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Ellise Collins
Ellise Collins tell us her story
My name is Ellise Collins I am 27 years old, I studied BA (Hons) Graphic Design at South Essex College from 2014 – 2017 and this is my story.
I left school in 2012 and attended South Essex College of Further and Higher Education from 2012 - 2014 on the UAL Level 3 Ext Diploma course in Art & Design. I had always enjoyed art at school, so I thought a BTEC in that subject was the right path for me.
Once I completed my BTEC, I was then a little stuck with where to go next. I applied for lots of unis, but it was Lee who struck up a meeting with John Chandler to apply for the Graphic Design degree. I didn’t know which direction to take, fine art, graphic design or interior design.
I chose to study at South Essex College because I initially felt that the lecturers were so understanding and approachable that it made me feel like it was the right decision to trust them. The graphic design courses sounded so diverse too. It ranged to lessons in fine art, to design, to animation, printmaking and photography so I thought by trying it all I’d hope to find one area that I would gravitate towards.
I was a fine artist at heart, but it was both Lee and John that suggested I give it a go, as they could see potential in me to go that way. I then studied on the BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree course from 2014-2017 where I learnt many skills sets and honed my craft as a graphic designer, but also printmaker. Looking back, I am so incredibly grateful of the three lecturers on that course because they all supported me and gave me the confidence as an aspiring graphic designer, Dave Welsh, John Chandler and Hannah Miller. You three are my shining stars. I received a first-class honours in graphic design.
My time at South Essex College gave me invaluable experience within the field. Having industry-led briefs in the third year gave me an understanding of what sort of work would be required of me and time frames. Deadlines! That was something that I thought was so difficult at university because I just wanted to spend my time learning, researching and creating and having a deadline was so difficult. Little did I know deadlines would be so much shorter in working life.
The best thing about doing further and higher education is learning your craft and honing your skillset. Exploring the endless opportunities that’s on offer. Spending hours on end researching and producing work that you then bounce ideas of other students and lecturers and push your ideas to the fullest. Also, the amount of time you have to try new techniques to know what you feel is most enjoyable.
During the Graphic Design degree we used software that I still use day-to-day now. Adobe Creative Suite is invaluable as a designer, that’s our go-tos. I learnt pure basics and university on Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign and it enabled me to take these fundamental skills into the industry and progress.
Since graduation, I have been fortunate enough to have worked consistently. Beginning as a junior designer at start-up companies, to print production companies to local agencies. Through doing this, I’ve gained so much valuable experience which has enabled me to where I am today.
Also, in my spare time, I do freelance graphic design work and run my own Etsy shop selling my linocut prints. I also do signwriting and lettering jobs where I can and have exhibited my work in places such as Brick Lane’s Truman Brewery and Beecroft Art Gallery. I’ve attended local art fairs and pop-up shops around Essex selling my work too, which has been great networking with likeminded artistic local talent.
I’m currently working as a creative designer at Swan Creative, Leigh on Sea.
I am working on concept work for international theme parks such as Merlin Entertainment and Parques Reunidos. Designing concepts and Point of Sale for restaurants within their parks in Germany, USA and the UK. Every day is different at Swan, no day is the same. My work ranges from creating logos, to producing full-fledged brands and working with the team to create solid brand guidelines and marketing suites. Lots of print related work comes through Swan too and aiding the marketing team in producing social media graphics and email banners. I also help the Swan team produce work internally, so I work on producing mock-ups for our website and creating eye catching animations to go across our social platforms.
Through working at many different companies, I have gained experience to be the creative designer I am today.
Before I would say I was primarily a fine art inspired graphic designer, but I create such diverse work now that blurs the lines of graphic design. From an animator, digital designer, interior designer, photographer, copywriting, social media creator and beyond. It’s being an all-rounded designer that matters.
