My response:
1.Why did you choose to come to Leeds College of Art?
Funny story actually.
I originally applied to the University of Leeds and listed it as my first choice, Northumbria being my second. Leeds is pretty close to where I live, and having somewhere thats only an hour or so on the train is great! Looking around the Uni of Leeds, it was so exciting with all of the huge buildings and events going on - I instantly fell in love with it. I was quite an academic person coming straight from A-levels, so thinking about art school didn’t even cross my mind.
Then, A-level results day happened. I worked really really hard for my A-levels, but my results just didn’t cut it. I did Physics, Graphic Design and ICT and no guesses for which one let me down! I was utterly devastated, reading my UCAS status saying I was in clearing made my heart sink. My college were really helpful on the day, and I called up a few uni’s there and then! I called Leeds College of Art because I absolutely loved the city and really wanted to go there, and they asked me to come for an interview that day. As nervous as I was, my dad drove me all the way there on short notice (he was in the middle of a game of golf) and I held myself together for my interview.
Amber and Simon were absolutely lovely, asking me whether I preferred cats or dogs, tea or coffee. They could really see that I wanted to do this course (as most people in clearing just take what they can get), and I was really lucky they had any spaces left! After what seemed like a huge blur, I was stood shaking hands with them and receiving loads of forms, but the best part about that day was running down to my dad in the cafe, telling him great news and sharing a huge hug!
2. What are three things you've learn in uni so far? (can be social etc)
I feel like I’ve developed so much as a person since I began in 2014. I am so much more confident in myself and my work! The 3 most important things I’ve learned so far are:
- Don’t take criticism personally, its a critique of the work - not yourself!
- Its important to take a break every now and then, don’t overwork it.
- As long as you have enough money for food and rent don’t worry! You’re at uni once, you need to have a good time!
3. What have you enjoyed doing at uni the most?
There’s so many highlights from my uni experience. I think the best thing thats happened so far is moving in with my best friend, Lo. We have so much fun together and can laugh at almost anything!
Course-related, the best thing thats happened so far is probably seeing how my work has improved over time. Looking at my submission folders for Level 4 is quite embarrassing.
4. What is your favourite thing to do in Leeds?
I’ve recently been visiting the Hyde Park Picture house quite a lot! It’s right around the corner from my house and they rotate the films around really often. It only has one screen, so the film times can be quite odd but it has a certain charm to it that you can’t find anywhere else!
5. What made you choose Graphic Design?
I studied Graphic Design at A-level (just on a whim really), and as I had a lot of academic subjects I felt like I wanted an outlet for my creativity. I’ve always been into art and design, so I felt like I’d fit in there great!
Overtime, I realised I didn’t want to go into Astrophysics or become an IT technician, and Graphics soon became my favourite subject. I looked into it and attended university open days, and that solidified my choice. I loved design, and if I wasn’t studying something I loved doing, what was the point?
6. Was the course what you expected it to be?
I think the course has gone beyond my expectations. The amount of support and absolutely amazing projects Leeds College of Art has to offer is unbelievable! 2nd year so far has been a time to experiment, and really find where I fit in with the industry as a designer. Over the time I’ve been here, there’s been many visiting professionals, live briefs and exciting projects that really keep you stimulated. Obviously, everyone has a bit of a lul and can become overwhelmed with the workload, but I believe everything they do has a purpose. They’re preparing us for the industry, and isn’t that what its all about?
7. What is the biggest struggled you've faced since being at uni?
My biggest first year struggle was definitely loneliness. I wasn’t in the accommodation where most of my friends lived as I went through clearing, and my flat didn’t really speak much. I often went home and visited my boyfriend, but looking back, it was definitely tough!
8. How did you overcome this?
Focussing on the course really helped. I enjoyed my work, and doing it gave me a lot of happiness. I also spent a lot of time with my friends during the day at uni, so going back to my flat was sometimes welcome. As I mentioned earlier, I visited home and my boyfriend at the weekends so I filled up a lot of my free time! Keeping busy (and watching Netflix) when you’re on your own really helps.
9. As a second year how do you find the work differs from first year?
We’re given lots more independence this year. We’re encouraged to really push the brief, and the tutors often love it when we do. We’re also told to engage with the industry more. Contact real life graphic designers (scary!) and get our foot in the door. We also have a module focussed just on entering the big design competitions, so that helps us make our way into the industry.
10. How do you manage your time?
I feel I’m quite good at managing my time. I make a list of EVERYTHING I need to do, and colour code it due to importance. I take this list and break it down into what I want to achieve that day. Making small, obtainable goals is really important so you don’t get overwhelmed!
Closing questions:
11. What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given? (from a tutor or something like that)
We’re only in the office, come and ask for help. We don’t bite!
12. What is a piece of advice you would give to someone else? (for example a student or something.)
You don’t HAVE to listen to someones feedback. If you disagree - don’t change anything! Its your work, stand up for it.
I tried to be as in-depth as I could, and give her some useful advice for 2nd year! I really enjoyed writing my answers for this interview, as it prompted me to reflect on my own practice and experiences throughout university so far. The interview is going to be featured on a blog created by Natasha, and I'm looking forward to seeing the outcome!
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