My name is Ellise Collins, I am 27 years old, and I studied BA (Hons) Graphic Design at South Essex College from 2014 to 2017. This is my story.
After leaving school in 2012, I enrolled on the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design at South Essex Colleges Group. I had always enjoyed art, so choosing that course felt like the right path. However, once I completed my BTEC, I found myself unsure about what to do next. I applied to several universities, but I didn’t have a clear direction, whether to pursue fine art, graphic design or interior design.
It was through conversations with my tutors that I found my path. They recognised potential in me and encouraged me to consider Graphic Design. What made me choose South Essex Colleges Group was the welcoming and supportive environment. The lecturers were approachable and genuinely invested in helping students succeed. The course itself was incredibly diverse, covering fine art, design, animation, printmaking and photography, which allowed me to explore different creative areas before finding my direction.
Although I had always seen myself as a fine artist, the degree helped me discover my strengths as a graphic designer and printmaker. During my time on the course, I developed a wide range of skills and built confidence in my abilities. With the support of my tutors, I graduated with a First Class degree, something I am incredibly proud of.
One of the biggest lessons I learned during my studies was how to manage deadlines. At the time, I found it challenging because I wanted to spend as much time as possible exploring ideas and creating work. However, this experience prepared me for the realities of the industry, where deadlines are often much tighter and require focus and organisation.
The best part of further and higher education for me was the opportunity to fully explore my craft. I spent hours researching, experimenting and collaborating with others, pushing my ideas further than I thought possible. It also gave me the chance to try different techniques and discover what I truly enjoyed.
During the course, I learned how to use industry-standard tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. These are now part of my day-to-day work and have been essential in helping me progress in my career.
Since graduating, I have worked in a variety of roles, from junior designer positions in start-ups to print production companies and creative agencies. Each experience has helped me build the skills and knowledge I have today. Alongside my full-time work, I also take on freelance design projects, run my own Etsy shop selling linocut prints and carry out signwriting and lettering work. I’ve exhibited my work at venues such as the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane and the Beecroft Art Gallery, as well as taking part in local art fairs and pop-up shops.
I am currently working as a Creative Designer at Swan Creative in Leigh-on-Sea. My role is incredibly varied. I work on concept designs for international theme parks, create branding for restaurants and develop marketing materials across digital and print platforms. No two days are the same, and I enjoy switching between different creative disciplines, from animation and photography to digital design and copywriting.
One of my favourite memories from my time at college was organising a fundraising event for our final major project. As a group, we reached out to well-known artists and designers to donate work for an auction. To our surprise, many responded and supported us. We hosted an event at the college gallery, and the money raised helped fund our end-of-year exhibition at D&AD New Blood. It was an amazing experience that showed the power of collaboration and creativity.
Looking back, I’ve realised that being a graphic designer means wearing many hats. It’s not limited to one role, it’s a creative field that constantly evolves and allows you to explore different paths. That’s what I love most about my career.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue working in creative agencies while developing my freelance and printmaking work. In the future, I would also love to become a lecturer and inspire students in the same way my tutors inspired me.
If Ellise’s story has inspired you to explore your creativity and discover your own path, our Graphic Design courses are designed to give you the skills, confidence and experience you need to succeed. Take the first step and begin your journey with University Centre South Essex today.