Internship at Yulia Kondranina

During Summer I did an internship with a designer called Yulia Kondranina. It was a really worthwile experience and because it's a small company there were only a few people working for the designer which gave me the opportunity to do a lot more than if I were to intern with a larger, maybe more well known brand. My responsibilities included:-

• pattern cutting
• sewing clothes
• adding fastenings 
• fabric cutting
• buying fabric
• giving my opinion on designs
•  developing samples

Central Saint Martins Course Stucture

This pathway is for students who want to pursue careers as innovative designers. It sets out to deliver a clear understanding and experience of generating, developing and realising a variety of creative womenswear ideas to a professional standard.

You’ll be encouraged to develop your personal design vision within the context of womenswear design and in existing and expanding national and international fashion markets that incorporate both classic and innovative design concepts. Throughout the course the focus is on achieving the professionalism, innovation and creativity to develop and realise your design ideas. Essential skills you’ll learn include research methods, flat pattern cutting, modelling on the stand, garment construction, tailoring processes and finishing, technical specification, illustration and presentation.

You’ll grow your understanding of the diversity of the womenswear industry through a varied curriculum, targeted projects and the guidance of established and visiting lecturers who are specialists in this sector.

Cultural studies

The cultural studies programme is designed to enhance your communication, research, critical and writing skills. The discipline involves the study of cultural and creative processes, but goes beyond history and theory of art and design to encompass various aspects of cultural knowledge. In stage one and two you attend lectures and seminars on units relating to the city and creative culture, you explore key cultural concepts and choose from a range of elective choices such as art and fashion, postcolonialism, visual cultures, the body and sexuality. In the final stage of your degree you undertake dissertation research under the supervision of an assigned tutor who supports your research on a subject of your choice. It may be weighted at 20 or 40 credits. The dissertation is a written project where you explore an aspect of visual, textual material or spatial culture. There are many areas to explore in the cultural studies programme such as art, design, technology, concepts of taste, material culture, multiculturalism, identity politics, gender, consumerism, ethics, sustainability and media studies.

Personal and Professional Development, (PPD) helps to prepare you for employment and career development by providing you with skills to enable you to take responsibility for your own learning. The core study of all the fashion pathways also helps develop many of these transferable skills, which play their part in equipping you for a professional career and the generic activities of creative practice.

PPD is integral to BA Fashion and is embedded in many aspects of both the studio and cultural studies programmes as a planned part of their structure and learning content. PPD activities take place in all Stages of the degree course and aim to improve your capacity to understand what and how you are learning and to help you to review, plan and take responsibility for your own learning. A considerable number of the skills learned in the academic context of BA Fashion have a wider value and use in other areas of life. These transferable skills are highly valued by employers

Paris School of Art Requirements

Each applicant is reviewed individually with regard to his or her own experience, achievement and potential for artistic growth. The Admissions Committee’s decision on applications is based upon evaluation of the PCA Portfolio or Design Analysis Essay, the Personal Statement, school transcripts and test scores, and a phone or in-person interview. PCA seeks creative, academically responsible, and highly motivated applicants.

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ESMOD University Paris Requirements

Fashion Design & Creation

Applicant checklist : a resume, a letter of motivation / personal statement, 1 ID picture, a copy of your passport or identity card, copies of your transcripts from the 2 last semesters
For graduate applicants: a certified copy of your diploma and the records
Other qualifications: copy of your latest diploma, certificate or any document attesting of your experience judged equivalent
For any students who already completed 1 to 3 years of studies in an equivalent field:
The review of the candidacy will be made upon your portfolio:
- courses description of previous instruction, including course contents and total number of hours
- complete design portfolio or book with flat patterns and collection on a CD-ROM
- pictures of garments - if made in pattern drafting on a CD-ROM

Note: For all new accepted students in the 2nd or 3rd year of the underg. Program, upgrading courses in Fashion Design & Pattern making will be compulsory in the beginning of September : 1 week for 2nd year and 2 weeks for 3rd year. 
English level required: for applicants who want to study this program in English
-provide an English language proficiency certificate by the sending of application (TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS or others…)

Kingston University

General

• The preferred entry route for this course is for applicants to be taking an Art & Design Foundation Diploma, or the recognised equivalent.
• Applicants will need a minimum of 280 tariff points from recognised level 3 qualifications.

