Todd Green joined 探花直播鈥檚 School of Fashion and Textiles to study BA (Hons) Fashion Design with a Foundation Year. Todd tells us about his experience as a foundation student and how it prepared him for his BA Fashion Design degree.
Before university I didn鈥檛 have much experience within fashion and textiles. Also, I knew a lot of the skills needed for the BA such as sewing, pattern cutting, and digital design were skills that I didn鈥檛 have. I wanted to gain new skills and enhance existing skills so that I would be more successful when entering the degree program, so I chose to do a foundation year.
Throughout the course I experienced so many creative and diverse workshops. The first module allowed me to explore the ways of textile design, such as printing, embroidery and weave which gave me a good ground understanding of how things are made within the industry. I also got a great introduction to technical CAD skills using industry software such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
I most enjoyed听workshops focused on pattern making and sampling design ideas, as well as pattern alteration. Throughout the year we were presented critical thinking lectures, in which we started to ask questions about the industry and explore the areas that interested us most.
As I鈥檓 now in the degree, I can see just how much the foundation has prepared me. The importance of time management was expressed to me by my tutors which has helped me cope with the increased workload on the BA. Secondly, having had inductions with technical machinery and computer software, I鈥檓 using my time more effectively as I understand what to do. I鈥檓 enhancing the skills in my BA that I have learnt during my foundation.
I was extremely anxious about starting university life, especially within an intimidating industry such as fashion. So, I鈥檇 say my biggest achievement is how much more self-aware and confident I am in my skill set. I鈥檓 now not questioning my decisions or relying on others, I鈥檓 simply more confident.
BCU is a beautiful university, the building has such a bright, happy vibe that encourages the creative mind. The staff are just amazing, they see each individual student and push individuality in each designer. At BCU it feels like one big creative family.听
After my BA I hope to complete a Master's. I also want to begin an internship, but I鈥檓 not sure in what area of fashion yet although I鈥檓 sure that will become clearer when entering the final stages of my degree.听
My advice to any prospective student is that the foundation opens up more opportunities. Also, explore everything, don鈥檛 hold back and don鈥檛 be afraid of making mistakes, as making mistakes at this stage is what it鈥檚 all about. Most of my successful work has come from making a mistake and just playing around. Finally, enjoy the freedom a foundation offers!
