As we celebrate our graduating students of 2026, we chatted with James Price who studied from our NZ Certificate in Creativity (NZQA Level 4) programme, right through to our NZ Diploma of Art & Creativity (Advanced), Level 7.
What began as a desire to strengthen his photography practice became a transformative four-year journey of creative exploration, personal growth, and lifelong learning for Whanganui-based artist James Price.
By James Price, Advanced Diploma in Creativity (Level 7) Graduate
Before beginning my studies at The Learning Connexion, I had worked across several very different careers, including early childhood education, autism support services, intensive family support, and information technology. Looking back, each of those roles taught me something about people, connection, and storytelling, which eventually became central to my creative practice.
Although photography has always been an important part of my life, I enrolled at The Learning Connexion in 2021 because I wanted to challenge myself creatively and develop my practice in a more meaningful way. Covid gave me a great opportunity to focus on myself. What began with the New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4) became a four year journey through Levels 5 and Level 6, culminating in the completion of the Diploma of Art & Creativity (Advanced) Level 7 in May 2025.
One of the things that attracted me to TLC was its philosophy that creativity is a lifelong journey rather than a destination.
I was looking for a learning environment that encouraged exploration, experimentation, and personal growth, and TLC delivered exactly that.
Throughout my studies, I developed a strong focus on documentary photography and visual storytelling. Drawing on my experiences working with children, families, and vulnerable communities, I became increasingly interested in themes of social justice, poverty, food security, resilience, and human connection. My work often explored the stories that exist beneath the surface of everyday life and the role photography can play in encouraging empathy and understanding.
Some of the most meaningful moments during my studies came from discovering how art could help me ask better questions rather than simply provide answers. Influenced by documentary photographers, photojournalists, sociology, and anthropology, I learned to think more deeply about representation, ethics, and the responsibility that comes with telling other people’s stories.
Over time, my creative practice evolved significantly. While I entered the programme wanting to improve my photography, I graduated with a much broader understanding of creativity itself. I learned to trust intuition, embrace uncertainty, and allow ideas to develop through exploration. Some of my most important learning happened during periods when I was unsure of the outcome but continued to trust the process.
Studying through Distance Delivery allowed me to balance my studies alongside work and family commitments. The flexibility to learn from home enabled me to integrate creativity into my everyday life while developing greater independence and self-discipline. It also demonstrated that meaningful creative growth is possible regardless of location when you remain curious, committed, and engaged.
One lesson that has stayed with me throughout my journey is the importance of trusting the creative process. Creativity is rarely a straight line, and some of the most rewarding discoveries happen when you allow yourself the freedom to experiment and make mistakes.
Since completing Level 7, I have continued developing my creative practice while exploring new directions for my work. In 2026, I began working on a body of work that is intentionally designed to exist only in physical gallery spaces rather than online. This project reflects my growing interest in how audiences experience art in person and how meaning changes when work is encountered directly rather than through a screen.
Completing Level 7 represents much more than earning a qualification. For me, it marks the culmination of four years of personal and creative growth. I am proud not only of the work I produced but also of the persistence, curiosity, and willingness to keep learning that carried me through the programme.
My time at TLC strengthened my confidence as an artist, expanded my understanding of creativity, and reinforced the value of lifelong learning. As I continue my creative journey, I remain committed to creating thoughtful work that explores human experience, encourages meaningful conversation, and reflects the stories that connect us all.
To explore more of James’ work visit his website.
Our Study from Home students can enrol during any one of three intakes per term. If you would like more information on studying from home, contact our Admissions team on 0800 278 769 or email info@tlc.ac.nz
