We chatted to BA (Hons) Comic & Concept Art student, Emily Ormerod, on why she chose to study in Leeds, what her typical week looks like and her favourite facilities...
How does Leeds Arts University help you develop your practice?
Leeds Arts University has been a great help when coming to develop my practice. My course has given me a varied and guided structure when it comes to work in which I can interpret in any way I feel. This means the course has never restricted me, it has never forced me down a path I didn't want to take, whilst at the same time giving me opportunities to work and solve problems in areas of work I would never have pushed myself to do.
There's also brilliant equipment on hand that we are free to use such as Cintiq Tablets for digital drawing and other facilities that are easily accessible. Not only this, the in-depth analysis sessions we have every week with a small group of people within the course has been one of the most essential parts of my improvement and practice. Feedback and critique are something I think is incredibly important, and so to get this from both my peers and tutors in such in detail has really pushed me for the better.
Image: Courtesy of Emily Ormerod
What does a typical day/week as a Comic and Concept Art student involve?
It's hard to describe a typical day or week within my course as it's constantly changing throughout the year. Currently a typical week in BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art consists of either a morning or afternoon session with a tutor at the beginning of the week. Throughout the day we get a new brief, followed by a taught lesson showing us new techniques and skills which would benefit us in our task.
Later in the week we have a session of critique on previous work with which we share with our fellow peers and tutors to gain feedback. In these sessions everyone shows their progress, so you really keep in the loop of your peers’ work, including their styles and thoughts on the task at hand. It's lovely to engage in. The rest of the time is given to you, to freely work either in the studio with the equipment provided, in the Mac suites or at home. Each week a new task is set so towards the end of the year the work flow is quite fast paced and every week we have something fresh to be working on.
Image: Courtesy of Emily Ormerod
How does the University support you?
I don't come from a very privileged background and my family isn't the most well off so help with finance and such is very appreciated. It makes me feel like I should be here and I can do this no matter how I grew up. Knowing I can get help with this and other things such as help with living independently, extra support with writing and other skills as well as welfare support when needed is fantastic. The services are constantly advertised to us as well to make sure we know there is always someone we can talk to about a problem.
Image: Courtesy of Emily Ormerod
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This is a question I always find very difficult to answer as I'm a very uncertain person. I possibly see myself having done a masters degree of some kind. As well as pushing my independent work to build a portfolio that I could use to make my way into a small company dealing within the film or gaming industry. Really to just try get my foot in the door to further improve, gain some real work experience and move onto higher places. But who knows what the future may hold.
Describe yourself in three words.
I'd describe myself as Driven, Thoughtful and Reliable.
@emzzie17