Zainab — BA (Hons) Art & Design Top-up Degree
One day, I’d love to be able to teach abroad. I want to inspire and teach others the same way that my tutors have inspired and taught me.
Zainab — HE Graphic Design
Zainab, 21, studied the Foundation Degree in Graphic Design at College and progressed to the BA (Hons) Art & Design Top-up Degree. She hopes to go on to study a Masters Degree within the graphic design field, and eventually would like to become a design lecturer.
When asked what she enjoys most about the subject, she said:
I love the idea of being able to solve problems with my designs. I have always admired the work of graphic designers because graphics are used and seen everywhere. I want to be able to produce something beautiful that is meaningful and recognised by others.
— Zainab
Zainab first enrolled at university to study graphic design, but dropped out soon after, due to feeling, what she described as, ‘overwhelmed by the size of the course’. But she didn’t let this set her back. She found the same degree-level course here at Nottingham College, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Studying for my degree at College felt right. The city campus location is local with good social opportunities. I am able to gain a uni-level degree, whilst having the familiarity of being in a friendly college environment with loads of one-to-one support.
It was so much cheaper studying at College too, and with much smaller class sizes I felt more confident. I could get to know everyone easily and I enjoy having regular contact with my tutors, who are always happy to spend extra time with me on projects if I need it.
— Zainab
As part of the course, students are given plenty of industry experience, including guest speakers, work experience opportunities and live industry briefs.
During her course, Zainab was given a live brief by the College to design ‘The Framework Knitters’ logo for a museum in Ruddington. The brief was to rebrand the museum, so that it could reach a larger demographic and feel more contemporary.
Live briefs are a great insight into real-world industry and scenarios. For this design brief, I had to draw upon the skills I’d learnt on my course, using my knowledge of layout, composition, illustration and colour theory, to create a modern, yet mature, design.
To my surprise, my designs were chosen by the museum and will be used as their rebrand. The experience was so valuable and a huge confidence boost.
— Zainab
Alongside her studies, Zainab’s busy working on multiple freelance opportunities to enhance her portfolio, including a logo and packaging design for water bottle company ‘RELOAD’, which you can see pictured below:
If you have creative flair and want to discover more about our Higher Education Art, Design, Fashion and Media courses, take a look, and you could join us this September!