Sophie's UWTSD Experience
Name: Sophie Drew
Course: BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles
Previous Studies: Open University
Hometown: Swansea
Sophie's BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles Experience
What was your favourite thing about the Swansea campus?
The facilities available to us. The department was incredibly well equipped, with access to an impressive range of specialist facilities and machinery. Iappreciated the balance between independence and support, we were encouraged to develop our own ideas andcreative practice, while knowing help was always available when needed. The experience allowed me to build a broad and diverse skill set, giving me confidence across multiple areas of design.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
The course at UWTSD suited my family responsibilites, being local and close to home.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
In my spare time, my children and I love being outdoors and spending time immersed in nature. Whether we’re exploring woodlands, collecting treasures along the beach, or simply enjoying the fresh air, nature is a constant source of inspiration. My children are also very creative, so we spend lots of time painting, crafting, and making things together,which often sparks new ideas for my own creative work.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
After graduating, I hope to develop my own freelance design practice. As a multidisciplinary designer, I enjoy thechallenge of responding to a variety of briefs across fashion, interiors, and homeware. My ambition to remain adaptable across different creative fields stems from the diverse range of live industry briefs I have undertaken throughout my studies, which have strengthened both my skills and confidence as a designer.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite aspect of the course was working on live briefs. Collaborating with and receiving feedback from iconic brands such as Monki, Anglepoise, and Laura Ashley provided exciting and invaluable learning opportunities, helping me develop both my creative and professional skills. Alongside these industry projects, developing my final degree collection was undoubtedly the highlight of my time on the course. It allowed me to bring together everything I had learned and create a body of work that truly reflected my interests, creativity, and growth as a designer.
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
I would highly recommend this course. It is challenging and the expectations are high, but the tutors are incredibly supportive and consistently go above and beyond to help you succeed. They are always available to offer guidance, advice, and opportunities to help you develop as a designer.
The breadth of skills you gain throughout the course is remarkable, and the final year in particular prepares you wellfor industry.
The course provides a strong balance of creativity, technical development, and professional practice, this course really is the whole package.
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.
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.