Plus GCSE (A*–C): five subjects including English and Maths (Key Skills Level 2 may be used in lieu of GCSE English and Maths).

Offers will be made on the basis of your UCAS application, portfolio of work and interview for selected applicants.

Bath Spa University Requirements

We recommend that applicants undertake a pre-degree foundation diploma in Art and Design. However if applying with A-Levels only, a total of 260 points (with a grade B in an Art and Design related subject) is expected, supported by a high quality portfolio.

Applicants applying with a BTEC Extended Diploma are expected to achieve an overall Merit grade (Merit, Merit, Merit).

All applicants will be sent an application project and selection for interview will be based on this submission. For all applicants invited for interview an offer of a place will be made following a successful portfolio review and interview.

Westminster Course Requirements

Selection for the course is highly competitive, and we do not take students straight from A Levels. You will need to have at least five GCSE passes at Grade C or above, including English and Maths, and at least DDM in a BTEC National Award or HNC/HND, or have completed an appropriate Access or Foundation course with a Distinction. If you meet the entry requirements you will be asked to submit example pages from your portfolio. If you are then invited to an interview, you will be asked to present your full portfolio. We are looking for creative individuals who can show evidence of personal expression, creative ideas, related skills, and a depth of subject knowledge.

Qualification type	Grade/points
A Levels	Not applicable
International Baccalaureate	30 points (minimum)
BTEC National Diploma	DDM
Foundation Diploma Art and Design	Distinction
Access to HE Diploma	45 credits at Level 3: 35 Merit + Portfolio required

We do not take students straight from A Levels. You will need to have at least five GCSE passes at Grade c or above, including english and Maths, and at least DDM in a BTEC National Award or HNC/HND, or have completed an appropriate Foundation course with a distinction. Selection for the course is highly competitive. if you meet the entry requirements you will be asked to submit example pages from your portfolio. if you are then invited to an interview, you will be asked to present your full portfolio. We are looking for creative individuals who can show evidence of personal expression, creative ideas, related skills, and a depth of subject knowledge.

We are looking for fashion design students that are ready for the challenges and levels of commitment that this highly successful fashion course demands.

You need to show not only a high level of enthusiasm for the subject of fashion, but be ready to become part of the highly competitive and exciting fashion industry.

The fashion course, through its industry networks and alumni has a prestigious reputation for producing some of the very best designers working in the global fashion industry. Therefore you need to be ready to meet the demands and challenges that such a course will bring. To be successful in the fashion industry takes hard work, passion and determination to succeed.

Since we only take a small, select group of fashion students of approximately 40 students gaining a place on the course is a real achievement and the first step towards a career in fashion.

We strongly advise that you attend an open day so that are aware of the courses facilities and are prepared should you be called to be interviewed.

We expect you to be self motivated, lively and committed to meeting the demands of this exciting, rewarding and highly regarded course.

Central Saint Martins Entry Requirements

• BTEC National Diploma
• Passes at GCSE level or equivalent in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

The type of student they want will be:-

talented, self-motivated fashion enthusiast. Spirited, informed and mature enough to commit to a course that is demanding..you'll thrive in the competitive atmosphere..hard work, flexibility and passion to succeed.

We select applicants according to your potential and current ability to:

Work imaginatively and creatively in 2D and 3D visual and material media

• Engage with experimentation and invention
• Show imagination and ambition in proposals for your work
• Take informed risks

Demonstrate a range of skills and technical abilities

• Through your portfolio, demonstrate a range of approaches to design development, originated from personal experience or visual research and progressed through logical stages to finished design solutions
• Evidence handling a material or medium with sensitivity to its qualities

Show engagement and improvement in a recently learned technical skill

• Demonstrate an awareness of planning and time management skills

Provide evidence of intellectual enquiry within your work

• Demonstrate relevant research skills
• Evidence your ability to evaluate your achievements critically

