Final Year BA (Hons) Visual Communication student Beth Land talks to us about how she loves Leeds' creative community, the opportunity to collaborate with other students and her dreams for the future...
What makes Leeds a good place to study?
This is my fourth year studying in Leeds, as I previously studied Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, and I love it just as much as when I first moved here. Leeds is full of small independent venues such as The Old Red Bus Station, Wharf Chambers and so many other quirky places to hang out. Leeds is a creative hub that’s continuing to grow. There is a great sense of community among creatives here and so many great connections to be made. As a city it is the perfect size and has everything a student would want, there are always new places to explore as well as really being able to get to know the city inside and out.
Image: Courtesy of Beth Land
What does a typical day/week as a BA (Hons) Visual Communication student involve?
A typical week as a BA (Hons) Visual Communication student involves participating in a range of workshops and interesting lectures. Due to the multi-disciplinary nature of the course, you cover a wide range of topics whilst always being able to focus on your practice and how you wish to develop as a creative. Sitting in the Vis Com studio is always a great experience as you get to witness the range of work being created there. All the tutors are extremely friendly, always give super helpful feedback and love to get excited about the work you are creating.
How does Leeds Arts University help you develop your practice?
Leeds Arts University has really taught me who I am as a creative. Through one-on-one tutoring, and sessions with my course mates, I have been able to explore what it is I enjoy about my practice and what excites me. I have participated in so many inspiring workshops and lectures that have taught me so much about what it means to be a creative. There are such a wide range of facilities available and Workshop Instructors who are more than happy to help. The University really encourages you to push yourself, whether that be through collaboration, entering creative competitions or working outside of your comfort zone.
Image: Courtesy of Beth Land
What advice would you give to someone considering studying BA (Hons) Visual Communication at University?
The briefs that are set throughout the course are broad and allow for lots of creative experimentation. Definitely make the most of this! Studying Vis Com means you are surrounded by students doing a range of different work; from photographers, graphics designers, illustrators, the list goes on! The range of work creates great opportunities for collaboration, getting inspired by your peers and learning new skills from each other. My main piece of advice on studying Vis Com would be to have fun with the work you are creating, don’t be afraid of experimenting and not knowing what direction your practice is taking and definitely make the most of all the facilities the University has to offer.
Image: Courtesy of Beth Land
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would love to be working in a busy design agency in Leeds, creating work for all the venues here that I love such as Nation of Shopkeepers and The Old Red Bus Station. I would also love to be creating work for places like Urban Outfitters, Lazy Oaf and The New Yorker. I want to be creating and selling my own products and plan to set up my own online shop where I can sell a range of my work.
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