My favourite memory of being at the college is for our final major project in year three of the degree, we needed to fundraise money to pay for our exhibition at DA&D New Blood in Truman Brewery Brick Lane. As a team, we decided to reach out to all our favourite artists, designers, illustrators, typographers that we admired and see if they would provide us with pieces of work that we could auction. It was honestly a long shot but as a year group we all worked together to compile a list. Incredibly, so many replied and helped support us. From the likes of Printmakers such as Alan Kitchener and Anthony Burrill to Illustrators Oliver Jeffers and Chris Riddell and the ultimate graphic design god to us, David Carson. I suppose our story resonated with each of them as being students, starting off in the world and trying to get out work out there.
They each sent us their work and we were able to auction off the artwork at an event held in the 1st floor gallery of the college The money gained from this enabled us to put on our end of year show. It was great teamwork and the local newspaper also got involved.
I love working within this industry, yes every job has its ups and downs. But at the end of the day, I work every day to create. When people ask me what my job is and I say, ‘graphic designer’, most say ‘what’s that?’ and that’s true, what even is it? It’s purely whatever you want it to be. The work is so diverse, and I feel like I work on so many different projects and switch my hat to so many different job roles and it’s all under the bracket of being a graphic designer and that’s exciting to me.
So, I’d hope to continue working in agencies and working freelance on the side, doing my printmaking and hand lettering work that I enjoy. Perhaps in the future, I’d love to teach and become a lecturer to inspire students the way that John, Dave and Hannah did for me on the course, that would be perfect. I could only hope I could do half as good as what they did for me.
Success stories
The best thing about doing the degree was realising that I could have a new career at 46.
Artist, Ferne Worsley is 52 and is from Westcliff. She is a proud mother of one.
She studied an Access to Art & Design course at South Essex Colleges Group and then progressed to BA (Hons) in Fine Art at University Centre South Essex and this is her story.
I went to art college when I was 18, but the course wasn't really right for me so I didn't end up graduating from it properly. Then I decided I wanted to work, so I went out and got various jobs, I went to evening classes because I still loved doing art, so I did painting and drawing.
I was working in a creative job as a picture editor, so I worked on magazines, researching photos etc. I was always sad that I didn't carry on with art, but I started doing life drawing classes and got talking to one of the other participants who had just done an Access course at South Essex Colleges Group and suggested that I do it. I applied and I realised that I could get a grant for it and that I would not have to repay it if I went on to do a degree. I absolutely loved Access and part of the course taught you how to apply for a degree course.
After I talked to my husband, I applied to do a degree in Fine Art, my three years of study with tutors Matt, Andy and Maria were the best time in my life.
It was the staff being so helpful that made a difference. Juggling studying with being a mum was quite difficult because the course is quite demanding. There's a lot of written work but I really loved it and the staff were accommodating with deadlines and stuff like that.
Although the financial side was quite difficult, I did manage to get a maintenance award which really helped. There is a lot of support available if you're on a low income.
The best thing about doing the degree was realising that I could have a new career at 46. I thought: ‘I can really do this’, and that comprehension was life changing.
Whist on my degree, I was volunteering at various places because I was thinking of the future and did a post degree course (the equivalent to an Masters) with TOMA.
Following the MA, I opened up a the Blokhouse Studios with some other graduates to provide graduates and artists with a studio space. A local philanthropist gave us a little pot of funding to have that initial deposit to start up in a new premises and that is how the Blokhouse started.
Our aim is to provide recent graduates like ourselves with a stepping stone after leaving university. A lot of graduates don't know what to do next and need options and studio space. Our heart was with University Centre South Essex as that’s where we were from and we were quite passionate in wanting others like us to have the same opportunity.
The studios welcome visits by the public and we have workshops for collectives such as Metal, Brentwood Change Makers and the Focal Point Gallery. We are opening out to other artists like early career artists who would like to do workshops in here, including studio artists.
Currently there are seven graduates from UCSE and 12 artists in total. Our aspiration is to give graduates an opportunity to find a career in the arts, locally and beyond. We want to be a springboard for them so we can connect them to the artist network. We prioritize those on low income or those facing barriers such as a mental health barrier, a physical health barrier or a financial barrier. We are applying for funding so that we can make the studio spaces and facilities as affordable as we can. The project costs quite a lot of money, so to raise money, we have events including art auctions, where we ask artists to donate work and raffles. I would like this place to be a success and each time I walk in to the Blokhouse I get a really nice feeling that I've done something good, it's rewarding.
