My return to design: building confidence through internships and Laura Ashley live briefs
At University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Swansea College of Art, students are supported to grow in confidence, skill and creative direction.
In this blog, Sarah Davies, third-year Surface Pattern and Textiles student, reflects on her journey back into education after an 18-year break. She shares how the course, from live industry briefs to internship opportunities, has shaped her creative practice and renewed her confidence. As she prepares for the Summer Degree Show and graduation, Sarah offers an honest insight into the experiences and excitement of this stage, and her ambitions for a future in the creative industry.
My journey into studying BA Surface Pattern and Textiles at UWTSD’s Swansea Collee of Art began while I was searching online for creative courses. What immediately stood out to me was how varied it was; it didn’t feel limiting in terms of style or direction. This diversity really appealed to me, especially as someone who has always been interested in creativity in different forms.
A creative career has always been my dream, but the route to getting here wasn’t straightforward. After studying Fashion and Textiles in college, I began an Art and Design Foundation course, but soon realised it wasn’t the right time for me. I needed space to experience life beyond education and to grow in other ways. During that time, I travelled, lived in different cities and worked in various roles, all of which shaped my perspective.
After an 18-year hiatus, I returned to my hometown of Swansea with a strong desire to pursue a creative degree, taking a step back into education later in life. At that point, I didn’t have a clear plan; it was more about proving to myself that I could do it, develop new skills, and challenge myself.
From the moment I started the course, I was excited to be back in a creative environment. Surface Pattern and Textiles encourages experimentation and a hands-on approach, which made a strong impression early on.
Looking back, my first year now seems like a blur, and my skills and confidence have grown significantly in that time. I can now step back and feel proud of my work, which wasn’t always the case at the beginning.
What truly makes the course special is its environment. The lecturers and technical staff are incredibly supportive, encouraging us to push ourselves while also being there through more challenging moments. Studying alongside such a strong group of peers has also been a key part of the experience, creating a motivating and inspiring atmosphere.
A major part of the course has been the opportunity to work on live briefs with brands including Monki, Anglepoise and Laura Ashley. These have been invaluable in helping me understand what is expected in a professional design role. Responding to real briefs and deadlines has developed my understanding of how the industry operates and what brands are looking for, while also giving us access to industry professionals.
One highlight was being selected as the winner of the Laura Ashley live brief. I was deeply invested in capturing the essence of the brand, so receiving that recognition meant a great deal. I was offered mentorship from Head of Design Helen Ashmore and invited to the London office as part of the ‘Laura Ashley: 100 Years of an Icon’ campaign.
Spending time with the team gave me insight into how the brand operates across design, marketing and social media. It was also an opportunity to share my work and receive feedback, which helped build my confidence and reinforce my direction. Having that level of support from someone in the industry has been incredibly meaningful and still feels quite surreal.
I was also fortunate to secure an internship with Elsie & Marj, an opportunity that arose through the course and gave me experience in designing for an independent brand. What I found particularly valuable was how much the experience pushed me to rely on myself. It felt like my first real step into working independently, where I couldn’t turn to my lecturers for guidance in the same way, and had to trust my own instincts and decision-making. While challenging, this was also empowering, reinforcing that my work can exist in a professional context and that I am capable of contributing meaningfully in a creative environment.
As I prepare for the Summer Degree Show, the University’s annual public exhibition of final-year students’ work, one of the most rewarding aspects is seeing how far I’ve come. An immeasurable amount of time and dedication goes into developing a collection, and exhibiting that work is incredibly fulfilling. At the same time, it can feel daunting to put your work out there, especially as creatives can often be their own harshest critics. However, the support of my lecturers has helped me trust the process and feel more confident in my direction.
Looking beyond the Degree Show, the possibility of exhibiting at New Designers is something I’m really excited about. It’s a major platform for emerging graduates, offering the chance to present work to industry professionals and gain valuable exposure.
Opportunities like this can play a significant role in launching a creative career. Seeing examples such as former student Anna Eynon, who progressed from New Designers to gaining an internship with Laura Ashley, is incredibly inspiring and highlights the impact these experiences can have.
As I approach graduation, I feel a real sense of excitement about what comes next. I can’t imagine a life without designing, and I’m eager to find my place within the industry. My goal is to work as a freelance designer, which will require me to keep pushing myself, building connections and stepping outside of my comfort zone.
Studying at UWTSD has played a huge role in shaping me as a designer. It has helped me understand my strengths, refine my creative direction, and build confidence in my work. More than that, it has shaped me as a person.
For the first time, I felt I truly belonged in an educational environment, which made the experience even more meaningful. While the past three years have been challenging at times, returning to study has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, and one that came at exactly the right moment in my life.
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996