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Katie Rees, a BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate from Swansea College of Art at the ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD), has been honoured with The Old Dy’vorians Association President Prize at the university’s graduation ceremony held at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall.

Katie’s path to higher education was anything but conventional. A proud mother of two young girls, she never initially planned to go to university and had once set her sights on becoming a tattoo artist—until the Covid-19 pandemic forced her to reconsider her future.

“I have a very creative family, with my mother being an artist and my brother being an illustrator. As I was finishing school and going into college, I was adamant that I wasn’t going to go to university as I had my heart set on becoming a Tattoo Artist—until covid hit and threw a massive spanner in the works,” said Katie.

What started as a temporary step—enrolling in the Foundation Year at UWTSD—quickly turned into something much more meaningful. Despite an early move to study Fashion Communication at a University across the border, Katie soon realised that her interests lay elsewhere.

“Within weeks I knew that the course and the university wasn’t for me, and that’s when I started looking into Graphic Design instead.”

Katie returned to Port Talbot, launching a successful dog-walking business. But the idea of university still lingered, and she eventually applied for the Graphic Design course through Clearing.

“I decided last minute in the August of 2022 to apply for Graphic Design at UWTSD and within a week or so I had an interview with Donna Williams and offered a place.”

Starting the course came with its own set of challenges. Katie had taken a year out of education and didn’t know anyone. Just as she was settling in, she discovered she was pregnant in the first term.

“When I started the degree, I already felt a bit nervous as I didn’t know anyone, and had been out of education for a year. I then fell pregnant in the first term of the first year. It was a huge shock and I really didn’t know what to do. The course leader, Donna Williams, was a huge support throughout and she made me feel so supported and welcome. She never once let me not believe in myself. I had my baby in August 2023 and returned back to my second year in September.”

That same year, Katie’s confidence flourished. She secured a freelance photography role with the Scarlets rugby team, a position she has held for two years.

“The second year was a really good year for me. I found my confidence and having a newborn made me a million times more organised because I had to be! I met my best friend this year and really enjoyed the work.”

She credits her second-year lecturer, Phil Thomas, for a major shift in her creative thinking.

“The way he spoke about design and reminded me that it doesn’t have to be all digital really changed the experience for me. He brought out the more ‘creative’ side of me, and his passion for the subject really shone through.”

At the end of her second year, Katie and her partner discovered that they were expecting their second child. Despite initial fears, she again found unwavering support from her lecturers.

“This again was a huge shock to me, so it was a struggle to come to terms with the fact I would now have two babies and another year of university to go. I honestly thought I wasn’t going to be able to complete it, it really seemed impossible. I told Donna first, and she was so supportive. I genuinely expected her to tell me I’d have to drop out this time, but she didn’t. She has been my number one supporter throughout—all the lectures at the Graphic Design course have been.”

Katie completed her assignments before giving birth in February and returned to finish her final year in April. She was also selected to represent the university at New Designers in London. 

“Again, I can’t emphasize enough how supportive the lecturers have been,” she said. “I somehow managed to complete all of my final deadlines and help with our final exhibition. It was such a surreal moment actually having our final exhibition with my two girls there to see it. I genuinely couldn’t believe I had got there. Although these were challenges, I also believe they were blessings as they made me more focused, more hardworking and a lot more organised. My two girls gave me purpose; I did it all for them really.”

“It’s an amazing course. It helped me professionally as it focuses its final modules on setting us up ready to find a job. On a personal level it has helped me shape the person I am today and it has helped to build my confidence massively.”

Donna Williams, Programme Manager for BA Graphic Design, said; “We are delighted to celebrate the graduation of Katie from the BA (Hons) Graphic Design programme. Her journey with us exemplifies ‘transforming education, transforming lives.’ Katie began her studies with us on the Foundation in Art and Design with Katherine Clewett, progressed through to complete her degree, and is now advancing her academic pursuits by pursuing a teaching qualification at UWTSD.  

“Throughout her time with us, Katie has been a dynamic presence—full of enthusiasm, creativity, and determination. While she could have taken a suspended studies option, she chose to continue. This year, she was also awarded the Programme Manager’s Award in recognition of her steadfast commitment and drive.  

“Katie has left a positive and lasting impression on both her peers and tutors, and her passionate engagement will be greatly missed. As she begins her next chapter in education, we are confident she will be an excellent asset to her future students. The studio will certainly feel quieter without her.” 

Looking to the future, Katie is preparing to begin a part-time PCET course at UWTSD this September, aiming to become a lecturer herself—balancing her professional aspirations with family life and freelance creative work.

“I have really learnt the importance of having a passionate lecturers who truly loves what they do. I want to teach to inspire the next generation of designers and empower others through any challenges they may go through, just as my lectures did for me.”

Further Information

Eleri Beynon

Head
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: e.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 01267 676790