Illustration FAQ
1) What do I write in my personal statement?
These are often difficult to write and, if possible, you should seek help from a tutor or someone that can help you. Try not to just give a chronological account of your art & design development from a very young age. Try to be more expansive: for example, where you have come from in your learning and where would you like to be in the future. What are the things in your life that have influenced your artistic development and creative thinking. Who, what and where inspires, motivates and excites you? Try to offer some reference to books that you have read, films that you have seen or the music that is important to you. Where do you think studying illustration may take you in the future?
2) Do I just have to be able to draw and show illustration at interview?
No – not necessarily in the traditional sense, think about drawing in the broadest possible way. Illustrators utilize a wide range of approaches, media and processes to realize their visual thinking. It is good to show your ability to be experimental.
3) What do you need to see in my portfolio?
A selection of current projects produced whilst on your current course and any self initiated work, which you have prepared and want to show. Bring examples of drawing, developmental work and finished outcomes. We are particularly interested to see sketchbooks and how research informs and feeds your practice.
4) Will I need to be able to use a Mac or PC before starting the course?
No, most students learn in depth skills during workshops set in the first and second year. Photoshop, Illustrator and In-Design are introduced to students in Year 1. During the Year 2, Flash and Aftereffects are integrated in three units.
5) What work experience is available?
Many students across all levels engage with ‘live projects’ for example competitions, open submissions for proposals, produce commissioned work organise art events and exhibitions. There are also opportunities for Illustration students to work with other courses such as Acting, Fashion, Costume etc to produce their promotional materials.
6) What are the employment prospects?
The employment opportunities are diverse, prospects range from freelance work as individuals or as part of collectives to working fulltime within creative agencies and companies. The potential platforms for graduates are wide ranging including web development, publishing, animation, three dimensional illustration, design for products such as textiles and packaging as well as authorial outcomes.
7) Will I have my own work space?
No, we prefer to use our illustration studio as a flexible workspace that operates as a creative hub with students from all three levels working alongside each other mirroring the experience of working in a design studio.
8 ) What do I need to get a place on the course?
The illustration Course suits students with an enquiring mind, a strong work ethic and passion for the subject of illustration. We also look for excellent research and evidence of experimental approaches displayed through sketchbooks and project work.
9) How many students are on the course?
The course is made up of three-year groups with each cohort comprising of approximately 60 students.
10) How are interviews carried out?
We interview applicants in groups of approximately 6 students- we do this because there is a substantial amount of group work on the course. The interviews are quite informal and we think that through seeing the work of other applicants the interview process is much more transparent and can be a positive learning experience. We recognize the importance of being able to verbally and visually articulate practice.