Sylak Ravenspine

My name is Sylak Ravenspine, I am 54 years old, and I studied BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration at South Essex Colleges Group. This is my story.

I specialised in illustration and graduated with a First Class Honours degree.

I chose to study at SECG after attending a Pre-Access taster course and visiting the University Centre South Essex stand at the D and AD New Blood event. I had explored other options, including courses further afield, but family commitments meant I wanted to stay local. When I compared what was on offer, the facilities at Luker Road really stood out, and I knew it was the right place for me.

Before returning to education, I had already built a varied career across different creative industries. I had studied graphic design earlier in life and worked briefly in advertising, before moving into roles across areas such as cartography, prototyping and film and television. Alongside this, I developed a strong interest in rural crafts and traditional creative processes.

From the beginning of the course, I was encouraged to challenge myself and explore my ideas in depth. The support from tutors created an environment where I felt confident experimenting and pushing boundaries. This allowed me to take my work far beyond what I had originally imagined, whether that was developing inks inspired by the geology of Essex or experimenting with materials and large-scale forms.

After graduating, I continued to build on this momentum. I began running eco-art workshops across Essex and started developing a sustainable business, which I am currently preparing to launch with support from Essex County Council.

I am now based at Blokhouse Studios, where I have set up an ink-making workshop. Alongside this, I work as a freelance artist, taking on commissions and delivering workshops. Running my own business has involved developing a wide range of skills, from managing finances to promoting my work and applying for opportunities.

To support my progression, I sought mentorship and completed additional training, including a qualification in creating a business start-up. I also made the most of networking opportunities, attending local creative events, industry talks and workshops to expand my knowledge and connect with others.

Volunteering has also played an important role in my journey. I have worked with a range of organisations, from creative community projects to archaeological sites, helping me deepen my understanding of my practice and its wider context.

One of the most valuable aspects of my degree was feeling part of a creative and academic community. Being surrounded by other artists and having access to a wide range of facilities allowed me to fully explore my ideas. The experience helped me develop critical thinking, understand how to respond to briefs and communicate my work more effectively.

The facilities at the University Centre were excellent, from print rooms and photography studios to workshops and labs. Having access to these spaces allowed me to experiment with different techniques and approaches, giving me the tools I needed to complete ambitious projects.

Some of my favourite memories from my time studying include working late on projects, experimenting with large-scale installations and taking part in events such as Industry Week. These experiences allowed me to fully immerse myself in my work and push my creativity further.

I would highly recommend South Essex Colleges Group. The range of facilities, combined with tutors who bring real industry experience, creates a supportive and inspiring place to study.

One of my proudest achievements has been establishing my ink studio and building a reputation for delivering creative and engaging workshops. Looking ahead, I want to continue growing my business, collaborating with other creatives and exploring new ideas over the next few years.