UK Illustration courses

[Anscenic]

Damn Zilrion, you weren't kidding; I just got back from Bournemouth last night and even though I felt both interviews went well, I already have "unsuccessful" for illustration. I don't know what exactly they wanted from me; this is one of the WIPs I had in my folio and I figured they'd be happy with that kind of conceptual work... http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f255/nibl/hwipshard3LS3.png

I've just assumed they must have something more graphic design-ish or, indeed, "fine art" in mind.

To be honest (and I was saying this before I got that response, so i'm not just being sore about it) I was really unimpressed by illustration; I didn't really like the department, the work, the course structure, or the tutor who was interviewing us. I can't remember her name, it was a middle-aged woman with long greyish hair, but she just came across as full of typical art-tutor "faff"; the kind of person who I get the impression sort of misses the point. Either way i'm not too phased by the response, since i'd already decided if I were to do illustration, I didn't really want to do it there (among other reasons because I knew i'd end up having to do a load of work I wasn't interested in).

I spent the hours between interviews wondering if I was even making the right choice going to uni since I was under the impression all the departments might be like that, but when I went to animation I was totally blown away; the tutor who picked us up and interviewed us (again, can't remember his name but he seemed like a great guy and really knew what he was talking about), and the students/department/facilities/atmosphere were brilliant, as were all the work and sketches that were up around the place.

I felt that interview went a lot better than the illustration one, so here's hoping for a place.

I also chatted with some of the students about accomodation (I live about 350 miles away so I could probably get into halls I think), but they recommended going straight into a house instead. Would you say the same?

[Mirre]

I have a question. I wanted to add some more of my digital artworks to my portfolio before my next interview. Problem is I'm not in an art school right now so I don't have access to good printers that way. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good print service to order A3 prints from?


Kingston interview was a flop. Got an "Unsuccessful". But honestly... group interviews? Never heard of that before. I really liked the atmosphere of the University though. Both students and teachers seemed really nice and I liked the equipment they had to offer. So I'm a little bummed I didn't get in.

[Sulphur]

Had my UWE interview yesterday. It wasn't for the faint hearted :|

They took all 30 or something of us around the campus while the admissions tutors looked through the portfolios. When we got back they simply read out a list of names and said "Will those people follow me into this room and the rest stay in the corridor". I freaked out because I thought I was going to be sent all the way back up to Newcastle with no interview, but then they told us we were the lucky group. I could hear the other 20 or something people being told to have a safe journey home :\

The interview suprised me by how brief it was, so I'd reccommend everyone who's applying to find a way to give very short but good answers. They only wanted to hear about one piece of work - they didnt talk about the assigned piece at all so I was worried they wouldn't understand what I was trying to portray. They asked about novels that I like, but I'm not much of a fiction reader so I couldn't give a great answer, so I'd suggest you have a few books/authors in mind before the interview.


To current UWE students: I couldn't help but feel that my art style was a little out of place there and that it was tailored for children's book illustrators. I'm just worried that it might be alot about striving to get a simplistic commercial look than realism - am I wrong? I just don't want to end up going there if it means I'll be simplifying my art to achieve a particular look and purpose?

----

Mirre, there should be a local photo or art canvas printing shop somewhere, I popped into one the other day to ask how big they printed and they suggested where I could get big prints from. If not, perhaps a library might have a big printer?

[Gualtieri]

Hi Anscenic!

I tend to lurk here and never really post, but seeing as I'm on the same course as Zilrion, I figure I can help too, especially with the last question!

I've lived in halls this year, and am just starting to look for a house for next year now. The best side of halls is that you get to meet people from just about every course, and there's a lot of international students, which is really cool. If you get on with people, your social life will be great, and if you don't gel too well, then because it can be more private than a house, it's easy enough to just hang with coursemates instead. The less awesome side is that I don't think it's ever going to feel as homely in halls, the internet barely works, it's expensive, you will be miles away from houseparties, etc. and the building itself is pretty terrible. Mould, noise from outside, stuff generally falling apart... you name it! I've definitely enjoyed it down here for the most part, but I'm looking forwards to the prospect of a house way more. If I were you, I'd go straight for a house. The majority of students do that anyway, so you'll be in the same boat as most people. Halls definitely isn't a bad option though.