For those thinking of going back to education I would say just do it. Go and chat to the course leaders at the UCSE, you really can make it work with your schedule.
The course helped me to grow my confidence because we did collaborative sessions which involved us discussing our projects and ideas.
My name is Daisy Whittaker, I am 27 years old, I studied Interior Design at University Centre South Essex (UCSE) and this is my story.
I studied 3D Design at South Essex Colleges Group (SEGC), and then went onto Interior Design at UCSE where I graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree.
Before coming to SECG, I did my GCSE’s at FitzWimarc School (Art, Business, History and Spanish) and had previously completed work experience at kitchen design company, Spazio Design.
I chose to study at UCSE because of the teaching. I was gaining a UAL qualification without paying for London prices, it allowed me to stay at home which meant I could keep my part-time job and still see my friends and family. I think staying at home allowed me to focus more on my studies because I wasn’t distracted by a new environment.
During my time studying, my class spent a lot of time discussing employability and had a lot of industry links. We had a unit dedicated to work experience and another unit which prepares you for industry, sorting CVs, portfolios etc.
The course helped me to grow my confidence because we did collaborative sessions which involved us discussing our projects and ideas. We had a few informal presentations as well which taught me the skills to discuss my designs, a skill I use daily in the industry.
Aside from the practical skills such as using software, we also learnt to do hand drawings, design skills such as mood board creations and model realisation, I also learnt how to collaborate with other designers and present ideas.
I have found that the equipment we studied with rivals what is used in industry. We learn to utilise the same software - Adobe Studio, AutoCAD, Google SketchUP, V-Ray, and have access to the same model making machines such as the laser cutter and 3D Printer.
My favourite memory of being at the college was my end-of-year exhibition show that we put on at the OXO Tower in London. It was amazing to see all of our hard work come to fruition and for all of our friends and family to see what they had been supporting us with.
After graduating I went to work for Kelly Hoppen Interiors as a Junior Designer. Kelly Hoppen Interiors specialises in high-end design including residential, commercial and maritime. Whilst there I worked on Celebrity Cruises and a private Royal residence. Following my position at Kelly Hoppen Interiors I set up my own business, Daisy Whittaker Designs. I specialise in residential interiors and have projects across Kent, London, Essex, Sicily and the Algarve.
I think the best thing about going into FE or HE is the industry links that you create and the confidence that it gives you. I would definitely recommend attending SECG, the teaching was always impressive and supportive.
My greatest achievement so far has been setting up my business and running that full-time, alongside part-time lecturing at the university. My business has been published in multiple publications including Essex Living and Essex Life, and has been voted ‘Best Full-Service Residential Design Firm 2024 in Essex’.
My ambitions for the future are to continue to scale the business, to hopefully employ some staff and set up a studio.
To find out more and have a look at Daisy's work, visit:
Essex | Daisy Whittaker Designs | England
The best thing about doing a degree was feeling part of an academic community
My name is Sylak Ravenspine, I am 54 years old, I studied BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration at South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) and this is my story.
I majored in illustration whilst studying for my degree and received a First Class Honours when I graduated.
I chose to study at SECG as I’d attended the Pre-Access taster course, and also visited the University Centre South Essex stand at D&AD New Blood in 2019. Before applying to SECG, I’d explored a number of potential Vis-com placements as far as Greenwich, since family ties negated looking much further; but, as it turned out SECG provided the greatest opportunity on my own doorstep. The facilities at Luker Road trumped what I’d seen elsewhere; so, for me, this was the smart choice.
Prior to studying here, I studied graphic design elsewhere shortly after leaving school, and worked briefly in advertising, before securing work in a multitude of sectors encompassing a wide range of creative industries, from cartography and prototyping to film & television, although my passion has always been driven towards rural crafts and traditional creative practices.