Demonstrate cultural awareness and/or contextual framework of your work

• Evidence an interest in contemporary fashion design communication and promotion
• Evidence an interest in contemporary fashion design communication and promotion
• Identify social and/or cultural influences on your work
Articulate and communicate intentions clearly
• Discuss your work in individual and group situations
• Present your work appropriately and effectively
Demonstrate commitment and motivation in relation to the subject and the course
• Develop your own ideas and address both set and personal project briefs
• Show willingness to collaborate
• Show initiative
• Your portfolio should demonstrate creative development, whether for a set college project or in your personal work. By creative development, we mean ideas that have originated in your own experience and research and progressed towards potential visual and three-dimensional proposals. We're interested in seeing your ideas, visual research and experimentation as well as finished design solutions. It's important that the creative work you include reflects and demonstrates your thinking, initiative and personal commitment to a particular project, theme or idea.
  Both in terms of your writing and at interview we're interested in you as a creative and enquiring individual. Your personal interests, motivation, creativity and initiative in developing an awareness of fashion, art and design are what matter to us.

Reply from Central Saint Martins

Dear Tiana

Thank you for contacting Central Saint Martins. You will first need to complete a one year Foundation Diploma in Art & Design after High School / A-levels / BTEC. We do not accept application to the BA Fashion course with only A-levels / BTEC qualifications. The Foundation course will develop your fashion skills, fashion portfolio and prepare you for a specific pathway on BA Fashion. The Foundation course is a set entry requirement.  

Ideally you need to have at least a minimum of one main art or design related subject and a portfolio when applying to the Foundation course. 

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at CSM offers six curriculum areas, each offering a range of pathway options. You need to apply to one of the following curriculum areas. The curriculum areas and their pathway options are: 

Diagnostic Studies 

Fashion, Textiles and Styling 

o Textiles 

o Fashion 

o Styling for Fashion & Textiles pathway 

Fine Art 

o Painting 

o Sculpture 

o Video and Photography 

o Fine Art Practice 

Graphic and Communication Design 

o Graphic Design 

o Graphics/Illustration 

o Graphics/Photography 

Performance Design and Practice 

Three Dimensional Design and Architecture 

o 3D Design 

o Fashion Jewellery and Accessories 

o Jewellery 

o Architecture and Spatial Design 

You can apply from mid October to the end of January each year, it is a direct application to CSM. Portfolio reviews will be after the application deadline and are from February to March each year. Please visit the links below for all the relevant information on this course, including the structure of the course, portfolio advise etc. 

http://www.arts.ac.uk/media/arts/colleges/csm/courses/foundation-diploma-in-art-and-design/documents/Foundation-Diploma-in-Art-and-Design-course-info_FINALv2.pdf 

http://www.arts.ac.uk/csm/courses/foundation/foundation-diploma-in-art-and-design/ 

Reply from Westminster

Dear Tiana

Thank you for emailing the University of Westminster. To meet the entry requirements of this course you will need to attain DDM in your Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. If you obtain work experience within the fashion sector could increase the strength of your application. We also offer Fashion Buying Management BA and  also Fashion Merchandise Management BA courses in addition to Fashion Design BA, which may be of interest to you. Our Fashion courses are very popular and in particular if you wish to apply for Fashion Design BA you should aim to submit your application by January 2015, for our September 2015 intake. The admissions officer for this course has been copied into this email and she will provide you with further information about the portfolio requirements for this course.

Your personal statement should explain your reasons for applying, your motivations, any relevant work experience and your future aspirations. For further information about student accommodation please contactstudentaccommodation@westminster.ac.uk
 If you are shortlisted in your application you will be asked to send 6 A4 pages of your portfolio along with a questionnaire about your knowledge and interest in Fashion Design. If your portfolio is considered suitable you will then  be invited for an interview.

We hold open days in the Autumn term for the Fashion Design course. If you can attend one it would be beneficial. The dates have not yet been confirmed but please see our website over the summer for updates.

Reply from London College of Fashion

Dear Tiana,

Thank you for your email.