I love the course too, so if you choose to go for it, I honestly don't think you'll be disappointed. There's a lot of work, sure, but the whole studio dynamic it has going on, and the quality of some of the students, etc. makes it all worth while.

Best of luck to you, and feel free to drop me a note sometime if you have any more questions!

[Anscenic]

Thanks Gualtieri, that really helps me with the halls v. house situation; i'll bear that in mind! As for the course, the more I think about it the more enthusiastic I am, so i'll almost certainly take an offer if I get one (here's hoping).

It's cool to find a few more people at Bournemouth in such a UWE-dominated thread; i'll definitely drop you a line if I think of anything else. Thanks!

[DI888]

Best of luck to everyone, I feel you guys. They're letting students sit in on the UWE interviews next week, so hopefully I'll see some of y'all there!


To current UWE students: I couldn't help but feel that my art style was a little out of place there and that it was tailored for children's book illustrators. I'm just worried that it might be alot about striving to get a simplistic commercial look than realism - am I wrong? I just don't want to end up going there if it means I'll be simplifying my art to achieve a particular look and purpose?

----
It honestly doesn't matter what your style is, as long as you can apply it to the briefs and produce work with it, its all good. They'll never try and push you into working into a particular way either, in fact they make it a point to let you develop your own visual language. I think it might have seemed like there was a bias towards childrens illustration because a few of the tutors produce that kind of work, but you have total free reign over how your work looks.

[HAJiME]

I also sometimes think is a degree in Illustration worth it. I'm at a point where I'm fed up of feeling that what I love doing is turning into a chore. I spend too much time doing course work than personal work.

Btw, I'm in my first year at Westminster Illustration and I'm not that excited about it so far; it's seems too fine arty and graphic design for me. I kind of regret not meeting students on the course prior to accepting my offer, instead I chatted to the tutors which was my mistake I guess. I might transfer onto a different course if I get accepted, if not... I might stay D: ...still unsure.
You should come up and have a look round the level 3 studio and say hi. Never many people in our room upstairs... Not much work on the walls either tbh.

I don't think anything anyone could have said would have made me change course/leave after I started... But I can tell you that just stick to what you think is useful, and don't let any of the lecturers make you believe that realistic drawing is pointless, because they will try to. I wish I'd spent less time being convinced by their bollocks and more time studying what is clearly more useful. I wish I'd read James Gurney's books in the first year. Get the library to buy them in on the IDD request thing if you've not read them.

I enjoyed the first year, though. Emma is amazing. She will do anything for you. I still go to her to ask if I'm confused about something, because if she doesn't know she'll find out. The others are fucking useless. Have you guys had the (dis)pleasure of meeting Steve yet? ...I actually hate him. The second year was DIRE. It's like the first and third years get attention, and the second years just get left to ROT. So be prepared to just get your head down and teach yourself. :/ But It seems this years 2nd year are doing really well, are being set a lot of small projects and all in all are succeeding a lot better than we did. I feel a bit cheated by the course if I'm honest.

I think at the end of the day, you just make of it what you can. Utilise what's good about the uni and the facilities on offer, and ignore the crap and get on with what you need to do.

[Anscenic]

Just a quick update relating to my previous posts; I just got an offer from Bournemouth for Animation, and I was really going for that, so i'll probably take it!

I guess i'll see you there, Gualtieri, Zilrion and co. :p

[ErikStorstein]

Just a quick update relating to my previous posts; I just got an offer from Bournemouth for Animation, and I was really going for that, so i'll probably take it!

I guess i'll see you there, Gualtieri, Zilrion and co. :p

Sweet, congratulations! :) it's a great course, and yea if you have any questions I check this thread now and then or you could just drop me a note :)

[Sulphur]

It honestly doesn't matter what your style is, as long as you can apply it to the briefs and produce work with it, its all good. They'll never try and push you into working into a particular way either, in fact they make it a point to let you develop your own visual language. I think it might have seemed like there was a bias towards childrens illustration because a few of the tutors produce that kind of work, but you have total free reign over how your work looks.

