BA (Hons) Graphic Design Student Story

Ayanna Peniston, BA (Hons) Graphic Design (Graphic Illustration)

"When I was researching universities in the UK through the Unifrog website, I found the University of Suffolk amongst the aspirational selections and began to look at the information provided and on the University of Suffolk website. What made me choose this university over any other is that I felt that the University of Suffolk had a close knit community and that the small classroom sizes would allow for full engagement with the lecturers, such as one on one tutorials. Additionally, the University of Suffolk website for the Graphic Design course stated that it was made to prepare you for working after graduation, alongside studying graphics and I thought that this would be beneficial as someone looking to become a full-time agency graphic designer.

I have always been a creative individual, as I grew up with an interest in painting and drawing, allowing me to develop a creative thinking mindset. The University of Suffolk graphics course takes that thinking to a new level as problem solving becomes involved and we are taught the skills needed to act on what has now become creative problem solving. The course also becomes more and more about individual learning as the years progress, allowing us to develop our own design processes and techniques. I though that this was good practice, as this also prepares us for when we enter into the workforce.

What I find most beneficial about the course is the ability to practice both graphic design and graphic illustration at the same time. Having both creates opportunity to work with more clients in the future that will need graphic design, graphic illustration, or both.

What I enjoy most about my time at the University of Suffolk is coming into class with a hot cup of mocha and talking to my classmates about design work or topics of similar interest. We are all a team in our own little design studio and I love that I am able to bring in my design work both for uni and personal projects and show them to receive feedback.

I chose to move to Suffolk because it seemed like a quiet and quaint place, perfect for wanting to focus on my studies. With the town centre and many grocery stores nearby, I could leave my room knowing that I don’t have to go a far distance and into a dangerous neighbourhood. Additionally, Suffolk has lots of countryside, something that I did not have growing up on an island, and I always enjoy getting to see that when I am travelling on the trains. The best thing about studying in Suffolk however is the cafes. I love that I can go into a cafe, order a coffee and a snack and sit down with my laptop and do some work.

I recently participated in a design showcase back at home and I was really proud of the pieces I created. Getting to see so many people view my work and like it gave me confidence that my design skills have improved since I first started my graphic design/ graphic illustration journey and that my style inspires those who view it."

Alex Rawlins, BA (Hons) Graphic Design

"For the past 12 years, I've worked across Events, Exhibitions, Presentation, Motion, and many other facets of Creative Design, ultimately leading to the creation of Sixteen by Nine, the UK's first Presentation Design Consultancy, which I co-founded in 2018. I have had the pleasure of working with brands across the world to deliver engaging and effective design, storytelling, and creative strategy - including PepsiCo, BBC, UK Government, RAF, TFL, BAE Systems and many more across Technology, Healthcare, Pharma, Government, and FMCG.  

At every stage, my degree has been the basis of my approach, work ethic and output. Without the solid foundation of the degree, I simply would not be where I am today. Beyond practical skills in software and application of design, it is more about the critical thinking, the analysis, and the transferable skills that I gained from the course and UoS; that have served and continue to serve me, and are the most profound." I chose the University based almost entirely on my interaction with the course lectures and leaders. I was open to moving anywhere in the country, and whilst I had other offers after meeting with Nigel (and at the time, Russell), it was clear that they were concerned not only with producing fantastic visual work but also with building robust, thoughtful designers ready for the industry. The university was also new and was clearly focused on building and growth, which was exciting. "There was a great sense of closeness in the course, between the students in my year and across the years. And there was a fostering of relationships cross-course as well, which I know has continued and blossomed even further since I left. I think, as a young institution, there is also a sense of drive to grow and improve. And as it was at the time I was studying, the high student satisfaction is the key to this - there is a deep sense of care from the academic staff (and administration and support staff) toward the student population.  

 In a landscape dominated by 'fiscal responsibility', 'value-for-money', and 'return on investment', the idea of care and personal growth can't be lost. Certainly, the students' achievements and the university's pastoral growth outside of profit always seemed to be at the forefront, which I appreciated greatly. 

I thought UoS was such a formative part of my life. I grew more mature, learnt invaluable life and work skills and was able to focus on a future that I was in control of. I made great long-lasting friendships, was able to move straight into industry and have retained great admiration and affection for my lecturers (always willing to help where I can to give back).  Without forgetting, of course, that I met my wife there too!"