Caitlin, BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate
Caitlin reflects on her experience on the graphic design course and how it shaped her career as a junior designer.
My graphic design journey
I've always been creative, I love painting, drawing and any type of creative hobby so graphic design felt like the right fit. I actually fell into graphic design by accident. I wanted to take 3D design for GCSE, but they weren't running it, so my school suggested graphics instead. I went with it, and honestly it turned out to be one of the best things that's ever happened to me, and I carried on studying it for my A Levels in Sixth Form.
After my A Levels, I took a gap year because I wasn't 100% sure which creative course I wanted to take, there are so many, and I wanted to choose something that would be valuable long-term. I ended up freelancing in this year, doing little projects for different clients, and that sealed the decision for me, graphic design was absolutely what I wanted to do.
I love how it can be so creative, and you can have a lot of fun with it, but it can still be applied in more corporate settings.
Why I chose Plymouth
My route to the course was a bit unusual. I actually did my first year at a different university, but the course did not match what I was interested in, especially branding. I had heard that University of Plymouth offered a branding specialism, and that instantly caught my attention.
After having a chat with an academic from the course and hearing about how practical and industry-focused it was, I decided to transfer in my second year, transferring to the University of Plymouth was honestly the best decision I’ve ever made.
The application process
The application process was really straightforward. I tried to showcase why I loved design and my potential.
I also submitted a portfolio that was a mix of art that I did at A-Level, drawings, and digital work, along with some digital graphic design bits like logos and branding.
Not everything you put together for your portfolio has to be proper graphic design, anything creative is great, even sketchbook pages, or process photos of work coming together is so valuable.
My experience on the course
The course was honestly amazing. the modules were so well structured, and the variety of projects meant my portfolio by the end was really strong. One of my favourite parts was the flexibility, you could be completely digital or totally hands-on creative or a mix of both.
I love hands-on art, so being able to do things like lino-cut printing, illustration, and many experimental methods made it so much fun. My very first project was a typeface design module where I made a font out of sticks. My lecturer kept telling me to go to the park and photography sticks, and after putting it for for three weeks, I finally did and it became one of my favourite projects ever.
Support
The academic support was incredible. The staff genuinely care, they know what they are talking about, and they're so easy to talk to if you need help or direction. We had weekly small-group tutorials, where we were with an academic and around 3-4 students. This was a time where were able to get proper in-depth feedback from one another on our projects. This really prepares you to build confidence and get used to presenting your work which is so essential for a career in graphic design.
Final year project
For my final year project, I created a huge zoo rebrand. I went all out, creating the signage, maps, branding and illustrations that will be used across all the zoo. This is exactly the type of work I wanted to specialise in and such a rewarding way to finish the degree. The final exhibition was such a proud moment, seeing everyone come together was amazing.
If I had one piece of advice for future students, it would be: Take feedback with an open mind. Don't be precious about your work. The staff want you to do well and better, and learning to take criticism is something that helps massively in the real world.
Starting my career
After graduation, I stayed in Plymouth and started applying for jobs. The design scene here is quite small, so it was a bit challenging at first, but then something amazing happened. My now supervisor, who is also a Plymouth graduate, had been to our degree show and recognised my work when I had applied for a job at his marketing agency. My interview went really well (we spent half the time talking about the course!), and I got the role as a junior designer.
My work is mostly creating ads, emails and social content for financial clients. It's busy, very fast paced, but really fun. I love that I get to experiment with colours. layouts, typography, everything that I enjoy.
How my degree prepared me
Uni prepared me unbelievably well. The workload, deadlines, critiques, it all mirrors what the industry is like. I learned how to take feedback, apply it quickly and just get on with things without taking anything personally. That mindset has been essential in my day-to-day job.
I would love to specialise in branding in the future, that's always been my passion, and I think there may be opportunities coming up in my role, so fingers crossed.
I always say this but choosing the graphic design course at the University of Plymouth was the best decision I ever made. The staff, the freedom, the structure, the opportunities, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The fact that I'm now in a job that I love, that I trained for, just proves how well the course prepares you. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Opportunities at Plymouth
I really made the most of everything the University offered. I started a student society The Taylor Swift Society in my final year, and it is still running today which makes me so proud!
I did the mentorship programme through the Careers Service, and also completed a micro-internship for them, where I got the chance to design materials for the careers service.
There's genuinely so much support and so many opportunities, you just have to take them all.
