Can I get into a graphic design course without previously studying art?
Hi everyone,
I'm from Hungary and been living in the UK for a few years now, I'm working as a barista in London and REALLY want to break out of it, I'm 23 and feels like I'm wasting my life... I am incredibly interested in graphic design, however I don't consider myself artistic as such. I can copy other people's drawing quite OK, so I do believe that with practice I could create my own work, but at the moment my art skills from imagination are close to zero. Having said that, I'm not looking to be an illustrator, I am more interested in editing photos, book cover design, maybe websites if I can learn the IT stuff, etc.
I completed two online graphic design courses during lockdown on Alison and I am really interested (but that was more about the basic design principles and history than actual practice).
I would really like to go to uni or on campus course as I would like to experience the student life and getting to know people as well, plus I don't think I can self-teach myself relying only on online courses however useful they are.
I noticed that each course request a portfolio and some art history knowledge, how can I start studying something without having studied it before?
How can I make a portfolio on my own, if I can't draw from imagination?
I have some photos and 2 pieces of drawing from observation, and a painting which is not great but mine. Is there any uni in London that would offer me a place if I create more of these without being a great artist?
Can I apply for student loan or discounts at the age of 23 or am I too late to change profession?
Thank you for everyone for reading and answering!
I'm from Hungary and been living in the UK for a few years now, I'm working as a barista in London and REALLY want to break out of it, I'm 23 and feels like I'm wasting my life... I am incredibly interested in graphic design, however I don't consider myself artistic as such. I can copy other people's drawing quite OK, so I do believe that with practice I could create my own work, but at the moment my art skills from imagination are close to zero. Having said that, I'm not looking to be an illustrator, I am more interested in editing photos, book cover design, maybe websites if I can learn the IT stuff, etc.
I completed two online graphic design courses during lockdown on Alison and I am really interested (but that was more about the basic design principles and history than actual practice).
I would really like to go to uni or on campus course as I would like to experience the student life and getting to know people as well, plus I don't think I can self-teach myself relying only on online courses however useful they are.
I noticed that each course request a portfolio and some art history knowledge, how can I start studying something without having studied it before?
How can I make a portfolio on my own, if I can't draw from imagination?
I have some photos and 2 pieces of drawing from observation, and a painting which is not great but mine. Is there any uni in London that would offer me a place if I create more of these without being a great artist?
Can I apply for student loan or discounts at the age of 23 or am I too late to change profession?
Thank you for everyone for reading and answering!
Original post by Nealyie
Hi everyone,
I'm from Hungary and been living in the UK for a few years now, I'm working as a barista in London and REALLY want to break out of it, I'm 23 and feels like I'm wasting my life... I am incredibly interested in graphic design, however I don't consider myself artistic as such. I can copy other people's drawing quite OK, so I do believe that with practice I could create my own work, but at the moment my art skills from imagination are close to zero. Having said that, I'm not looking to be an illustrator, I am more interested in editing photos, book cover design, maybe websites if I can learn the IT stuff, etc.
I completed two online graphic design courses during lockdown on Alison and I am really interested (but that was more about the basic design principles and history than actual practice).
I would really like to go to uni or on campus course as I would like to experience the student life and getting to know people as well, plus I don't think I can self-teach myself relying only on online courses however useful they are.
I noticed that each course request a portfolio and some art history knowledge, how can I start studying something without having studied it before?
How can I make a portfolio on my own, if I can't draw from imagination?
I have some photos and 2 pieces of drawing from observation, and a painting which is not great but mine. Is there any uni in London that would offer me a place if I create more of these without being a great artist?
Can I apply for student loan or discounts at the age of 23 or am I too late to change profession?
Thank you for everyone for reading and answering!
I'm from Hungary and been living in the UK for a few years now, I'm working as a barista in London and REALLY want to break out of it, I'm 23 and feels like I'm wasting my life... I am incredibly interested in graphic design, however I don't consider myself artistic as such. I can copy other people's drawing quite OK, so I do believe that with practice I could create my own work, but at the moment my art skills from imagination are close to zero. Having said that, I'm not looking to be an illustrator, I am more interested in editing photos, book cover design, maybe websites if I can learn the IT stuff, etc.
I completed two online graphic design courses during lockdown on Alison and I am really interested (but that was more about the basic design principles and history than actual practice).
I would really like to go to uni or on campus course as I would like to experience the student life and getting to know people as well, plus I don't think I can self-teach myself relying only on online courses however useful they are.
I noticed that each course request a portfolio and some art history knowledge, how can I start studying something without having studied it before?
How can I make a portfolio on my own, if I can't draw from imagination?
I have some photos and 2 pieces of drawing from observation, and a painting which is not great but mine. Is there any uni in London that would offer me a place if I create more of these without being a great artist?
Can I apply for student loan or discounts at the age of 23 or am I too late to change profession?
Thank you for everyone for reading and answering!
Hi @Nealyie,
Great questions - as a mature student, you may have other experiences that would help you in your application for a degree course. It sounds like you've also got some work that you can pull together to make a portfolio to show off your skills. You can include a range of different work in a portfolio - so if you have paintings, and drawings as well as work you've done from online courses these can all be part of it. Our YouTube channel has some videos with helpful advice about making a portfolio.
I would suggest you take a look at London College of Communication, which is our design and media specialist college at the University of the Arts London. The college is based at Elephant and Castle - and is comprised of a design school, media school and screen school. They don't require a foundation course for their degree courses and make assessments based on applications and a digital portfolio. The college has around 4,400 students and as part of UAL, students will also be able to access the libraries and other specialist facilities at our 5 other colleges throughout London.
To find out more, there is a webinar about London College of Communication led by Senior Academics at LCC, which takes place tomorrow 10 June 2020, from 7pm - 8pm. You can book a place here.
If you're thinking of applying to join UAL in October 2020, our guide to applying is up on our website. You'll be able to find the most up-to-date information there, whether you're looking to apply now or when Clearing opens on 6 July. You can also find updated lists of the courses with places available for UK and EU students, and the courses with places available for international students.
Best of luck!
Sian
UK Student Recruitment Officer
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