Dalal Elsamannoudi

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

When I first came to Brookes, I was set on studying Fine Art
I didn’t even consider anything else. But during my UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design Foundation, my tutors kept telling me, “You think like a graphic designer.” They pointed out my attention to detail, precision, and how organised I was in my approach. At first, I didn’t really see it, but as I learned more about design, it just clicked. I realised graphic design wasn’t just about making things look good; it was about communicating ideas in a structured, impactful way. That’s when I knew graphic design was for me.

I enjoyed the variety on the course.
One day I was screen printing, the next I was binding books, then experimenting with letterpress. The hands-on nature of the course gave me the freedom to explore different aspects of design and discover what really excited me. But more than anything, I enjoyed learning how to communicate through design. It wasn’t just about creating something visually appealing; it was about telling a story, shaping a message, and making people feel something. That’s what really stuck with me. 

I had a great relationship with my tutors.
They really pushed me, but in a way that made me see my potential rather than just setting expectations. They were always honest, which I appreciated, and they encouraged me to experiment, take risks, and trust my instincts. I think that’s what made my experience at Brookes so valuable; I never felt like I was just following a curriculum; I was constantly evolving as a designer. 

I learned a lot about myself; not just as a designer, but as a person.
I figured out what my strengths were, what I needed to work on, and how to find a balance between the two. More practically, the course helped me build a strong portfolio, which was a huge advantage when I applied for my master’s. Beyond the technical skills, the biggest thing I took away was confidence in my ideas. I learned how to back up my creative decisions, which is so important in the real world. 

Right now, I’m doing my master’s in Graphic Design.
Alongside this, I’m working as a Junior Project Designer at Community Jameel. For my master’s, I’m writing my dissertation and working on my final major project, which explores the relationship between typography and biology. It’s a really personal and experimental project, and I love how it connects science and design in unexpected ways—just like my journey into Graphic Design itself.