In answer to your questions:

1. for a BTEC national diploma you would need a Merit overall as a condition to get into the course and you would not need to do a foundation year.
2. Applications numbers and targets vary every year. We usually receive around 700 to 900 applications for 50 places.
3. For this course you need a portfolio of work. Every year the level and quality of applications is different so it is not possible for me to say how could you increase your chances.
4. If you would not be accepted to the course that you want to do, if your portfolio of work is good the course team may refer it for consideration to other courses within LCF  that they think you may be suitable for.
5.For information on scholarships,  bursaries and loans please visit:http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/scholarships-bursaries-and-loans/
6. It would be your responsibility to find accommodation and it is not guaranteed you would get a place in the university's halls of residence. http://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/accommodation/halls-of-residence/
7. That you are suitable for the course.
8. the deadline to apply is 15 January. We do not look at late applications.
9. It depends of the type of materials you use. I cannot confirm a figure.
10. 11. 12. Please visit http://www.arts.ac.uk/fashion/courses/undergraduate/ba-fashion-design-technology-womenswear/

I would recommend you to book a place in one of the LCF open days as it is a great opportunity to visit the University, meet staff and students and gain in-depth information on courses, fees, teaching and student life.

You can book yourself a place on the website: http://ual.force.com/eventpage?college=London+College+of+Fashion%3B&pg=1&types=Open+Day

Best wishes,

Bea

Reply from Paris College of Art

Thank you for your interest in Paris College of Art! I apologize for the delay in getting back to you, I was out of the office and am just catching up on my email! I would be happy to  answer your questions.

1) As we are an American university, we operate on a credit-based system. The first year of our program is at the undergraduate level (rather than preparatory level) so students need university-level credits to transfer out of Foundation.
2) Our school is very small (around 200 students) and our application numbers and acceptance rate fluctuates widely per year. We admit students based on their qualifications and talent, rather than a specific quota.
3)Craft your application carefully and prepare the best portfolio and personal essay that you can-make sure that clearly answers the prompt. Submit a thoughtful portfolio that shows both your creative potential and your technical skills, and highlights your best work in any media.
4) If your application is not accepted, you can be invited to reapply for another program, yes, depending on your interests and your profile.
5)Yes! We offer financial assistance based on both need and merit that can cover up to half the cost of tuition.
6)Students secure their own housing, working with the help of the student life  office and can choose from student residences, individual apartments, flatshares or homestays.
7)Your personal statement should be wel-written and answer the prompt and clearly state why you specifically want to study at Paris College of Art.
8)Yes! Getting your application in by the priority deadline assures that you will receive priority consideration.
9) It depends on your course schedule--some costs, such as printing, are covered by the school, but other material costs will vary per class and per project.
10)Put together your best and most daring work; show expressive work and have something to say about each piece; think about the order and narrative structure of your portfolio
11) Just be yourself! We are assessing motivation and fit more than anything else. Be prepared to speak about your academic history, your goals, and your portfolio and work in depth.
12) This is a big question--PCA is a truly unique institution: we combine academic rigor with a hands-on, people-centered approach in a very international environment. Our students and teachers come from over 40 countries, creating a very diverse and stimulating creative environment. We are closely connected to the art and design industry in Paris, and students begin interning and collaborating on company based projects from their first year. By graduation, students have developed a list of experience and contacts that enables them to launch creative careers in Paris and around the world.

Hope this helps! Looking forward to hearing from you.

All the best,
Sadie

Questions for Universities

A few weeks ago I emailed some universities about the courses they offer, portfolio and interview advice.
Hi my name is Tiana Esparon and I'm a Visual Arts and Design student in Year 12 at the Brit school. I'm looking to study Womenswear fashion design at Central Saint Martins in 2015 and I was wondering, if it's not to much trouble, if you could answer these questions?
1. I'm doing a BTEC course in Art, what grades would I need to go straight to an undergraduate course without doing foundation?
2. How many students apply for this course and how many get in?
3. How can I increase my chances of being accepted?
4. If I'm not accepted to the course that I want to do, do I have any other options with your school?
5. Is financial aid available?
6. Is residence guaranteed?
7. What are you looking for in a personal statement?
8. Is it an advantage to get your application in early?
9. Roughly how much should I budget for coat of materials?
10. What are your tips for putting together a portfolio?
11. What do you look for from potential students during an interview?
12. As a university, what can you do for me?

