiff
Not only did Megan help Niah uncover new career options, she also supported her in building the skills and confidence to pursue them. From refining her CV and structuring job applications to developing her design skills in Canva and starting to explore Adobe Creative Cloud, Niah now feels much more equipped to take meaningful steps forward.
One of the most memorable moments came during a mock interview session, where Megan encouraged Niah to treat the process more like a conversation than a test. That simple piece of advice eased her nerves and helped her express herself with more ease and authenticity. “It made such a difference,” Niah said. “I could actually speak like myself.”
The mentorship also sparked a deeper change in how she approaches her own work. Where she once felt blocked or disengaged with digital tools, she’s now actively building skills in visual storytelling and structured communication—especially within the context of advertising and healthcare. She’s applying herself with more care and intention, no longer going through the motions, but really showing up for her creative development.
“I was just being a bit lazy with it before, doing things half-heartedly,” she admitted. “Now I’m much more confident in applying myself.”
That confidence has already started paying off. Niah recently interviewed for Macan Health’s Ignite programme—an internship in healthcare communications that blends creativity, storytelling, and emotional resonance. It’s a space that feels aligned with her values and creative instincts. “Their campaigns are so emotive and impactful—they seem like a really good fit for me.”
Of course, the transition into a more formal work environment isn’t without its challenges. Niah acknowledges her worries about moving from a freelance rhythm into a 9-to-5 structure, as well as past academic struggles that sometimes cloud her self-belief. But she’s also clear that she’s in a different place now—more mature, more focused, and better equipped to face those fears head-on.
“I understand I’m older now, and I’m more equipped with dealing with things I wasn’t before.”
Looking ahead, Niah’s next steps include securing a creative internship, continuing to refine her job search, and getting more comfortable in collaborative work environments. She’s actively exploring what kind of creative team or agency might suit her, and what kind of work feels both sustainable and meaningful. Support with interview prep and ongoing confidence-building would go a long way as she continues to navigate those choices.
What’s clear is that the mentorship has helped Niah unlock something vital: the belief that her creativity does have a place in professional settings—and that she has every right to pursue it. From discovering new tools to reshaping how she presents herself to employers, she’s making bold moves, and growing in ways that feel both grounded and exciting.
“I’m proud of how I’ve refined my CV and applied to internships properly for the first time.”
Niah is stepping into this next chapter with openness, curiosity, and a growing sense of confidence—and we can’t wait to see where it takes her.
Connect with Niah | Instagram: @tanuki.tats | TikTok: niah.mcgiff | website: https://niahmcgiff.wixsite.com/mysite
