James - Graphic Communication BA (Hons)
After finishing school with too few GCSEs to go on to sixth form, I now have; a job as a Junior Designer with the leading print and digital design agency for publishing, a first class degree and national YCN award under my belt. And that’s all thanks to Bedford College.
After a flying visit on GCSE results day I started on their Level 2 Art & Design course and worked my way up the levels in Graphic Design. I choose to stay here for my undergraduate study partly because of the rising cost of university, but mostly because of my tutor Jeffrey’s expert teaching.
I loved doing my final major project at College. I invented an electric car company called ‘Element’ where everything is sourced sustainably. EMC Design saw the work at our end of year exhibition and said they’d be really interested in talking further – and here I am!
I’m learning a lot in my new role including how to do things efficiently and to a high standard first time every time, plus lots of new keyboard shortcuts for InDesign! I’m just in the process of liaising with a client about some amendments for a pack of educational flash cards to be used in Mexico.
The best thing I have taken away from my tutors at College is to embrace any criticism you are given. I learnt that you become a better designer if you push yourself to explore a number of ideas rather than focus on one.
Josie - Graphic Communication BA (Hons)
I wanted to study Art & Design when I finished school, so my teachers suggested the Foundation Diploma at Bedford College. If you’re unsure about going to university then it’s a great option, as you spend the year sampling different disciplines before deciding what to specialise in. I had experience in illustration but the Graphic Design tutor, Jeffrey convinced me of the brilliant career prospects for graphic designers. I progressed on to the Graphic Design HND and when the opportunity for the BA opened up, I went for it.
Highlights of the course were going to the D&AD exhibition in London and winning a YCN award. It prepared me for following a real life brief, deadlines and receiving criticism to improve things. I’m looking forward to progressing as a designer here at EMC over the next few years.
