Why did you choose this course?
After School I completed my A-Levels (Business, Biology, Graphic Design) then I was going to take a gap year and travel, as I didn’t want to continue with the ‘traditional’ academic route of University. I have always been interested in working within the creative industry, but I didn’t realise what was available to me and how easy it was to access. I heard from a family friend of the Art courses at Kendal College so I decided it was now or never. I completed an application form, came for my interview and was offered a place on the course.
Why did you choose Kendal College?
It was the only College that I felt was worth it and the best one in the area. I looked at other colleges but didn’t feel that they were right for me.
Is College like you had expected. If not, why?
I didn’t know what to expect but I have found College to be a very productive environment. The Tutors encourage you to be to be self-sufficient and responsible for your own workload. With my A Levels I felt as though we read books and followed the rules, whereas with College I feel that we’re not put into a box and we are encouraged to be individuals.
What do you most enjoy about College life?
I enjoy having the ability to spend time exploring my interests, which is great as I’m very curious naturally. This has encouraged me to be able to think creatively and become independent. I have learnt so many different things and now apply them to everyday life and it has also changed how I view the world.
What opportunities have you had as a student at the College?
We have had the opportunity to attend various trips. Such as going to Manchester, Liverpool and London. At London we visited lots of art exhibitions including the Tate and The National Portrait Gallery to name a few. We also had time to visit Camden Market, which is a place I enjoy going to as it’s pretty funky!
Photography I’ve been lucky enough to work with the music department and become one of the photographers for their gigs. This has led to further opportunities such as having my images on the cover of the Kendal and Windermere Now magazine.
Specialist workshops We met and worked with Katie Spragg, Fine Artist. She was due to exhibit some work and she asked us for ideas and feedback which she then used in her latest exhibition.
What is the teaching style like on your course?
We were recently given a brief for a Community Art Project with Community Rail Partnership, which was linked to various attractions around the Lakes. We competed to win the chance to have our work exhibited on the station. Once we were given the brief we researched the venues and tried out different ideas. Tutors are on hand if needed for guidance and support.
Can you describe a typical day at College?
I travel to College from Morecambe on the 955 which gets me into Kendal around 9am. I usually head straight to the café for a breakfast bun and coffee to wake me up for the day. The lesson starts at 9.30am which is when the tutors give us a brief for the day. We then work independently on our projects and have a lunch break around 12pm for an hour. We can either go to the café which is very convenient and has great food and a great price or go into town as it’s very close.
How would you describe your College experience so far?
It is challenging but worth it!
What are you hoping to do after College?
I’m going to University! I have been offered places at:
- Glasgow School of Art,
- Manchester MET
- Farnham University
- London College of Communication (LCC)
I have chosen to go to LCC and follow my passion for Photography.
When I first started at Kendal College, this is not what I expected to be doing once I’d completed my course, but I’m happy that it is!
What facilities do you use regularly at the College?
The Dark Room where we develop film, as we don’t just use digital cameras we have the full experience of physical film and digital images. We use the Mac’s for the Adobe Software for Photoshop and Lightroom.
Metal Work Shop is where I can build my ideas as I like to work with various mediums and see my projects come to life in a physical form.
The laser cutter is great for producing work with fine details that you won’t get with scissors and glue!
There is also a print room and ceramic workshop but I don’t use these as much as others students do.
If you could give one piece of advice to people considering College, what would it be?
Be open to the process of what the College has to offer.
I am very stubborn which can be both positive and negative.
The best thing is that the tutors give you leeway to learn what will work and won’t work by trying and experiencing it for myself.
