Thea's UWTSD Experience
Name: Thea Wakeford
Course: BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles
Previous Studies: Level 3 Art and Design, Foundation in Art and Design
Hometown: Swansea
Thea's BA in Surface Pattern and Textiles Experience
What was your favourite thing about the Swansea campus?
The open plan studio. Being able to mingle and see other year groups’ work and being able to bounce ideas off each other easily. I also appreciate how easy the lecturers are to talk to and go to for help. It creates a comfortable atmosphere where I feel I can ask all the questions I need to and produce better work.
Why did you choose UWTSD?
I likedI chose UWTSD because of its brilliant facilities and lecturers. I attended a few college workshops and was hooked from the first one. I went from not enjoying textiles classes in college to loving them in uni because of the encouraging lecturers and enticing lectures.
What did you enjoy outside your studies?
Outside of my studies I’ve enjoyed continuing my art career. With the universities help ive been able to set up a small business with close guidance with mentors and lecturers’ advice. I also thoroughly enjoy being outdoors, and being able to create narratives through my work correlating to my other interests helps keep me motivated.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
After I graduate, I hope to continue my education and travel around the world while developing my surface pattern design skills and making new connections as I go. Being able to travel while I work has always been a dream of mine and whether I work for a company or work freelance I’d love to continue my surface pattern design journey.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
Having access to a large range of resources that I wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Being taught how to use them professionally helps to set me up for my future jobs, and being able to create a vast collection using a wide range of processes and resources helps my work develop.
Would you recommend UWTSD and why?
I would absolutely recommend UWTSD because before I was even an official student here, (through the Wales skills competitions) I had support from them throughout my studies, and have had continued support while I study here. The lecturers have a real care for their students that you might not find elsewhere.
