Art success stories
REAL results, REAL success stories
Samatar Bishar
BTEC First in Art and Design
Samatar began at Northampton College on the Foundation Learning Art and Design course.
“I love painting and took a real interest in it at school which is why I wanted to continue to study it at college. I am quite creative so I enjoyed everything about the course. When I finished the Foundation Level I progressed onto the BTEC First and found it to be even more varied. The teachers gave you freedom to develop your own style too and were always really helpful and gave you good advice if you needed it.”
“I loved the trips. We visited museums and art galleries to learn about art history and different artists. I never knew there were so many different styles and techniques and found it fascinating.”
“The trips are what helped me decide what to concentrate on for my final project. I researched two artists – Franz Ackermann and Chris Ofili and ended up using really bright colours and patterns.”
Samatar is now looking forward to progressing onto the BTEC National Diploma.
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Paige Broom
BTEC National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing
Paige has always had a creative streak and enjoyed art and drawing at school but she found she was really able to let her imagination run wild on the BTEC National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing.
“I wouldn’t say I always wanted a career in fashion but I was always quite good at art so it seemed like a natural progression. I loved the course instantly. In fact, one of our first-ever projects was textiles where we looked at motif designs and I used a feather and embellished it with sequins and sparkles. You got stuck into it straightaway which was amazing.”
Paige thrived on the practical side of the course. “I find I learn more doing it myself so being given the freedom to come up with our own ideas was perfect. Of course, the teachers give you lots of support and advice and you have to follow a brief and theme, but you were able to develop it as you wished. For my final project we were given options – I chose the theme ‘Lush’ and developed it into a Jamaican and Barbadian style collection. My final designs incorporated printed fruits, head ties and straw bags. Everything was vibrant and colourful with bright pink, orange and turquoise. It looked amazing on stage at the end-of-term fashion show. That was definitely a highlight of the course.”
Amongst other things, Paige learnt drawing skills, how to use industry machinery, knitting and the history of clothing through the 1900s.
“We learnt so much I can’t list it all which gives me an advantage at university as I already know the basics.”
Paige is now studying a degree in Fashion Design at Birmingham City University.
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Emma Beedie
Emma is off to Nottingham Trent University in pursuit of her ultimate goal – a successful career in fashion. Having achieved a triple Distinction grade in her BTEC, she’s already well on her way to making her dream a reality.
‘Ever since I was young fashion and clothing has caught my attention. Even at school I preferred hands on options rather then academic, theory type study. I originally attempted A Levels but found they were not practical enough, that’s why I chose to come to Northampton College and I am pleased I did as this course was perfect. Without it I don’t think I would have been accepted at Nottingham Trent.’
Emma enjoyed being constantly busy, learning different design concepts, styles and techniques. ‘The first year covers the basics then you are given the freedom to develop your own ideas in the second year. One of my highlights was taking part in the final end of term fashion show at the Guildhall where I created a collection made up of four oriental inspired outfits. I used structured grey, purple and crimson shapes based on Japanese Pagodas. It was very dramatic and was an amazing feeling to see something you’ve created on the catwalk to be enjoyed by others. I think it’s great you are given that opportunity as part of the course.’
Emma is looking forward to expanding on her newfound skills at university. ‘Ultimately I would like a job as a head designer or as part of a design team for a fashion label.’
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Seva Subbarayan
Seva completed his GCSEs and A Levels when he lived in Mauritius but always had an ambition to pursue his passion for art. When he moved to the UK to live with his brother and sister two years ago, he discovered the perfect course option – a BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design at Northampton College.
‘I have always been creative ever since I was little so when I moved to Northampton I was really pleased I could continue to study art. I knew I couldn’t go straight on to university so this course seemed like an ideal route to progress. It’s been even better then I first thought though because I now know for sure art is what I want to do.’
Seva fitted into UK life straight away. ‘It’s better studying over here because you get much more guidance and support. I found the teachers really listen to you and help you develop your ideas. I liked all aspects of the course but I did have a bit of trouble with contextual studies. It didn’t matter though because help is always on hand and I now feel much more confident.’
For his final end of term project Seva created a kinetic sculpture made out of wires. ‘I wanted to challenge myself and come up with something unusual. The teachers allow you to push yourself and give you the freedom to attempt new areas – that’s really important.’
Seva wants to specialise in furniture design in the future. In the meantime he is off to the University of Northampton. ‘I am going to study a degree in Project Design before finding a job. I am sure the skills I’ve learnt from the BTEC will help me get to where I want to be.’