One year since graduating from BA (Hons) Photography, alumni Lucy Spencer reflects on her journey to her current creative roles, balancing part-time work and her top advice for what to do after completing a creative degree.
Lucy’s always been creative. Before arriving at AUB following a BTEC in Art and Design, she loved capturing the fleeting people and places around her:
“In 2018 I got my first camera, a Canon 100D, and having my own camera allowed me to fall even more in love with photography. I now use a Fujifilm X-E5, which is a nice step up from my old Canon! Photography allows me to slow down and appreciate the beauty around me. I’m a very nostalgic person – that classic photographer friend capturing moments, hardly ever in the photos but always capturing the people around me.
“I had an amazing art tutor called Jason who supported me when I was deciding my next steps after college. Growing up, I never liked the idea of university, but something clicked and I decided to go to AUB, which turned out to be the best three years for so many reasons.”
Throughout her time on BA (Hons) Photography, Lucy made the most out of her university experience, both socially and academically. While she found it challenging at first to get into a good routine with coursework, part-time jobs and catching up with friends, her top advice is to push through and prioritise.
“It was so nice to be constantly surrounded by creatives (course mates, housemates, technicians and lecturers) that care just as much about the arts as I do. I realised I love working alongside a creative team of people, where ideas bounce and boundaries are pushed.”
Collaborations have fuelled many of Lucy’s projects and achievements, graduating with a 2:1 and being part of BA (Hons) Photography’s London Show at Copeland Gallery in Peckham. Students raised a total of £10,000 for Aberrations Collective in which Lucy featured her final major project Breathe, drawing inspiration from her work across photography, painting and mark-making to explore creation as a therapeutic experience. It was through combining her passion across each form that Lucy initially discovered her dissertation question: Is the process of making art more valuable than the result of it?
“The process of creating, to me, is the most valuable aspect of art. It’s where experimentation and freedom exist. This area of research still interests and inspires me today, so I am exploring it further alongside my practice. Breathe draws from nature and emphasises creation as a therapeutic practice, transforming captured moments into layered abstractions – ten unique hand-painted prints and a hand-made clamshell box, exhibited on a plinth.”
After graduating and moving back home, Lucy was determined to find work in the creative industries. A piece of advice she’d give to graduates is being open to every opportunity, and as she's since learnt, even the small, unrelated voluntary jobs can lead to something new. From working part-time in the kitchen at her local rugby club and housekeeping, to part-time picture framing at Frames of Twickenham and being a part-time Gallery Administrator for Flicks Film Posters, these roles have all led to her current experience in gallery spaces and picture framing.
"My time management skills have certainly improved with balancing four jobs and volunteer roles! Finding a full-time job in the creative industries has proven hard, but I’ve put myself out there.
“In the picture framers, I advise customers on bespoke framing options, balancing aesthetic judgment, conservation considerations and budget. I also assist in the workshop crafting the bespoke frames – I have always loved working with tools, so learning how to assemble and finish off frames, cut mounts and cut glass has all been very enjoyable to the point it doesn’t feel like work. I’ve even been assisting with photography for Flicks Film Posters' website and assisting with restoring vintage film posters.”
Through working as a volunteer for Orleans House Gallery, a job she started last December alongside volunteering for the Wimbledon Art Fair Open Studios, Lucy’s taken on assistant roles in these spaces, where she interacts with the public and gets to share her passion for the arts. Recently, she was able to invigilate at Shadowscapes: Heaney, JMW Turner and Quantum, featuring three authentic Turner paintings on loan from the Tate: “It was very special. I spent hours in the room with the paintings; it was unlike any gallery experience I’ve had before.”
11 months since graduating from Arts University Bournemouth, Lucy’s learnt valuable skills throughout the process and going forward, she’s looking forward to continuing her photography and art practice while gaining as much experience as possible. So, what’s her top piece of advice for recent graduates?
“This year, I’ve learnt to be patient. Good things will come if you put energy into what you genuinely enjoy. It’s not been easy and I’ve had to deal with the usual rejection that us graduates soon learn is a part of life after graduating. But what I can say is, I had the best three years studying photography at AUB. Take it all in and try living in the moment as much as possible. Don’t worry too much about the future – you have time to worry about it when it actually comes round to it.
“I’m excited for what the next few years have in store; I am very open to any opportunities that come my way. Now, I need to get in my art studio and start properly working on some creative projects…”
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