Thanks a lot for clearing this up, that was the only thing I was worried about so now its just about waiting nervously until the end of the month to hear whether I fit the criteria... eek :[

And congrats Anscenic :D

[lefran]

To current UWE students: I couldn't help but feel that my art style was a little out of place there and that it was tailored for children's book illustrators. I'm just worried that it might be alot about striving to get a simplistic commercial look than realism - am I wrong? I just don't want to end up going there if it means I'll be simplifying my art to achieve a particular look and purpose?

yup I agree,I graduate this year so i've been through all 3 years at UWE nearly I think my work is quite different to a lot of other peoples, you do seem to see an 'inhouse' style to some extent, some of the students that hang around most the time tend to pick up each others styles and become similar to some extent, but they dont push you in any direction really, my flatmate (shantih on CA) sews and embroiders things from plushies to book cover designs, and they love it, realism is also fine so long as you're conveying something, not just like.....as super rendered portrait if theres not really any thought or reason behind it.

[HAJiME]

On my course, there's no push stylistically, but intellectually many of my tutors seem turned off unless you're making some political statement about something. Editorial illustration seems the focus, if there is one. And god how I hate editorial... Short turn arounds drawn for crap articles, no thanks.

And with regard to the whole realism isn't essential, on MY course we're actually persuaded out of it as if it's a wast of time. The first time I wanted to do a project to produce concept art, one lecturer continually tried to get me to make collages... Why? I kept asking why, what is the purpose. His excuse was that it's "quicker and more interesting".

I found that when I went to the open day and interview at Kingston for their animation and illustration course, their work was stylistically similar. It seems that most of the better courses/unis are. I wonder if that's just a product of having good tutoring and really being selective about the students they take on? My course literally took anyone with open arms, then provided a set of lecturers who were broad in the wrong way.

I just thought of something that might help people applying for Uni. Often on the course website you can find a list of 3rd year students and their work. Is it worth googling them to see if you can get in contact and get HONEST opinions when you're considering courses? I wish I'd thought of that.

[Sulphur]

I just thought of something that might help people applying for Uni. Often on the course website you can find a list of 3rd year students and their work. Is it worth googling them to see if you can get in contact and get HONEST opinions when you're considering courses? I wish I'd thought of that.

Yeah I suppose it could be worth a shot, although obviously it would be best to find students who you think have simalar aspirations as you.
That's why I like this thread so much - a lot of concept art hopefuls at UWE in here :P

[Raffix]

heyy i know every1 s talking about degree courses here but i just go tinto the foundation course in Art Design and Media Communication at Ravensbourne in London which starts September 2011 oh yeahh!!

http://www.rave.ac.uk/studyhere/

hope everyones applications r going well

[Twiggy]

does anyone here go to NUCA? (Norwich University College of the Arts)

[Ed Savage]

Well. I just finished the Influences brief from UWE. At 5 in the morning. And I'll be setting off for the interview in just under 3 hours... Cutting it a bit close, perhaps? Probably...

@Sulphur: we have to wait a whole month till we find out? As if my nerves weren't scattershot enough already...

[Sulphur]

Well. I just finished the Influences brief from UWE. At 5 in the morning. And I'll be setting off for the interview in just under 3 hours... Cutting it a bit close, perhaps? Probably...

@Sulphur: we have to wait a whole month till we find out? As if my nerves weren't scattershot enough already...

Nah, I was interviewed on the 30th of March and the interviewer said everyone will get responses at the same time, which will have to be once all the interviews are done, so he said it would be around the end of April.

So you will probably only have to wait about 2 weeks or something - lucky! I'm going mad here :nohope:

[Twiggy]

I re-applied at NUCA (Norwich University College of the Arts) for illustration to repeat year 2 (I failed by a margin) .Then I got an interviewer, and my results show unsuccessful. Is this normal?

I mean what are chances of not being accepted straight into year 2? :/

[gutss]

hope everyone's been doing dandy with interviews and stuff!

had my animation interview at Bristol UWE on Monday. I thought it went well at the time, I was interviewed by a student and a tutor. They liked my work and were pretty friendly (I was cheeky and asked them, if I was offered a hypothetical place why should I go to UWE instead of Manchester? the student said, "it's the best course ever!" and proceeded to list its many joys and the tutor leaned forward and said in a mocking voice, "And WEEE LOOOOVVEEE YOOOOUUUUUU!")

Now with retrospect I'm worried that I should have said one thing or another or I forgot to say this or left too early without chatting more and I'm picking over little bits and pieces. Owwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhh :(

I'm sick and worried, mostly because I reallyreallydesperatelyfervently want to go. The course is mega!

