University for the Creative Arts Inside the Creative Minds of UCA

I have learnt so much from the Calvin Klein team so far on my placement. I would really encourage anyone to do a placement abroad while studying if you get the chance. It may seem scary but it is so worth it as you get to experience different cultures and nationalities.

I am so thankful that my course leader really encouraged us to put a lot of effort into our LinkedIn and digital portfolios, because it helped to get me noticed in the industry and opened up this fantastic opportunity.

My course drew me towards working for people and organisations that are passionate about bringing art to more people... While I was studying at UCA, we were encouraged to go to exhibitions regularly, and that exposure had a huge impact on me.

There are many stages to go through to get to an effective finish. It can make a big difference to how impactful the piece is and how well the craftsmanship quality is perceived... The satisfaction of achieving a good polish is incredible.

I may not have the ability to be a doctor or politician, but I can use my platform to help inform folks and give them a handy talking point, to make them smile and to raise money for worthy causes along the way with the skills that I do have.

I was no longer staring at a tiny screen and cutesy game worlds, I was now open to stories and environments with a lot more depth and it just blew my mind.

When I held the physical copy in my hand, I shed a little tear. I felt like all the effort from university had been totally worth it. I’m still fresh in the industry but if the rest of my career carries on like it has started, then I'm looking forward to the years ahead.

UCA taught me how to bounce back after mistakes, which is a very valuable commodity to have, and I will always be thankful for my time there... Make a bunch of video games, make sure people can play them, make sure they are in your portfolio and apply for positions, even if you are not qualified for them!

I had just converted to Islam, and started to wear my hijab. That is when I decided to do a project around my journey. I always knew there was a negative stigma around the hijab in the media anyway, but I started to come across material that had absolute hate for Islam, saying terrible things about Muslim women and the hijab.

I became very angry and hurt, as I was falling in love with my religion... mostly hoped it would start new conversations and just give people the opportunity to have an insight into a convert’s personal journey to putting on the hijab, rather than just seeing it as a symbol of oppression in the West.

It is such an incredible feeling. I was lost for words when I got the recognition. It’s such a hard field to get into, with such great artists out there, so it’s really reassuring when you start to get the attention from these high-profile places, especially after receiving so many rejections.