What I enjoy about studying at college

Second Year Visual Design student Lily Woolfe-Smith describes why she enjoys the experience of studying in a college setting.

It has always been my ambition to follow an artistic career pathway. Art was my favourite subject at school and I was attracted to the Visual Design Diploma at USP College as it offered the opportunity to learn many varied skills and gain invaluable industry experience and knowledge whilst also working on live briefs with clients as part of Live Creative.

Since starting the course in September 2019, I have really enjoyed it. I feel that I have finally found a subject that I love and one that I can realistically see myself following for my career in the future.  

I am currently in my final year and have found learning in a college very different from studying art in a school. Working on various projects throughout this course has offered not only myself, but all students, the chance to enjoy a large degree of artistic freedom. My tutors, in particular, have encouraged me to express myself through my art, my animations and all creative work rather than be limited by a strict structure. 

This course is a perfect fit for me as I struggle a lot with exams. It alleviates the stress of revision as it is completely coursework based. I think one of the best things about studying Visual Design is that each task offers students the freedom to experiment with ideas and materials helping us to continually learn new skills.

As a result my knowledge of Photoshop has improved, along with gaining good experience of other specialist photographic tools. I have always enjoyed drawing and have seen the benefit to my digital art work by incorporating this new learning into my coursework.  

My tutors Amy and Tara have given me a massive amount of support and encouragement throughout the whole course as they have to all their students.

In the future I hope to study animation and illustration at university and hopefully find a career in this field. Art is such an inspiration to me and this would be a dream come true.