[Mirre]

I had my UWE Illustration portfolio/interview day today - and actually got to stay for the interview! YAY! Now to wait and see... I really liked both Bristol and the Bower Ashton campus. I thought the two teachers interviewing me were very nice. Now I just hope that they liked me. I think I might have blabbered a little too much occassionally as I was quite nervous. Oh well, we'll all find out in two-three weeks, won't we?

And when I got back home I had gotten a conditional offer from Camberwell on the fdA Illustration course(!). All I need for that is to take the IELTS and get a good score. So a very good day in all.

[gutss]

that's brill Mirre! hope you do well :D

just heard back from UWE, I'll be going there in September for animation! woohoo! maybe I'll see some of you there.

[Sulphur]

Congrats Gutss :D

Is UWE your first choice Mirre? :) I *think* yesterday was the last day of interviews so I'm watching the applications section of the welcome site like a hawk!

[Quicksilver]

And with regard to the whole realism isn't essential, on MY course we're actually persuaded out of it as if it's a wast of time. The first time I wanted to do a project to produce concept art, one lecturer continually tried to get me to make collages... Why? I kept asking why, what is the purpose. His excuse was that it's "quicker and more interesting".
Bingo. I had a very similar experience at the uni I graduated from too (The Arts University College at Bournemouth, Illustration), where concept art was basically seen as 'pointless'. The course went through many changes while I was there since we had different course leaders but it appears to have settled now.

One word of advice: If you're into concept design and digital painting, DON'T study Illustration in Bournemouth - check out the Animation course instead. Kinda wish I'd transferred within the first year.

[Anscenic]

One word of advice: If you're into concept design and digital painting, DON'T study Illustration in Bournemouth - check out the Animation course instead. Kinda wish I'd transferred within the first year.

Yeah, quite! As I might have said in a previous post, I was totally unimpressed with the illustration department, from the staff and course structure to the work lying around; it just seemed annoying and "artsy", I can imagine why they'd take that stance toward stuff like concept art. A lot of people were saying similar things about it, so I was pretty wary before I even interviewed. I can't respect any course that doesn't consider drawing skills an important part of illustration and design, and that one clearly didn't.

Luckily I had an interview for animation scheduled for that afternoon (interviewing illustration was really more of a fallback in this case), and that went great. I loved the department and course and I got a place, so all being well i'll be going there in Sept.

[Quicksilver]

Anscenic: Sweet, congrats! The Ani folks are ace - I used to hang out with them a lot. Enjoy the annual welcoming house party. ;P

As for the Illustration course, it was different when I started it 3 years ago, which is why I stayed there but it quickly went downhill and drastically changed after my first year when the original course leader left. It was shaky anyway but the priorities of the course now are so messed up. Glad you saw through them when you were interviewed (believe me, you're saving yourself a lot of stress!).

[Smarty]

HA! I forgot about this thread, suffice to say good luck to all the applicants at UWE. With regards to 'in house' style, I don't think its 'in house', more 'in country'. I personally went on ERASMUS in my second year and whats popular in the UK is different to other countries. We aren't pushed in any direction but if their is a group of students interested in the same diaspora then it inevitably happens. I find my own work quite different from whats happening here in the UK with regards to popular choice. you can find it here

http://kylesmart.co.uk/

PS I was one of the people doing the interviews

[EpicKey]

HA! I forgot about this thread, suffice to say good luck to all the applicants at UWE. With regards to 'in house' style, I don't think its 'in house', more 'in country'. I personally went on ERASMUS in my second year and whats popular in the UK is different to other countries. We aren't pushed in any direction but if their is a group of students interested in the same diaspora then it inevitably happens. I find my own work quite different from whats happening here in the UK with regards to popular choice. you can find it here

http://kylesmart.co.uk/

PS I was one of the people doing the interviews

im waiting now far an answer from UWE. Its my number 1 choice..i got unsuccesfull with kingston and bournemouth...i hope i get in to UWE :) so does people there accept students with wide round of ambitions and styles and stuff like that???? or they have sort of criterium system there?

[Smarty]

A wide range is a good starting point to go on and develop your own preferences and way of doing something. I don't see that being an issue at this stage. The course takes you on a massive tangent doing a massive range of things. I've only really started showing some consistency with visual language myself in the second semester of the third year. Now I'm just cherry picking the best of everything I like and making it my own.

[Tadas]

Maybe you know when can we expect to hear the answers from UWE?

