The work that I have submitted has been created throughout my studies at Newcastle-under-Lyme College. I am currently studying on the Foundation Diploma in Art + Design, with my specialist area being Graphic Design. After studying the BTEC National Diploma in Graphic and Media design, I progressed onto the Foundation in order to gain a more varied portfolio of work. My interest had always lay with Graphic Design; however I wanted to study other areas to bring new ways of thinking and new ways of working to my work.
Despite working hard at school and being quite academic, I have always been a visual person, and a lot of my interests reflect that. I take photos, I collect magazines, I watch films, I travel and I read books. All of these activities are something I love, and they all influence my work in one way or another. Artists and designers that influence my work are varied, but some of my favourites are Ed Ruscha, a Fine Artist, as I can relate to his fascination with words. Neil Kellerhouse is another designer who I find inspiring, and I am always fascinated by the way in which he combines text and image for film graphics.
The Graphic Design programme at Manchester was recommended to me by a new lecturer at college, who is a previous student of the course. When I researched into the course it appealed to me straight away; the location, the reputation, and after going to an open day I knew it was somewhere I could see myself studying. I am excited about the prospect of furthering my education at Manchester, and I think moving to a larger city will provide much more cultural influences. I feel confident and equipped for higher education, and I look forward to the challenges that will be given.
