Lauren's UWTSD Experience
Name: Lauren Stokes
Course: BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles
Previous Studies: Graphic Communications / Art Textiles / Psychology
Hometown: Cotswolds, Wiltshire
Lauren's BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles Experience
What was your favourite thing about the Swansea campus?
One of my favourite things about studying at the Dynevor campus was the access to all of the facilities and the freedom to experiment creatively. Whenever I wanted to try a new technique or explore an idea further, the staff were always incredibly supportive and happy to help me bring it to life. The studios and workshops were open and accessible whenever I needed them, which really encouraged me to push my creativity and develop my skills. I also loved the campus’s location in the heart of the city, with galleries, shops and the beach all close by for inspiration beyond the studio.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
I chose to study at UWTSD because, from the moment I stepped into the studio, it felt like a welcoming and inspiring environment where I knew I would be encouraged to develop and refine my creative abilities to their fullest potential. Seeing the diverse paths taken by previous graduates, many of whom had gone on to work for companies I had long admired, reinforced my belief that it was the right place to nurture my ambitions and prepare me for a career in the industry.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
Outside of my studies, some of my favourite memories were made with the friends and housemates I met through my course and across the wider university community. We spent countless afternoons at the beach, browsing charity shops for hidden gems, and exploring the beautiful Gower coastline. Swansea also had a great social scene, with plenty of pubs hosting live music and a variety of events taking place throughout the year in venues across the city. It offered the perfect balance between student life, creativity and the opportunity to make lasting friendships.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I’m currently getting ready to exhibit my final collection at New Designers, where I will have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals.
I have also recently been selected to interview for the TexPlus exhibition. I travelled up to London and was interviewed at the Liberty London headquarters, which, as someone who has always been interested in luxury design, was a real highlight. I was interviewed by a panel of industry professionals including Tracey Brown, Founder of Bay and Brown, Katey Leyland, Head of Textiles at Burberry, and Clare Johnston, a TexPlus trustee and former Head of Design at Liberty London. It was an incredible opportunity to share my work, and receiving feedback and support from designers in companies I greatly admire was invaluable - I hope to be selected soon.
In the time between my degree show and New Designers, I was selected for a month-long internship with IG Design Group, working as part of their design team. It has been invaluable to be immersed in a fully functioning design studio and to see how products that end up on shop shelves are actually developed.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite thing about my course is the studio and staff. Not only does the studio have amazing facilities to experiment with, but being able to have my own desk space has meant that when working on a project I can fully immerse myself within it. The staff are also so supportive for not only my projects but of me as a person and all that I want to achieve in the future. There is also such a nice community within the studio that makes it such a lovely place to work.
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
I would definitely recommend studying at UWTSD, as if you are after somewhere where the staff are genuinely there to support you, has amazing facilities and has the perfect balance of a lively social scene and the countryside, this is the place to study. Not only are you assisted through your whole time studying but they make it a priority to equip you with everything you need to enter your desired industry as you get ready to graduate.
News
University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Swansea College of Art unveil Surface Pattern and Textiles student work developed in response to a live industry brief from the iconic British brand, Laura Ashley.
A graduate exhibits her work at Cardiff Fashion Week
A Surface Pattern Design and Textiles graduate of UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art showcased her creative talents and entrepreneurial spirit at the recent Cardiff Fashion Week.
Students in the top ranked Surface Pattern and Textiles programme at UWTSD’s Swansea College of Art have been working with the Swedish fashion brand Monki. The students are no stranger to dynamic live briefs as part of their learning experience, and it is not the first time they have collaborated with a Swedish fashion brand.
