Aimee's UWTSD Experience
Name: Aimee Rayner
Course: BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles
Previous Studies: First year BSc Adult Nursing degree at UWE
Hometown: Southampton
Aimee's BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles Experience
What was your favourite thing about the Swansea campus?
Swansea is so friendly and a perfect student city. It’s big enough that there is lots to explore but small enough that it feels like a community. The art facilities are amazing, covering so many processes with incredibly knowledgeable technicians to teach you. There was also a lot of freedom and responsibility to be trained up on most of the equipment to use yourself in open access times which some unis don’t let you do.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
I liked that UWTSD felt nurturing with great taught hours on my course. The support has been great from staff, wellbeing support and study skills. They also have great industry links and placement opportunities for those who push themselves out of their comfort zone and go for it! The student union is also very active and supporting with so much going on across all the campuses.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
I joined the Swansea Harriers running club and competed with them in local cross-country leagues and road relays. I was also supported by the universities Individual Sports society which helped me manage training and competitions alongside my studies. I also have loved getting out into nature- wild swimming in the Gower, cycles and runs along the coastal paths and even having a go at (very badly) surfing!
Me and my house mates used to go down to a bar which had a gallery attached out the back who run life drawing sessions every week which was a great way to meet other creative people.
I am part of the artist outreach team who facilitate workshops for different community groups and schools which I love doing with the team.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I am lucky enough to have a paid internship lined up with Rolls Royce bespoke design team and am looking forward to starting in July. It will be working in colour and materiality and alongside the innovations team too. I have also made some amazing connections with people and artists in and around Swansea too which I hope to keep in touch with and continue working with. I would also love to keep up with running creative workshops.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
The student to staff ratio and the amount of contact time meant we each got 1:1 support from lecturers daily even in final year. It was a small friendly atmosphere but with amazing facilities and staff that were on hand to help you and push you. The team have great industry connections and so much knowledge from techniques and craft process, to selling yourself as a designer and what industry are looking for from us.
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
Yes, Swansea College of Art has prioritised both a balance between allowing creative freedom, teaching you so much in terms of process, allowing you to explore what ever you’re interested in and combining that with real world industry experience, business advice, and all the tips of the trade to actually using your creative degree to get experience and a job. I feel as prepared as I could be to go onto my next adventure.
