CGC-ebook Sample Edition 4.0

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 communications skills as well as the ability to resource 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.

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.