[Sulphur]

Maybe you know when can we expect to hear the answers from UWE?

I called admissions earlier today - They said that I'll find out anytime this week but no later than Friday (the official deadline for unis to respond) So we should know very shortly.

I can't handle the waiting. I'd rather I just got told right then on the day instead of ritualistically refreshing that bloody site for weeks on end :nohope:

[Twiggy]

can anyone recommend me any good places apart from UWE and Plymouth?
I've made 4 choices already, I need a 5th final choice.

yeah I know it's pretty late, it looks like I would probably be applying through UCAS extra, mainly the because the uni I wanted to back into was unsuccessful....

[Sulphur]

My application was unsuccessful :( I have a feeling its because I didn't have much of an interest in books. Not going to Uni this year then. Thats what I get for only applying to one I suppose.

I still want to make a living in Bristol though....anyone know if theres any jobs going? :^^;:

[Ed Savage]

Mine was too. Heck, I didn't even get to the interview stage. Which was a bit of a kick in the teeth.

I did get a place at Bournemouth tho, and it seems like I'll be going there. Although Quicksilver's comments don't fill me with confidence in that regard....

But I've kind of taken the view that ultimately, whether or not I 'make it' will be down to me, personally, and in the end the location isn't the be all and end all. In the end, it'll be down to how I apply myself.

Well, that's what I'm telling myself, anyway. Obviously, it's a very hard choice to make. And it's a horrendous gamble.

I assume you're going to reapply next year Sulphur?

Quicksilver: Some more information about your time at bournemouth would be really valuable. Just more depth on what you've already said would be great. Is there still space within the course to forge your own path, if you're keen enough? Or are the tutors hellbent on making you follow their own path... What would be you consider, for someone in my situation? Would you sincerely recommend waiting another year (and thus facing far greater tuition fees) to reapply to UWE? Any info or opinion you could give would be invaluable. Same goes for anyone else with relevant experience/interests/opinion/whatever.

[Tadas]

OMG, I got a conditional from UWE :)

[Mirre]

I-I just got an Unconditional offer from UWE!!! HOLY. CRAP. I did not expect that. @ _ @

Now I have to pick between Camberwell fdA Illustration and UWE Bristol BA (Hons) Illustration. Halp?
One one hand I like the idea of Camberwell's fdA course because it's two years with the availability for a 3rd year and a BA degree should you want it. And it's focused on working in the field of Illustration - you get assignments and work with them as if they were real paid jobs. So for experience about how to work as an illustrator it seems quite ideal. The class is quite small as well, 25 students. But it's very expensive to live in London.
On the other hand I really liked Bristol, and it's cheaper to live there than London. I also really liked what I saw of their BA Illustration course's teachers and equipment (loved the printing facilities). I'd get a BA degree from my three years there and it seems like many of the graduated students go on to neat jobs. Many people in this thread seem to have applied for this course as well. I don't know too much about the different universities' reputations though since I'm not from the UK. So, what made you guys apply for this course?
Fee-wise I'm thinking I'd probably do the bridge year at Camberwell anyways to get the BA degree. So the tuition fees would be about the same no matter which course I choose in the end.
Well, anyone have any advice for me? I'm quite torn.



gutss: Thank you! Maybe it was your wellwishings that helped? : D I guess you might see me there in September depending on what I decide to do.

Sulphur: I honestly don't know which my first choice is. As I wanted to get into these two courses just about as much. They both have their advantages and disadvantages to me... but it seems like UWE is the more popular course among applicants?
Sorry to hear you didn't get in though.

[Sulphur]

I assume you're going to reapply next year Sulphur?



Nah, I don't think so. I think I didn't get in because I wasn't interested in books since they seemed happy until I confessed I haven't and don't read much. So even if I was ten times better next year, it won't make me more enthusiastic about writing an illustrating a kids book.


But I've kind of taken the view that ultimately, whether or not I 'make it' will be down to me, personally, and in the end the location isn't the be all and end all. In the end, it'll be down to how I apply myself.


Yeah, thats what I'm telling myself too. Even if I end up doing some shite, miserable job for the next year or two, I'm not going to let it be an excuse to not be awesome.