From day one, I was encouraged to stretch myself and to challenge my tutors. I was provided unprecedented access to develop my ideas and to grow as a creative in a supportive and nurturing environment. As a result, I was able to evolve far past my perceived understanding of the field and was encouraged to devote a great deal of time towards research. I could not have achieved the results I needed in order to prove my theories of taking the geology of Essex to grow hydrated sulphates for inks, nor be allowed to steam leather into giant letterforms, without the support of staff on campus.
After graduation, I began running eco-arts workshops at several creative spaces in Essex. I have also been developing a sustainable business, which I am preparing to launch shortly as a startup with support from Essex County Council.
I am currently based at ‘The Blokhouse Studios’, where I have installed an ink makers workshop. As a registered sole trader, I accept commissions as a freelancer. I do all my own promotion, banking and book-keeping. The work ranges from facilitating at organised events to putting together my own workshops. I apply for posts and commissions and open calls for artists, which involves a lot of paperwork and coming up with new forms of public engagement.
This year I have also been focused on developing a micro-business. This has been a massive undertaking, involving developing a business plan and getting to grips with Tax affairs and all the responsibilities attached to starting a company from scratch.
My progression to my current position started by envisioning where I needed to be. Then took account of my strengths, identifying any areas that required attention. Accepting that I would require support, I sought mentorship from BITC, and technical guidance through Backing Essex Business. I then began studying for NCFE certification in Creating a Business Start-up.
I made an effort to attend business and networking opportunities hosted by Southend Creatives, Metal Southend, and Focal Point Gallery. I also sat countless webinars to do with developing my creative practice, and visited industry shows and conferences, to further advance my understanding.
I also volunteered for a number of organisations such as Creative Basildon’s Community Voices, the dyers garden at High House Production Park, Purfleet, and even getting involved in archaeological excavations, to gain greater contextual appreciation of my chosen field. In September, I also earned a place on The Green Entrepreneurs’ Programme.
The best thing about doing a degree was feeling part of an academic community and being granted access to the resources available on site. The course also provided me with a sense of focus and direction. I was fortunate to find myself studying alongside some incredibly creative people whose support kept me on my A-game, an helped me strive to achieve the highest goals.
Learning how to respond to briefs and knowing how to make use of the correct syntax when delivering outcomes has enabled me to be taken more seriously in the field. Like any other environment, there is a vocabulary that is shared amongst collaborators and this sector is no different. Being immersed within any culture for an extended period of time accelerates your learning and aids you to acclimatise quicker than trying to adjust on your own, it also allows you to foster relationships with others far more organically than via remote means.
The facilities on site are excellent, and I made full use of all that was made available to me during my time at university, including the print rooms, photography studios, science labs, 3D workshops, and a variety of craft rooms, all of which provided me with all the tools and equipment I needed to complete my projects. From an IT point of view, the course provided access to Macs and software equal, and in some cases higher, to that used commercially.
Among my favourite memories of being at college are staying after class to work on my projects without interruption, building a giant pendulum painting rig, to generate room-sized graphics, covering the landing with sharp brambles for a typography workshop, delivering a skip-load of goat skins to the college for a literary project and creating a H&S dilemma for my tutor when I asked to use sulphuric acid as part of my FMP. I also have fond memories of attending Pod lectures and taking part in Industry Week.
I would recommend SECG as it offers an impressive range of creative spaces, fully equipped with the best facilities for miles around, and tutors with a diverse range of industry experience.
My greatest achievements, whilst on the course, were learning to incorporate critical thinking when developing my ideas. Considering the contextual relationship between form and function, and knowing the right computer software to use to get the job done. Outside of college, I think that my greatest achievement has been establishing my ink studio in Southend, and also gaining a reputation for delivering high-value workshops in public spaces.
In the future, I would like to see the launch of my micro-enterprise reach its full potential over the next three to five years, and to collaborate with other creatives on art projects that I can’t even begin to imagine at this stage.
