Studying two creative A Levels at College involved a huge amount of coursework and pushed me to work hard. Although it was challenging, it taught me how to meet short deadlines and manage several projects at once, which has been vital during my Illustration degree.

I was encouraged to experiment, try new things and respond to feedback about my artistic practice. I still find much of that feedback useful today. I loved having dedicated art rooms where I could work independently, particularly the printmaking facilities. The balance between structured classes and independent work was excellent preparation for university, while combining creative and academic subjects gave me the variety I wanted.

I tried to make the most of my time at College by taking up additional opportunities. I completed an Extended Project Qualification and joined the Students’ Union as an Environmental Officer. I also enjoyed the social side of College, including the LGBTQ+ Club and Students’ Union activities, where I met lots of lovely people. I would particularly like to thank Wendy Gregory for organising so many events for us.

These experiences gave me the confidence to join new societies and get involved in university life. They also taught me that creative development does not happen only through formal lessons. It comes from meeting people, trying unfamiliar things and being willing to put your ideas forward.

After leaving College, I began studying Illustration at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham. When I first started university, I was not sure whether it was right for me. During my first year, I did not feel the same motivation I had experienced at College, and I also faced burnout after taking on too many projects.

I am very glad that I stayed on the course. Since then, I have looked for as many opportunities as possible to develop and showcase my work. Pieces I created during my final exam unit at College have been exhibited at the Guildford Festival of the Arts and Brighton Open Atelier. Seeing that work exhibited has been one of my proudest achievements.

I have also sold my work at craft markets and discovered how valuable it can be simply to ask for an opportunity. On a complete whim, a course mate and I asked our Course Director whether we could paint a mural for the university. They liked the idea so much that we were given the huge task of painting an 11-metre wall, and a mural competition was created for our class as a result. It was eye-opening to see how students’ ideas and feedback could help shape their own education.

I am now in the final year of my Illustration degree. We are working on competition briefs for external clients, including Hallmark, alongside developing our personal projects.

A group of us is also fundraising to present our work at New Designers, a graduate design show in London. I first visited New Designers with College, and the experience inspired me to want to exhibit there myself. When we discovered that university funding was not available, we decided to raise the money independently rather than give up on the opportunity.

Alongside College and university, I have worked as an Art Teaching Assistant for several years. This has allowed me to share my creativity with others, and I particularly enjoy teaching younger children. After graduating, my ideal plan is to combine the structure of working as a Teaching Assistant with freelance creative work, including murals and open-call briefs.

My main advice to current students, particularly those hoping to enter the creative industries, is not to wait for opportunities. Try to create them yourself. Asking someone about a project, collaboration or idea can take you a long way, and the worst they can say is no.

Even a rejection can lead to another opportunity later. Collaborating with your creative peers can also help you develop a valuable network for university and the workplace.

It is also completely normal to change your mind and begin again as many times as you need to. I wish someone had told me that when I was younger. I almost did not apply to university, but when I found the right course, I went for it. I am very glad that I had the support of College to do so.

Alana Bailey
Reigate College: 2022-2024
Higher Education: BA (Hons) Illustration, University for the Creative Arts, Farnham