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Sylak Ravenspine
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.
Success stories
The course has prepared me for the workplace in many ways, not only by developing my technical skills but also by helping me build confidence.
My name is Jay Hayden, and I studied BA (Hons) Photography at the University Centre South Essex (UCSE) and I am currently working as a freelance photographer.
I chose to study at UCSE because of how accessible it was and how welcoming the environment felt. Compared to other colleges and universities I visited, the staff made the campus feel homely and supportive, which really stood out to me.
I studied at the Luker Road Campus in Southend-on-Sea, where I completed my BA (Hons) Photography. Although photography had been a passion of mine for a few years, I hadn’t had access to professional facilities such as a studio, darkroom, or print space. I knew that if I wanted to succeed, I had to fully commit and push myself to improve.
During my time on the course, I gained access to industry-standard equipment and facilities, which made a huge difference to my development. Working in a studio environment was completely new to me at first, but over time I built confidence and now feel very comfortable in that setting. This experience has also helped me secure work outside of university in studio-based roles.
Since studying, I’ve had many exciting opportunities. My work has been displayed in exhibitions, galleries, and art shops, and I’ve successfully sold prints through my Etsy shop. I’ve also photographed a wide range of events, including dance shows, pet photography sessions, weddings, parties, and hen dos. One of my proudest achievements has been being awarded ‘Photographer of the Year’.
The course has prepared me for the workplace in many ways, not only by developing my technical skills but also by helping me build confidence. I’ve learned how to communicate effectively with clients and how to promote myself and my work professionally, skills that are essential when working freelance.
One of my favourite memories from my time at college is the brief delivery days, where tutors introduced new projects and shared different artists and photographers to explore. These sessions gave me a huge amount of inspiration and helped shape my own creative style. In fact, one of my greatest achievements so far has been discovering my niche and developing a strong, personal style through my work.
What I value most about further education is the knowledge I’ve gained. I’ve learned skills I would never have experienced otherwise, such as processing and scanning my own film, which has added another dimension to my photography.
I would highly recommend UCSE as it’s a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place to study, with access to the kind of equipment and support that really helps you grow and progress in your chosen field.
Looking ahead, my ambition is to become my own boss and continue building my freelance photography career, combining personal creative work with client-based projects. In the future, I would also love to become a photography tutor, sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their skills and confidence.
I would highly recommend South Essex Colleges Group and University Centre South Essex. The lecturers are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely make you feel seen, creating a positive and encouraging environment to learn and grow.
My name is Gabriel Buckley, and I am currently studying Creative Media & Promotion at University Centre South Essex (UCSE).
I chose to study at UCSE after seeing one of my close friends thrive on the same course. At the time, I felt stuck in a rut, but something about the course stood out to me in a way nothing else had before, it gave me a sense of direction and possibility.
Before coming to the University Centre, I spent a year studying Film Production in Lincoln and worked as a chef for five years. Although I initially thought film was my path, being fully immersed in it made me lose my passion, leaving me feeling uncertain about my future. After returning to Southend, I rediscovered my creativity through photography and videography, initially combining it with my work in the kitchen. This soon evolved into a passion for portrait and fashion work, which ultimately led me to this course.
My time at college has helped me grow significantly, both professionally and personally. It has given me the confidence to trust my abilities, approach new opportunities, and engage with industry professionals. I’ve learned that failure is part of the process, and it has strengthened my problem-solving skills and resilience. I have also improved my social skills, which has been invaluable when networking and collaborating.
Beyond preparing me for a career, university centre has helped shape my personal development. What started as a hobby has now become a clear career path. I’ve developed the ability to manage multiple projects at once, improving my workflow and multitasking skills across different creative disciplines.
Alongside my studies, I work as a freelance photographer and videographer, focusing on elevating brand promotion by enhancing portfolios and brand identity. I originally started this journey three years ago as a hobby, but over time I’ve built a growing client base and continue to push my work forward.
One of my favourite memories at college has been organising and taking part in shoots with other students and creatives. Collaborating with peers, working with models, and arranging test shoots, particularly with Matthew David Andrews, has been a highlight of my experience.
For me, the best thing about higher education is the sense of freedom it offers. It allows you to explore your interests in depth and shape your learning around your individual goals, creating a more personal and meaningful experience.
I would highly recommend South Essex Colleges Group and University Centre South Essex. The lecturers are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely make you feel seen, creating a positive and encouraging environment to learn and grow.
One of my proudest achievements so far is having my work published in multiple magazines, including Artells, ASBO, and Marikas. I have also submitted work to D&AD with Olivia Woolford, which was a particularly rewarding milestone in my creative journey.
Looking ahead, my ambition is to establish my own production house not just as a space for my own work, but as a platform to support and elevate other creatives. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others and contributing to a wider creative community.
The course helped me gain confidence in a range of different techniques and processes, and encouraged me to be professional at all times
My name is Rose Hibbert, and I am a 2024 graduate from BA (Hons) Costume Construction at University Centre South Essex.
I have been sewing for over 50 years. I initially started my career in fashion but later moved into the technology space. I was drawn to my degree with University Centre South Essex because I wanted to explore the creative side of my brain again. The course’s partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera was a massive selling point for me, as it added real credibility.
During my time on the degree, I used my costumes to communicate my thoughts on societal problems, such as the environment, mental health challenges exacerbated by Covid and the challenges women face working in male dominated environments.
My Escamilla costume, for which I won the RBO prize of Technical Ability, incorporated elements of recycling and tailoring while exploring the narrative of the battle of women working in a man’s world. Escamilla’s plight being not a battle fought in the bullring (as per Carmen's love match, Escamilo) but in the boardroom.
This story was of particular interest to me as I had a long career in Cyber Security in the city prior to starting the course and felt I had to battle every day to enable successful communication. My city 'costume' became a kind of battle shield. The costume's main influence was high fashion and designer wear, favoured by many CEOs in the financial sector.
The course helped me gain confidence in a range of different techniques and processes, and encouraged me to be professional at all times – especially with fittings and when dealing with designers.
I now have a company that alters bridalwear. The owner of the store invited me for an interview after reading my dissertation on how media has affected bridalwear. I’ve found the patience and persistence I learnt on the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course has served me well in my role, as it can be quite challenging when brides lose a substantial amount of weight prior to their dress completion.
The course has given me the credentials and confidence to make wedding dress alterations, which is a huge responsibility. I’m continuing to learn and I’m supported by the course tutors until this day.
I’m honoured to have my costumes on display as part of the 10th Anniversary Exhibition at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden. I loved every minute of the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course and learnt a lot about myself throughout the degree.
For anyone considering applying, I would say that you’re never too old to learn something new or to boost your confidence. Go and visit the exhibition – you might learn something new, not just about sewing, but about the world around you.
Join us and celebrate 10 years of exceptional craftsmanship at the UCSE BA (Hons) Costume Construction 10th Anniversary Exhibition.
Open to the public and hosted at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden, this inspiring exhibition showcases outstanding graduate work and achievements from the past decade.
Tuesday 10 March - Sunday 22 March
Linbury Foyer, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD
