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What skills will I learn?
Different ar t and design disciplines have their own unique skillset
but whatever path you choose; you’ll develop your creativity, raise
your critical awareness, improve your hand-eye co-ordination
and learn to appreciate diversity. You will learn how to under take
research, notice details, apply critical thinking, make adjustments
and improve your work. What’s more you’ll be encouraged to
experiment with ideas, materials and technology as well as apply
theories to find a context for your creativity.
Ar t and Design
How do I get there?
A useful first step is to build up a por tfolio of your ar twork. GCSE
subjects such as Ar t and Design, Design Technology or Graphics
will offer a good star ting point. Schools and colleges also offer
Level 2 qualifications in ar t and design subjects as an alternative.
Progressing to A levels or a Level 3 Diploma will help you to
improve your chances of getting the job you want. To apply for
university courses you will usually need to complete a one-year
Ar t and Design Foundation Diploma. Some jobs roles will require
you to study to a postgraduate level. Alternatively, you could
research oppor tunities for apprenticeships, apply for an internship,
gain relevant experience from voluntary work or take up an
assistant role from which you could progress.
What kind of person do I need to be?
You’ll need to have a strong creative ability, a passion for
your subject and the determination to succeed. You should be
resourceful, able to reflect on your working practice and have an
awareness of styles and trends. It will also help if you are good
at thinking outside the box and have an aptitude for IT. For public
facing roles you will need excellent communication skills as well
as the ability to research information, give talks and devise creative
displays for exhibitions. Elsewhere you may find yourself negotiating
with suppliers and customers, providing specialist knowledge
or keeping up to date with relevant legislation. Having business
acumen in ar t and design is impor tant and in some cases you will
need to be capable of managing people, budgets and resources.