EDIT- Oh and grats Tadas and Mirre :D

[Anscenic]

Hey E. Silva, obviously I can't speak from experience like Quicksilver, but first of all (to get the bad news out of the way) I have to say i've heard very similar things about AUCB's illustration course from several people, and I dunno about you but it showed when I interviewed there! If you look back through the thread you can also see some info on that course from Zilrion (who transferred to Animation Production after a year and evidently made a great choice); from what I can tell, and what i've heard (from Quicksilver and others), their course is quite "artsy", and they don't really like or value realistic/conceptual work. My (very) personal opinion is that AUCB's illustration doesn't look or sound to be very fitting at all for someone wanting to do conceptual work, and going on it might just be going to uni for the sake of going to uni, which for £x-thousand is possibly not the best idea.

HOWEVER, though that may suck, you really hit it on the head with "the location isn't the be all and end all". Education is just a resource, and especially when it comes to uni, you'll get out what you put in; there are guys on really crappy courses that come out great artists because they know what they want and they have the will to succeed. I have no doubt that if you do illust at AUCB, regardless of their biases, you'll be able to steer it to something that interests you, and get something out of it. Even if you don't, and the course really just slows you down, there's probably a good chance you'd be able to transfer to Animation or something in the second year (I dunno how easy that is, you should ask Zilrion if you're interested), and AUCB's animation course has a really good reputation (I should be joining Zilrion and Gualtieri there after summer, really looking forward to it).

Something worth bearing in mind is that if you got in, it obviously means they're probably going to be receptive to whatever it is that you're already doing (I have a very conceptual portfolio and -didn't- get a place on illustration; take a look at my blog below for some examples of work in that very portfolio... luckily I was only interviewing illustration as a backup).

I'm not saying you should or shouldn't go, i'm really just looking at both sides and seconding your evaluation that in the worst case scenario, the uni you go to isn't necessarily going to hamstring you. Conversely, if you end up pretty sure it'll be no good for you, it is worth asking if you'd be going just for the sake of going.

Dunno how much use i'll be in specifics, but if there's anything I can help with let me know!

[Gualtieri]

Just a super quick addition to the above - you don't have to be going into your second year to transfer over to animation. Theoretically, you could request to do so in the first couple of weeks. I know people in the past have done so, and a friend of mine swapped over in the first term. It means a bit of a wait, and another interview, but if you started illustration and decided it really wasn't for you, then the hassle is worth it, I'm sure. We tend to lose/gain a couple of people as a general rule.

I'm also friends with a few illustration students that love the course, but are very much into children's book illustrations and editorial illustration... so yeah, if you're interested in doing entertainment art, it might not be the smoothest ride, and swapping is possibly your best bet. I personally can't attest to how artsy or not the course actually is, so I'm not the best person to talk to, but as someone who is more interested in concept art than in animating (at this stage), thanks to the transferable skills, I can say I still feel like I've made the right decision in picking AP. Sorry to hear you didn't get onto the course you wanted though!

And if you're very keen to go to university, I'm really not sure I would risk waiting another year when you bring fees into consideration. Not unless you can afford it.

[EpicKey]

heh i got an unconditional from UWE :)))) so what do i do next???? ;D

[Quicksilver]

Quicksilver: Some more information about your time at bournemouth would be really valuable. Just more depth on what you've already said would be great. Is there still space within the course to forge your own path, if you're keen enough? Or are the tutors hellbent on making you follow their own path... What would be you consider, for someone in my situation? Would you sincerely recommend waiting another year (and thus facing far greater tuition fees) to reapply to UWE? Any info or opinion you could give would be invaluable. Same goes for anyone else with relevant experience/interests/opinion/whatever.

Like Gualtieri said, you can transfer to another course at the beginning if you wish. Personally, I highly suggest that since the Illo course is now run by a Fine Artist who thinks very little of concept art. I had it tough there and wouldn't wish it upon anyone if they had the same goals as me. As far as I'm concerned, that course is a lost cause. The only real benefit I got from it was learning loads of software but I think the technician who used to teach those classes has been moved or something.

Sorry if I've worried you but believe me, you're better off joining a course that welcomes and accepts you than wasting your time fighting your way through one. The lecturers are nice but they have their strong opinions (which they're entitled to, obviously, though they can get in the way) and have a habit of going back on their word.

Best of luck with whichever path you choose. If you're serious about a transfer then if I were you, I'd contact the Animation course and make them aware of your decision and maybe arrange an informal visit to their studio. If you can secure a place there, THEN inform the Illo course. Lisa might try to convince you to stay otherwise but stick to your guns if you're sure of what you want.

