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Currently studying at the University of Arts, London College of Communication
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Currently studying at the University of Arts, London College of Communication I have been able to work across a wide range of disciplines, including Book Binding, Print and Motion Design. On the FDA Design for Graphic Communication I have enjoyed the experimental approach to design but also the joy of combining research skills and creative thinking. Design and Editorial by Obie Campbell. www.obiecampbell.com
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New environment When starting the Foundation Diploma at the Chelsea School of Art and Design I found the first two weeks extremely daunting. I was shocked by the lack of space and amount of students. We were soon split into smaller groups that helped me to settle in. Once in smaller groups I became confident enough to start making friends, exchanging ideas and talking to tutors.
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REJECTION We all applied to continue our studies the percentage of the class including myself applying for the BA Design and Media Course at LCC. The results came into the class and I found out that I had not been accepted for the BA Course. I felt disappointed. I didn’t understand why but the feedback given included not enough sketchbooks and development work.
However the FDA course leaders did offer me a place on the FDA Design for Graphic Communication course which I did not apply for. This was a great opportunity for me that I accepted happily.
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T N ME P I EQU
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self management On the FDA course we are encouraged to sign up for the workshops of our choice. We have to think about our future ambitions and how a workshop might help us achieve this. I make sure that I sign up to every workshop available. Using a diary to track deadlines keeps me organised. The course is only two years long; this has quickly made me realise that I need to be industry ready. With the support of tutors and family I was encouraged to start designing self promotional materials, personal projects and apply for work placements.
FAMILY & FRIEND support Whilst studying in the first year of the course in the Easter break I was told that my Grandma had bowel cancer. Grandma and I were very close, she was always a strong believer in education and did not want her illness to affect my studies. I started to think about the social responsibilities of the designer and would like to continue working for charities or public sector work.
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Family split My Grandma died on the first day that I started my third term at university. I found out whilst in LCC building. My grandma did not tell anyone that she had terminal cancer this affected me deeply I thought that she would survive. I did not know that she refused to go into a hospice. I was upset that I spent more time on my university studies rather than looking after her. At Christmas my pet budgie died who I had looked after for Thirteen years and then my parents split up. My dad now lives in South London and I live with my Mum in West London. Mentally I try to keep my family life sperate from my studies because I feel that I can’t fail when trying to reach my achievements in life.
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Counselling The relationship between my Mother and I broke down. We hardly spoke for almost three months. I used the university’s counselling service to help me understand certain things. It was also helpful to get an outside view of the situation.
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Study support I achieve merit plus in most of my VCT essays but I was not happy with my spelling and grammar. I asked my tutor if any help is available for this and he suggested study support. I found it helpful because they not only guide you but also help you to question yourself and thinking. For further development I try to make full use of the university’s resources such as the Library, Letterpress, Bookbinding areas.
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Friend, family, Tutor support When communicating with my friends we are able to share knowledge and help one another. I also like to talk to other people from different disciplines to gain an insight into their subject knowledge. I would like to see more group crits within the course. I also thank my parents for giving my work a critical eye! By overcoming my shyness I have a strong relationship with the tutors on the course and they have offered me many opportunities, such as participating on the student panel, in the Pitch and Play engineering event, receiving a industry mentor and work experience opportunities plus more. The tutors are especially good when responding to e-mails! I have also made opportunities for myself such as applying for work placements and short courses, these activities help me to build a network of contacts.
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Frustration I have learnt not to talk to too many tutors when discussing a project as this can cause confusion and frustration. Another pointer for myself is if I do not develop my work I would not have anything to show and therefore not be able to progress.
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Ambition
I try to avoid failing but believe it is OK to make mistakes if I learn from them. Due to the hard work and time that I have put into my studies and also out door activities I was accepted onto the BA Design for Graphic Communication Course. I aim to be professional at all times and keep my focus on studying and ambitions.
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*Acronyms FDA BA VCT
Foundation Degree Arts Bachelor of Arts Visual Cultural Theory London College of Communication
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