Art Foundation Diploma: 5 Things To Consider!

I was definitely lumped into that category of A Level students debating the typical uni decisions.. Shall I go? Shall I move away? What course shall I even take? 

During this 2 year period there are many options and possibilities thrown your way, and one that I distinctly remember hearing nothing about from my school was the Art Foundation Diploma option. Honestly, I cant remember how I found out about this course, but it’s one that I feel doesn't get enough mention. Given the number of pros there are to enrolling onto an Art Foundation course, it wasn't an easy chore narrowing them down to just 5. However, in order to give you an accurate idea of what this course is like, and what the benefits are to enrolling, here are my top ‘5 Fabulous Reasons You Should Consider Taking An Art Foundation Diploma!’

Reason 1. Getting Familiar

Depending on where you decide to attend your Art Foundation, whether it’s at a local college or a University, either way you’re getting a year to get familiar with the area, the facilities on offer and of course, perhaps most importantly, the people. Even if you end up leaving the college or uni after the one year course, the contacts and friends you will have made will have been beneficial. However, if you decide to stay on and further your education, you will have already had the opportunity to get to know the tutors on your follow up degree course, and you will have the benefit of knowing the staff that work in the practical areas, such as the Photography department and the 3D workshops. Not only is this super useful when you move up to your degree, but it also makes you feel more comfortable and settled during a pretty daunting time!

Reason 2. Gaining Experience and Decision Making

The Art Foundation Diploma is a great experience for plenty of reasons, the first one being that its an excellent way to focus your creative studies. If you are unsure how to channel your creativity, and ultimately unsure which creative degree course to take, the experimentation and freedom given during this course allows you the time and the environment to explore all of your potential directions. In addition, the guidance from the tutors is invaluable, as you are getting first hand advice on what course would be best suited to your abilities. 

I was pretty set on the fact that I wasn't going to uni. Im not much of the ‘sit down, listen and take notes type’, I prefer being creative, active and actually getting involved in practical projects. Of course my Art Foundation proved that going to uni doesn't necessarily mean that you're in note taking lectures 24/7.. It introduced me to the concept of practical courses, with minimal exams and practical ‘coursework’ style projects contributing to your grades. I probably would never have enrolled onto my degree course had it not been for my year on Art Foundation. I was able to take a year to have fun and be creative, which then lead me to make a super easy decision as to whether I wanted to continue on at Uni, or leave.

Reason 3. Uni/ Life Preparation

I’ve already mentioned the benefits to taking this course and then staying on for a degree, already knowing the right people and the area etc.. However, if you decide not to take on a creative degree and look into other options, such as getting a job or an internship, then this course will not have been wasted. The jump from A Level student straight to Uni student is a huge one; so is the jump from A Level student to employee! The teaching style of this course is much like that of a degree, and the attitude and skills you are expected to have are much like that of in a job. The preparation and skills this course gives you are those that you will use in every day life; not just beneficial if you end up on a degree course. You need to be independent, use your initiative and be driven.. These things can be taught, but they are expected, especially working in the design industry.

Reason 4. Interview Portfolio

Preparing for a University, internship or job interview can be a daunting and stressful process, no matter how many you've already attended! Obviously there are always people you can call on for help, family and friends and all that, but sometimes nothing beats the advice of someone in the industry. Your Art Foundation tutors would have no doubt sat through hundreds of interviews every year, and seen a tonne of stunning, and not-so-good portfolios. So obviously, their experiences and advice will be completely beneficial to you when it comes to portfolio prepping. 

Reason 5. Why Not? It's Free!

The last reason is probably not my best, however it is important to consider the cost. When I began my Art Foundation in 2012, it was completely free to under 18’s. To my knowledge, if you were over 18 the cost of the course for the year was around the £800 mark. However, if you are just out of Sixth Form, then this generally is a completely free course! Typically, most Uni’s or colleges will try and provide as many tools and materials as they possibly can, for free! Although this should not be the biggest deciding factor when considering this course, cost is always an important element!


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Staying Organised At University

Welcome to The Little Pink Design Blog - home to all things experimental, imaginative and University student related! As a way to document my projects and progress as a Graphic Designer, both inside and out of Uni, what better way to share my work and designs than my own design blog. You can expect plenty of packaging projects, typography experimentation and book cover designs. In addition to showcasing my University projects, i will also be sharing my best tips on how to handle and juggle student life- which is where we shall start now! 

With multiple modules and assignments to juggle, it is vitally important to make note of every important date and deadline. Unfortunately this is something I found out the hard way during my first year studying at Uni! However, it wasn't all bad, as this ensured that I bought all of the necessary stationary and tools (any excuse!) in order to take on my second year a lot more prepared and ready to stay organised and keep things manageable.

First things first, some sort of planner or diary is essential. This is where you will document all of your important dates, deadlines and exams, as is something not to be overlooked. There will be a tonne of crucial dates you will need to remember, and this is easily the best way to ensure you don't miss any! Personally, after opting for the day-to-page view for my first year, Ive chosen to switch things up to the week view. This way, the planner is much lighter, making it easier to transport. Additionally, I found myself never taking the time to look ahead at the coming days.. So I felt as though the week view may prove more successful.

Next on my list would be some sort of notebook. Of course you will be needing something to take down those random notes, whether its an A4 lined pad or something a little cuter and quirkier. I find that a smaller notebook is best for little random notes, and those A4 writing pads are best left for the lectures.

Highlighters are a great way of keeping notes organised. Instead of always having to sieve through all of your information, highlighters are a great way of separating it and keeping things in order. This is a great way to ensure maximum ease when referencing back to your notes.

Now this isn't an essential for everyone, but if you're like me and can’t remember what you had for lunch yesterday then a memo pad or desk pad is an awesome way to ensure you never forget a deadline or exam again! Handy to keep on your desk at home or at uni, this tear-off weekly view memo pad is a great place to make a note of anything you need to remember! This can also double up as a mouse mat too.

Sticky notes are another great way to remind yourself of an important date or even a simple to do list! The great thing is that you can put them in your planner, on your fridge or wherever you are most likely to see them to ensure you remember! 

My final tip/ necessity is a pencil case, mainly because I've just given you an excuse to buy a tonne of pretty stationary, so now you obviously need somewhere to store it all! Whilst you're purchasing all of your pens, highlighters and sticky notes, you can't forget to grab yourself a case to keep everything together! With all of these tools, you should be all set for some major organising!

Links Can Be Found Below:

• 2014-2015 Purple Planner •

• Gems Of Inspiration Notebook •

• Stabilo Highlighter Pack •

• MEMO Desk Pad (Couldn't Find The Exact One)  •

• I Am So Freaking Organised Sticky Notes •


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