“I’d tell my 17-year-old self to be less afraid to try and embrace new creative processes – how I make work now is completely different to how I first did when I started university, and one of the most exciting parts of this course is seeing your practice change and evolve.”
Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences
“I am a collage-artist using a mix of hand-printed textures and digital collaging techniques to create illustrations. I am very interested in history (especially the Medieval period) and folklore, and I love experimenting with texture in my work.
I chose Illustration because I have always loved storytelling and narrative – as soon as I saw this course’s description, I knew it was the right one for me.”
Can you tell us about your favourite part of your studies and how it helped the development of you and your practice.
“Although I loved working with self-led projects, I think the briefs set during this course really helped expand my practice. They encouraged me to experiment with different processes that I wouldn’t have thought to try otherwise.”
Can you tell us about any staff who particularly inspired you?
“I feel very lucky to have been supported and inspired by all the staff on the Illustration course! Every tutorial that I had during my time here made me feel so motivated and inspired to develop my work, and I greatly value all the advice I have received.”
Can you tell us your plans after graduation?
“Post-graduation, I am very excited to continue developing my illustration practice. Finishing the course has only made me feel more motivated to expand on the projects I have started here, and any new opportunities that should arise in the future.”
Finally if you could give your 17 year old self any advice about going to university what would it be?
“I think I’d tell my 17-year-old self to be less afraid to try and embrace new creative processes – how I make work now is completely different to how I first did when I started university, and one of the most exciting parts of this course is seeing your practice change and evolve.”
Visit Em’s website: https://emkirsten.myportfolio.com/
Follow Em on Instagram @_Emkirsten_
Find out about studying Illustration at Brighton.
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