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Video Interview with John Crossley Interview with Ian Thompson
Ian works for University of the Arts London to deliver the Young Design Programme, a scheme which puts design students into schools to collaborate with pupils in redesigning their school environment.
Ian is also the Chief Examiner for a number of Foundation courses and is a former Foundation tutor at Central Saint Martins.
Ian offers some practical advice for applicants: -
The Personal Statement is very important. It’s going to be read by the people who are going to be interviewing you and it may be the reason you do or don’t get an interview. It should be proof read by somebody else and should be something you spend time on.
We’re looking for real enthusiasm – someone who is really motivated, who has been to the open days and read the course information. We also want to know why you’re making an application to this course rather other courses, so you’re coming from an informed point of view.
If you can leave an impression then of course that’s a good idea. If you’re a Fashion Designer then wear a fantastic piece of your clothing that you’ve designed.
Art and Design has extra expenses with materials as well as books and that is a consideration. Foundation is generally a fairly inexpensive year for materials because things are made in very simple ways and it is more about exploring the language of Art and Design.
If you move on to BA or MA some specialisms can be more expensive than others. For example Fashion can be quite an expensive occupation.
The Editor of Design Week said recently that you should ‘go local’, which means that you should look to your immediate community to get work and demonstrate your skills. Don’t underestimate the small opportunities and try to build up from there.