Notes for my personal statement

- industry experience

Working at African fashion week for Adebayo jones

Working with Palmer Harding at London fashion week

- hobbies

Drawing

Blogging

Design clothes

Sewing clothes

Knitting

-interests

Fashion

Art

Journalism

Travelling

History

-studies

BTEC in art and design

French alevel

-character traits

Hardworking

Team player

Good listener

Creative

Passionate

Optimistic

Good communicator 

-why you want to do that particular course 

I want to work in the fashion industry, preferably a designer. A course in fashion will give me the skills I need for my future career.  I want to develop my skills in pattern cutting, sewing, designing and pushi my creativity and research skills. I can't imagine doing anything else. I have a strong desire to design and make clothes that people want to wear which this coursework will give me the building blocks to do. 

- volunteering

Same as industry experience

Charity shop

-ambition for progression

Hopefully do a sandwich year and work at a clothing brand. After graduating I would like to be offered a job there or maybe try to start my own clothing line.

- what makes you different to other students

I'm determined to succeed in my chosen career path. I'm hardworking and a fast learner. I'm good at being independent in my work and do a lot outside of school e.g. Work experience and my fashion blog. 

-why you want to be in the chosen industry

Clothes are one of the first things that you noticed about a person. Without them even opening their mouths we immediately judge someone on what they wear. I like how clothes can change your personality and how people perceive you. I love dressing myself and I think dressing other people would be incredible. 

-what inspires you

Everything can inspire me. Films, art, music, nature, other designers,fashion bloggers. 

-external influences

Designers such as Alexander McQueen and Alexander wang, Hedi Slimane, raf Simons. My mum.

-subject specific skills

Sewing, pattern cutting, drawing skills, life drawing, organisation, creative

-projects and work that you've done that is appropriate for the course

Fad, personal work. 

-other all around qualities

Same a personality traits

-independent work and qualities aside from school, extra curricular

Fad course

-additional studies

French

-work experience 

-employment

- good grammar and spelling

Whilst doing research about personal statements I found this:

Willie Walters, programme director for fashion at Central St Martins, said the personal statement is "secondary" to portfolio work.

Walters advises applicants to make their portfolio work as clear as possible, and to include research and sketchbook work, as well as photographs of design pieces. "We look for originality and something fresh."

When it comes to the written statement, saying you have a "passion for fashion" is an immediate no-no, says Josephine Collins, course leader for fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion.

"It's easy to do and sounds great but we've seen it so many times before," she warns. Similarly, admissions tutors cringe when confronted with yet another tired quote from a fashion icon

."We always have the same designers quoted. Every now and then someone says they are interested in a more conceptual designer and it makes them stand out. You can tell they are engaging more deeply."

"I steer clear of students who talk mainly about celebrity fashion and TV programmes in their personal statements because it makes me think that they see fashion as something rather fluffy," she says.

Outside interests show an engagement with general society that is important for a fashion student, and key to fashion admissions tutors.

Writing a Personal statement

Personal statement

Purpose

-to sell yourself to universities

- useful for applying to jobs, apprenticeships, internships

- helps to solidify in you pr mind the things that you are good at 

- helps you to focus on why you want to do a certain course

It is important because it's your first impression to the university. They see this before an interview and portfolio. 

You put in-

- industry experience

- hobbies

-interests

-studies

-character traits

-why you want to do that particular course 

- volunteering

-ambition for progression

- what makes you different to other students

-why you want to be in the chosen industry

-what inspires you

-external influences

-subject specific skills

-projects and work that you've done that is appropriate for the course

-other all around qualities

-independent work and qualities aside from school, extra curricular

-additional studies

-achievements

-work experience 

-employment

- good grammar and spelling

What you shouldn't put in

- things that aren't related to the course

- negative things

London College of Fashion Exhibition

London College of fashion was probably one of my top choices but when I visited it I didn't really like the university space or the clothes that the students made. 

The lcf in oxford street was too small to have the exhibition there which immediately put me off. After seeing the massive building that CSM has and the amazing studios, I was disappointed to find out that LCF was too small to have the exhibition(which wasn't that big) in the university. 

I adored the jewellery and shoes section, I thought the products were amazing however we noticed that the finish wasn't up to scratch with CSM and you could often see glue. 

I was quite disappointed by the Fashion section. The clothes were badly lit, the space was dark and cramped which made it quite difficult to look at the clothes. I did like the clothes that the students produced but I think there was a lack of creativity and WOW factor that I've seen at CSM. 

