BA (Hons) Graphic Design
The course at Oxford Brookes is one of the best in the country
Surrounded by stunning architecture, Oxford is an inspiration in itself. Every time I walk through town, I can’t quite believe the beauty I am surrounded by. I am lucky enough to now be situated in the brand new building (based at Headington Hill), with state-of-the-art computers, which is very exciting! Coming from a textiles and fashion background, I wanted a course that incorporated these analogue processes. I was particularly drawn to the exploration of all the different departments within the art block.
My favourite part of the course is screen printing
I wouldn’t consider myself a conventional graphic designer, so this has allowed me to incorporate my interests in screen printing, combining my graphics and analogue way of working. The print technician, Abi, is a real inspiration. Every time I commence a new project, I have one-on-one sessions with her which are truly invaluable.
I cannot thank my tutors enough for their enthusiasm and support!
Whether it’s replying to emails late in the evenings or sending personal inspiration for your projects, my tutors have been exceptional. The course is incredibly small, allowing you to build professional relationships with tutors, so they are able to understand your personal strengths and weaknesses. A typical week could consist of three one-to-one meetings for 30-45 minutes or more, helping you understand what is required and how to best achieve your desired outcomes. It is a chance to find your voice and articulate your personal style of work. They fully embrace my style of working and are keen to support me in achieving the best in my desired field of practice.
We had a talk from the Senior Design Director at Nike
This was incredibly inspirational as he shared his journey from leaving university to working his way up the career ladder. It was insightful to hear from someone who worked at a world renowned company. Hearing about his journey reinforced my confidence in pursuing a career where design skills can be applied across multiple industries. As well as this, we had a whole semester on Professional Practice, where we created a professional portfolio, CV, business cards, website and social media platforms. These have all been invaluable when applying for jobs and internships.
It has always been a dream of mine to set up my own company/business
Using the skills and knowledge gained from my course, I launched my own fashion brand, and was able to create a strong brand identity. I've been fortunate to gain valuable experience through various internships during my time at university. These include managing social media for prestigious influencers, working with sustainable fashion companies, and serving as a creative assistant for event planners. Upon graduating, I hope to establish a career in the fashion, interior, or art industry, whilst continuing to grow my own brand.