Unit 3 Sharbaz Smith Ucas Number : 118-‐436-‐5264.
Personal Statement Graphic design has always been a strong interest of m ine, I w as introduced to the w orld of design at a young age by m y auntie who w as a graphic designer at the time. Her works and the use of Photoshop fascinated m e, I loved the idea of Photoshop a programme w ith untold potential, and giving one the ability to change the viewer’s perception of reality simply amazed m e. S ince studying the foundation course, I have w idened m y interest in a range of art forms as w ell as using m ore traditional m eans of design, w hich I found can be m ore enjoyable and at times even m ore rewarding. I find design the perfect w ay to express m yself, I enjoy the w ay a good piece of art can m ake someone feel a certain w ay, sometimes being positive and other sometimes negative tend to draw inspiration from everyday life, problems going on in the w ay or m erely just past/present experiences.
During m y first two years at Havering sixth form, I studied a two design based subjects, m y favourite being A level G raphic Design, Although it w as not as flexible as the foundation, A levels allowed m e to broaden m y knowledge on using Photoshop, as w ell as using new software such as adobe illustrator and InDesign. Although, I’m not yet fully refined in such programmes. I believe that going to university w ill not only aid m e to develop new skills, but also help m e further perfect m y knowledge of software’s that w as m erely touched upon during m y time at sixth form, as w ell as preparing m e to w ork w ithin a professional art environment. I w as attracted to the F oundation diploma course because I liked the idea of being able to refine m y skills as a graphic artist but also learn new art styles in the process, as well as the freedom to create w hat I pleased. During m y time on the course I have m anaged to further develop my Photoshop skills learning new techniques as w ell as alternate m ethods in m y own w ork. I have gained an interest in creating pieces by hand, instead of always referring to Photoshop as a m eans of design, I find creating by hand can be m ore exciting to do. I enjoy taking influences from m any artists and incorporating their styles in m y own w orks, artists such as F iddle oak, S hepard fairy and S ylvia G rav, just some of the artists I enjoy drawing inspiration from, as they all combine photography w ith Photoshop. I have a strong interest in skateboarding, I’m an avid skateboarder w ith the dream of one day being sponsored. I believe m y interest for skateboarding as w ell as the culture that surrounds it, reflects on a lot of m y w orks. I played rugby for 5 years, m y highest honour was becoming captain for m y last two seasons and being asked to trial for Essex, and unfortunately I didn’t m ake the team but was still happy to be considered in only m y second season of playing. My highest accolade in sports though was representing my karate team on m ultiple w orld championships one of w hich I gained a silver m edal, ranking m e second in the w orld at one point for m y age group as w ell as gaining m y black belt aged 14. Over the last couple of years, I have been able to produce multiple designs for a number of up and coming m usical artists, m ainly promotion w ork but a few album covers. Seeing m y w ork used and seeing positive reactions people have towards it is very uplifting for m e being an up and coming designer. I feel that going to university can only continue to help m e improve m y skills as a designer, as w ell as a person. I feel going w ill allow m e to develop further as a person. I enjoy the feeling in w hich art gives m e, as well as the feeling it can give others, I enjoy the prospect of discovering new techniques, skills that can push m e to better myself as an artist.
University Choices