What I studied at school
I was fortunate enough to attend a Technology school so I was exposed to different making processes throughout this time. At GCSE it was compulsory to take a making-based subject, so I chose Resistant Materials, which taught me different 3D processes and
materials. I also took Art and Design, History, Religious Studies, English Literature, English Language, Double Science and Maths. I then continued onto my A Levels, taking Art, History and Sociology. I also did a part time AS level at a local college in Dark Room/SLR Photography.
Alongside my studies I was always proactive in seeking opportunities to develop my skills, and I was able to take up weekly Life Drawing Classes after school at a local community centre. When I was 15 I also sought out a local master woodcarver based in Tamworth and spent the next 2 years visiting him once a week to learn sculptural wood carving. The skills and knowledge he taught me enabled me to see a future career in the making industries.
What I studied after school
In 2009 I made the decision to take a Foundation Course in Art and Design. This was a fantastic year and I was able to try a variety of different creative disciplines from textiles to fine art. I decided to specialise in 3D Design and Crafts/Fine Art. I would highly recommend a Foundation Course, as it gives you opportunity to try a range of creative disciplines.
The course enabled me to be accepted onto the leading BA (Hons) Model Making Course at Arts University Bournemouth. This is a fantastic course, teaching making and materials knowledge whilst giving students the opportunity to work in a variety of making industries from architectural model making to the film industry. Throughout university and over the holidays I interned and took on different live projects in order to gain a breadth of experience. I was able to work in animation, architecture and the film industry. I was invited to take on a live project for The National Film and Television School in 2011, which involved making one of the main character puppets for a stop motion short film ‘Head Over Heels’, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Short Animation in 2013. Making the most of the opportunities available to you is vital and I would recommend getting in touch with different companies to see if you can have the opportunity for a paid internship.
Following a year in industry I realised that I wanted to hone and develop my skills in precision making. The University of Birmingham advertised a post for an Engineering Traineeship within the school of Physics and astronomy. This four year ‘on the job’ training course enabled me to learn and begin to master a variety of precision making techniques, working with conventional machines such as lathes, mills, fabrication and welding. Alongside working with cutting-edge technologies, I was able to gain a HNC in Mechanical Engineering and a Welding and Fabrication qualification. Traineeships are hosted at a variety of companies and universities such as Birmingham, University College London and Sheffield. I would highly recommend it as an alternative route to a university degree, you can get paid to receive expert skills and knowledge.
My career path
Throughout my studies and traineeship, I also maintained a freelance creative practice as an artist. I kept a studio where I freely experimented with sculptural processes and built up a portfolio which incorporated my background as a maker and engineer and applied them to my fine art practice. I currently do a range of work as an artist taking on residencies in differentorganisations, exhibiting and expanding my creative practice.
I took a total of 5 years out from full time education and I know this benefited me greatly. In 2018 I was accepted onto Material Futures Masters course at Central St Martins, and happily received a full scholarship to attend.
There is no right or wrong way. I think a willingness to learn new things and hone current skills will always be important. I don’t think it is essential to be in formal education to be a successful craftsperson and there are alternative routes such as apprenticeships and traineeships where you get paid to learn the skills which still remain essential. I have a diverse practice which spans ceramics, film, performance and engineering.
I balance two careers, one as a craftsperson/maker, working to a brief from a client at a company or organisation and one as a conceptual artist. Working full time in the making industries over the past 5 years has enabled me to hone my making skill set but to also experiment with it. I wanted to ensure that I can have something to fall back on which marries my two careers together, one as an independant maker and one as a maker in industry. My career is still developing and there is a lot I want to explore and achieve!