[Mirre]

I'm back home in Sweden for the summer and have managed to make up my mind! I guess I'll see EpicKey, Tadas and gutss in September? : D
If any of you guys want to get together and talk before then feel free to PM or mail me (mirrew[at]gmail[dot]com).

I kind of feel sorry for my family because I constantly move out of the country... but I am sooo looking forward to this course and living in Bristol!

[Cloverbell]

Hey hey! I'm a Canadian student looking to widen my experience. I am currently enrolled in Illustration at Sheridan Institute. I really do want to give study abroad experience a shot.
I'm very interested in these programs: LCC (London College of Communications) BA Graphic Communications - Illustration pathway or UCA(University for Creative Arts) Maidstone - BA Illustration.

My deliema isn't in choice but in timing. I would go to any of these schools if they approve of me and my school recognizes their programs. I've read on the LCC website that study abroad options are only available during the 1st and 2nd year of their program. Durations are available from one semester to a whole year. The credits earned from the UK courses go back to my home institution and will appear on my transcript as being complete. Sounds super alright?

I'm entering my first year of illustration here and regretting not applying for a bachelors in England at the start.
I want to know is it practical at all to take a semester abroad in year 2 OR should I complete year 2 of my program (in canada) and then transfer to a university in England to complete the degree instead?

You might be wondering why I go through all this trouble?
It's simple and complicated at the same time. To put it simply, I'm trying to build international credentials so I can gain a competitive edge to find work in England or the EU. I am not attached to my Canadian identity and I'm not making plans on staying there.
Also it has been my dream to attend LCC or get the chance to study, work and explore England in general.

I realize I need to do a bunch of research on this so I figured any of you students enrolled in the schools I mentioned can help me if they like... about any school policies that may or may not ruin my hinder awesome idea. The schooling system is totally different in Britain so please correct me if I am wrong in my logic.

[Anscenic]

Hi Cloverbell, i'm afraid I don't know much about those courses specifically or indeed the complications of transferring universities etc., but if you do a temporary exchange, is the funding already taken care of at your end? I mean, if you did a year here then went back to Sheridan, would you need to pay for the year by the UK fees or is it already included in your fees at Sheridan?

If not, as you may or may not know, university fees in the UK are skyrocketing next year, and will equate to around $14000 (canadian) per year.

I realise you may already know, but you didn't mention funding in your post so I figured i'd better check; I have no idea how well this issue has been covered outside the UK!

If you know already and are still considering transfer then I respect your determination... you may have picked a tricky time to come study in the UK, haha.

[James Turner]

I've just finished my BA(hons) in general illustration at Swansea Metropolitan University and thought I would write a bit of a review for any students looking for unis. I must say I personally could not recommend Swansea enough, I've learnt a huge amount in the past three years not only art related but also general life and business skills. But of course it depends on what exactly you want from a uni so i'll try and give an impartial breakdown of what I went through over the past three years

General If your looking to go into children's book illustration, this course is ideal, concept art and fine art is also well represented. For editorial work the skill development is there but the projects tend to be strung out so you can't get a real sense of the pressure of a real editorial brief (the average project is 1-3 months as apposed to the 3-5 days for a real brief. You get a good base in art history and life drawing and regular contact with tutors (something you should always ask about with uni's)

First Year General build up of art skills, One day a week of basic art history, One day of life drawing (additional classes available), One morning doing electives (2 electives in a year) in various other art related areas (photography, printmaking etc, this was cut down a lot in my last year due to government cuts so I can't say what happens now) And two days in studios working on various projects. There is a large emphasis on trying different artistic styles and techniques.

