30. nov. 2011

Nottingham Trent University

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My impression of NTU

I was really looking forward to NTU and I was overall really impressed, until the course talk. The tutors didn’t seem very enthusiastic about the subject, and they read up from pieces of paper. I expected that they would know what they are talking about and didn’t have the need to support themselves with pieces of paper.

So I was really disappointed, everything else seemed good, the atmosphere was great and people around there were really helpful.

I also went on a tour around the Bonington building where most of my time would be spent and it was students that were showing us around. In the studios they had laid loads of sketchbooks and portfolios out on the tables, so you could get an impression of the kind of level and projects they would be doing. I was really impressed about how diverse the students were and I could imagine myself studying in such a place.

I also got the opportunity to talk to one of the Fashion students. Basically she said that they were made loads of promises that their tutors didn’t keep, such as going abroad and the exchange was probably not going to happen, because of the cost. I also asked about what sort of CAD programmes they used, she said Photoshop and Illustrator, then asked if they used some of the CAD software that is specifically designed for the fashion industry and she just looked at me blank. You got the impression that she suddenly felt like she had been missing out, and said that after this conversation she would go and find her tutor and ask why the hasn’t been using any of that kind of software.

It makes you wonder when Sean said they were always looking out for the newest software to get the students the best opportunities…

xoxo

Hannah

29. nov. 2011

Arts University College Bournemouth

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My impression of AUCB

The university was really welcoming, and helpful with guiding you to the right places! The course talk covered both Fashion Design Technology and Fashion Studies, which I thought would be great as I could get a clear idea of which one that I was the most interested in, as I was in doubt when I arrived.

The question was raised several times; what is the difference between the two courses? It seemed like a hard question to answer, as the tutors weren’t exactly sure what to answer and looked searching at their students (there were two students there to talk about their experience with AUCB). As usual it is the students that are more helpful, and seem to be able to provide more information than the tutors. One student did mention the why and the how, which made sense in a way.

My understanding is that the FDT is more focused on the practical and technical side, such as pattern cutting, especially since they use 30% of their time using a CAD programme that is called Lectra. Whereas the FS course focuses more on the exploration of designing and how you can push the limits through that. Listening to the students it sounds like the actual pattern cutting and sewing skills are better achieved if you do the FDT course and you can tell the difference between the two courses by quality of making skills.

At the tour around the studios I went with the FDT tutor Sarah. I do want to become a fashion designer, but is it best to achieve that through a technical and practical background, because then you have a better understanding of what the limits are, or should you go the more creative way, because you might end up with really impressive ideas and designs that can take you far?

The atmosphere was great and you could sense a tight community-feel within the university.

xoxo

Hannah

28. nov. 2011

CS - Development collection for Grey Gardens

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Just to show an example of what I have been working on lately, when I have finished the final collection I'll post it, so you can see it. This collection was specifically requested by our Creative Director as for the main line is requested by our Construction tutor.
Hope you have had a lovely Monday, but if you ask me a Monday is a Monday.
I had to meet up at college at 8:30, that meant a early start - 6:00, we had to do a trip into London, to attend a seminar with six people doing each their own talks. A print artist, a graphic designer, two animation designers (they did it together) and two photographer (individually).
The trip didn't really have much relevance to what it is I'm studying, but the most interesting was definitely the photographers, can't remember their names right now, I know lazy, but will post their names when I get around to get!

xoxo
Hannah

Kingston University

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My impression of KU

The greeting was absolutely fantastic, the staff and students were really helpful. The ‘Top Tips’ session was very interactive, as they were testing their audience’s knowledge, while doing the talk. It was great that there were three students that represented the student voice – it was interesting to see the students’ point of view on the different subjects (Student Life, Accommodation and Finance).

The ‘Study Abroad’ talk was done by two students, which had experienced the exchange option. Having the opportunity to study or work abroad is definitely something that is on the high priority list.

My impression is that Kingston offer a great course, one thing that did put me off was when I first looked at the course, they didn’t have any entry requirements and when I turned up for the course talk, I suddenly got told that an Art and Design foundation course is really a must, unless you believe that you could be the exception to the rule.

Elinor Renfrew is a very passionate person and is really striving to keep the course place as one of the best in the UK and claims that they are in the same league as Central Saint Martins, Brighton and Westminster. She didn’t come across as one of the nicest people, as one the parents were asking a question, Elinor didn’t seem very impressed and clearly thought that she has just clarified that particular area.

After the course talk we were divided into three groups so we could get shown around the faculty, I wasn’t best impressed with how it was organized, I got the opportunity to flick through some of the students sketchbooks, which was really interesting, it gave an idea of what the level was and what sort of style the work would be in.

xoxo

Hannah

27. nov. 2011

Manchester Metropolitan University

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My impression of MMU

Overall it was a great experience turning up to the MMU Open Day and I was pleasantly surprised with what the course could offer. Even though it ticks a lot of boxes what drags it down for me is the commercial side of things, also regardless of what their website is telling me; they no longer do portfolio viewings and interviews, they claim that this way they get a broader variety of students. You simply have to get 240 UCAS tariff points and you have a place with no conditions. I suddenly get a nasty feeling that their standards and expectations of their students can’t possibly be that high…

Should my decision be based on all the things that I can do there or should they be based on the things that they can’t?

xoxo

Hannah

26. nov. 2011

London College of Fashion

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My impression of LCF

It’s a bit hard to judge since I more or less gatecrashed the place, as mentioned before I did think that the course talk was too long, and I only got to see one third of the Application, Finance and Housing Advise (Talk). The passion and enthusiasm didn’t come across when the tutor was talking about the course. I’m sure that even if I went to the Fashion Design Technology I would been told exactly what it said on their website. Even though there was plenty of opportunity to ask questions, at the given time I didn’t know what to ask.

I was a bit disappointed that I was not shown around the John Prince’s Street site, but what I did see of the campus gave me an impression of a place, that looks like a studio space or a work space, it had a very modern and industrial feel, which made me think of home.

I was shown around the Curtain Road site, I was surprised with the amount of space that was dedicated to production, although it did make me laugh, as it is an old building and with the amount of stairs and steps there were all over the place. I would definitely not be able so show my Mum around there, as it is nowhere near disabled friendly. The students that I talked to were full of enthusiasm and positive comments, I was told that it is always inspiring to talk to the tutors as they all have part time jobs in the fashion industry which helps them remain updated with the current trends. The atmosphere on the Curtain Road site seemed laid back compared to what I saw of the John Prince’s Street site and perhaps a more positive experience, one thing that did get me was; if you want a student life you have to seek it yourself and the Student Union is nothing to get excited about, but if you’re all about getting the best opportunities within your education this was the place to go…

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

Hannah