Tiana x

Central Saint Martins Degree Show

On Sunday I went to Central Saint Martins for their Degre show which included:-

• BA Fashion
• Jewellery
• Textiles Design
• Animation
• Graphics

I want to study either Womenswear Fashion design or Fashion Design Print CSM is my top choice for universities so this was an amazing opportunity to see the work and become more informed about the type of work that I could produce if I studied there.

I thought the work was really experimental, unique and showed individuality. 

 

I feel inspired by the work and it excited. Obviously I would love to go to Saint Martins for the name but it is definitely reassuring to see the work and know that it inspires me. I feel like CSM is probably the place for me if I work hard enough. 

Tiana x

Wimbledon University

Last Monday we went on a trip to Wimbledon College of Art which is part UAL. The courses they offer including:-

• Painting
• Sculpture
• Print
• Costume Design
• Set Design
• Technical Arts and Special Effects

Although I'm not particularly interested in studying any of these courses, it was interesting to look around and see the work of students.

I especially enjoyed seeing their sketchbooks and the way they researched and developped their ideas and then into final pieces.

I thought the quality of the work was fairly high for most of the courses, I thought that some of the work was quite cramped and it felt like not all of the students had the space they needed to display their work effectively, especially in sculpture.










I thought the special effects section was amazing, everything was so realistic and if I wanted to do this course I would definitely want to apply to wimbledon.

London College of Communications talk

LCC is part of UAL (university arts london) and specializes in design and media. The courses they offer include journalism, film, advertising, graphic design and lots more. Based in Central London, next I Elephant and Castle, LCC are able to offer their students many opportunities including internships with companies such as Nike and Nokia.

Last week we had a talk from Bill, one of the teachers at LCC.

 They are offering summer workshops where we will be able to go to the university and see what it would be like to be an actual student at LCC. The workshops they are offering include:

-Photgraphy where we will use both film cameras and digital cameras to produce a series of images

-Journalism where we'll learn how to properly research, develop and write articles

-Spacial design which involve us design a building or something to go into a space and then making a model of it.

- Design Program includes graphic design, typography and print with the end result being a series of posters

- Media Communications which is a mix of pr and marketing where you work in a team to create a marketing/advertising campaign. 

After these courses we'll have the opportunity to take part in their enrichment program where LCC will help us to develop our portfolios, teach us interview skills and help us to write a personal statement. 

Tiana x

Comparing Universities

Universities that I'm interested in going to include:

• Central Saint Martins
• London College of Fashion
• Royal College of Art
• Ravensbourne
• Nottingham Trent University
• University of East London
• University of Westminister

Here is a quick comparison of a few of them on Uni Stats

From this statistics Central Saint Martins is clearly the best to go to but I will research all of these courses.

Motion Graphics

Edgehill University



Ravensbourne

Motion graphics teaches a variety of areas such as storytelling, animation, branding and typography. With this course you can have a career in graphic design, animation, film, advertising or broadcasting. The entry requirements include:
-280 UCAS points for Edgehill university and a creative arts portfolio which accounts for at least 80 of those points.
-for Ravensbourne you need at 5 GCSEs grade C or above (including English and Maths) and at least 2 Alevel grade C or the equivalent to this.

Fashion Contour

London College of Fashion



De Monfort University

 

Fashion Contouring is design and make lingerie, swimwear and nightwear. It is only offered in two universities in England. With this course you can go on to start up your own business, become a designer or marketer for a lingerie company. The requirements include:

Art and Design Foundation or

280 points with a minimum of 180 points from 2 full A levels and including grade C in Art and Design or

National Diploma DMM or

International Baccalaureate: 28+ Points

 For London college of fashion you need a minimum of 160 UCAS points.
For both courses you need to show a strong interest in fashion contouring and an awareness of material developments, new designers and fashion trends.

Spatial Design

 

London College of Communication

 

Bucks New University

Edinburgh Napier University

 

From looking at these universities I have learnt that Spatial design is a mix between architecture, interior design, landscape design and public art. It is about working with different spaces and with this degree you can go into several different jobs such as the jobs I just said. To apply you need at least 3 GCSEs grade C and above and a strong portfolio showing an interest in art and design. For a BTEC course you need a minimum MMM.