Second Year Very similar to the first, the art history is focused more on illustration. Your final project of the year is completely self written. Other project work looks at the different areas of illustration as opposed to simply trying out different art styles as you did in the first year. There is also a module doing business studies with some incredible teachers who really know their stuff

Third Year 8000 word dissertation and final major project/s (two or three is recommended), one of which must be a live project or have external feedback/liaison. Students also have to arrange their graduate exhibition (more work then some may realize) No mandatory art history or life drawing but other life drawing lessons available. There is one elective module and one module doing self promotion (corporate identity and how to run your own business- self assessment tax etc)

Work from the graduate show from my year (http://www.pictorisillustration.com/2011/05/swansea-metropolitan-university-illustration-2011-exhibition/)

List of links to the websites of my fellow students (http://ladynoctis.blogspot.com/2011/05/supporting-fellow-illustrators.html)

If anyone has any questions on swansea I'll be happy to answer them, just drop me a PM

[Raffix]

Cloverbell - you dont want to be in Maidstone for three years. its fucking shit. one of the most depressing town in the south of england

[lefran]

Heya, the UWE illustration degree shows are coming up really soon

Bristol Gallery show - 10th-16th June
Bower Ashton Campus, Bristol

London Gallery Show - 12th-17th July
Gallery on Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London

We also have a stall at the D&AD new blood exhibition at the Truman Brewery if you happen to be there.

Feel free to stop by if you're in the areas!

[Twiggy]

Anyone applying through UCAS Clearing?

[whatpants]

I'm planning to go to an intensive foundation course at Middlesex uni in January. I plan to go into illustration... I've looked through the thread a bit; can anyone tell me what middlesex is like?

I know that they're moving art & design to Hendon campus as opposed to Cat Hill. I hope it'll be awesome...

[Cloverbell]

Hi Cloverbell, i'm afraid I don't know much about those courses specifically or indeed the complications of transferring universities etc., but if you do a temporary exchange, is the funding already taken care of at your end? I mean, if you did a year here then went back to Sheridan, would you need to pay for the year by the UK fees or is it already included in your fees at Sheridan?

If not, as you may or may not know, university fees in the UK are skyrocketing next year, and will equate to around $14000 (canadian) per year.

I realise you may already know, but you didn't mention funding in your post so I figured i'd better check; I have no idea how well this issue has been covered outside the UK!

If you know already and are still considering transfer then I respect your determination... you may have picked a tricky time to come study in the UK, haha.

Yes! The downside is the fact that tuition fees are crazy high. Since I last posted I did a lot of thinking and talked to some more people from UAL including a Canadian friend of mine who's in Central saint martins right now. He has done some great things in his career from going to London but he even admits its crazy hard.
As much as I love london, I think I would rather study outside of the capital as I could manage the expense better. I'll consider both UCA and UAL. As well as University of Brighton too!

I have access to student loans and all those things in my country which are great but I would have to work on a super budget because loans will not cover everything for international studies. Which means, anyone seeking to study abroad would have to start planning early.
I had given up on transferring up a year though! I've been told it's also unlikely. I'm okay with that. I'm just trying to advance in anyway possible. lol

[Yaway]

Anyone here studying or an ex-student from Kingston Uni? I would like to know more about the facilities and reviews if there's any.

[Specialisa]

Common use - Dapoxetine belongs to a class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This short-acting inhibitor is used to treat premature ejaculation in men.
I am ready to accept the situation that customer support sometimes can be dull when I want to trace my order plus order priligy (http://dagpro.com/)
I take buy priligy (http://priligy.me/) pill and it works as expected but after sexual intercourse I sometimes feel muscle pain in the back and fatigue. I do not know if this is because I work like a stud or it is a side effect. Anyway I am lucky that I gave it a try.

[Gary Joynes Slater]

Has anyone tried the illustration course at Cheltenham? It's very good I hear.

[Kitterfly]

Has anyone tried the illustration course at Cheltenham? It's very good I hear.

I did my art foundation there and was going to do the Illustration degree there, but changed my mind and didn't carry on to the degree in the end.
I absolutely loved Cheltenham and our campus was great, but they're closing it down so I don't know what the new campus would be like. Cheltenham might feel a bit too 'small town' for more than a year or so though... Have a visit, see if you like it. Tutors there are cool :)

[Barnhouse]

Hi guys, just made an account after having a read through this thread.

I recently accepted my place at Bournemouth arts college to do Illustration, but after the things people have said in this thread I'm having second thoughts...
Can it really be that bad? I think I mentioned wanting to do concept art or entertainment design during the interview and they seemed happy and supportive of that.
People mentioned doing animation instead of illustration, now aucb's animation course may be better suited for this sort of thing but surely potential employers would take someone with an illustration degree over someone with an animation degree?

Anyone have some advice? I didn't even go to other interviews I was so set on aucb, so its bournemouth or bust. At this point I don't know what I'm gonna do.