1. Find out about artists and arts organisations

2. This is my research for universities, colleges and possible job options This will range from sixth forms to careers in head offices

4. Entry Criteria Minimum of 7 full course A*- C grades including English, Maths and Science An average point score of 45 or above Majority of subjects require a GCSE grade B or above, Science, Modern Foreign Languages & Mathematics require an A grade Courses I would take Design & Technology: Textiles Art & Design Economic Photography (Unfortunately, they removed their options booklet, so I cannot go into depth with my choices)

5. Entry Requirements Be at least 16 by 1 st September on year of entry 4 A*-C Grade GCSEs to include English Language and preferably a creative subject Why I chose this I like how this course is a 100% coursework and how units that are covered range from creating designs and products to running a small business, as it shows that the course is very three dimensional. My main issue is that there are no work placements offered as it would be hard to get a job at that age without any work experience. Info Exam board: Edexcel Course duration: 2 year Equivalent to 3 A Levels; max 420 UCAS points

7. Entry Requirements Two A Level passes at grade C or above plus passes in three GCSE subjects at grade C or above Minimum 160 UCAS tariff points Portfolio evidence Preferred subjects include; English, Maths, Art, Design, Textiles and Science Why I chose this I really like how it is a 4 year sandwich course, therefore offering me an optional year in industry which would be very good hands on experience. Also, the units have a good blend of practical and theory work, and there is a lot of work based on industry, excluding the optional year, such as an industry project.

8. Entry Requirements Minimum entry criteria of 220-240 UCAS tariff points Four GCSE passes at grade C or above Portfolio evidence (there may be an interview) Why I chose this I like that even though it is only a 3 year course they still offer an industry placement, but they also offer an optional overseas exchange which is also very good as you can build even more links. I also like how they have really good industry links such as Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, which shows how popular and trusted an institution they are.

9. Entry Requirements Minimum 5 GCSE passes at grade C or above, must include English and Maths Minimum BCC to BBC at A Level (260 – 280 UCAS tariff points) Portfolio evidence (may be an interview) Why I chose this Again, I like how even though it is a three year course, there is still a 12 week industry placement, and they have many good links such as Topshop, Alexander McQueen and Baby Dior in Paris. I also like how the last year is dedicated to creating a “fashion professional” by allowing students to focus on the pathway they feel is best for them.

11. I’d emailed 3 working professionals, unfortunately, they never replied.

15. At the “Careers in Fashion” seminar, one of the panel members was Nuno DaCosta; a fashion illustrator. He said that at first he wanted to go into fashion design however, his heart did not lie there, as he preferred illustration. But, he didn’t actually do an art or fashion degree at university, he did a language course at Kings College London, but then had “a huge change of heart”, dropped out, and created a portfolio. His illustration hero is David Downton, who he says has “proved that fashion illustration is not a dying art form” His art heroes are Jean-Paul Goude, Rene Grau, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schielle and Jim Lee.

16. Determination: “Never give up. I remember I was looking for a job and I called this one man and in the rudest way possible, he basically said ‘why should I listen to you, you are not worth my time’ and he hung up on me. I called that man a week later and he was as kind as anything and he gave me a job.” Start young: “It’s definitely more impressive if you show someone something you’ve done from a young age, so I would recommend you build up your portfolio as soon as possible. I started mine quite late but it worked for me. Be passionate: “There is no point doing something you’re not interested in or passionate about. Sometimes, it gets to the point that you feel like giving up, but that passion won’t let you. You have to be passionate and believe in yourself, definitely.

17. Name: Zara Appadoo Role: Design Room Assistant at River Island Education: University for the Creative Arts at Rochester – BA (Hons) Fashion Design Background: Designed corporate uniforms for small local businesses Buyer for a local boutique Produced and sold a small own label range Visual Merchandiser at Calvin Klein Wedding photographer assistant The job: “I work across three departments, where I work with the Designers to research trends, ideas and inspiration. We look at images, swatches, vintage garments etc. and edit this down into a key selection and design and build our range around these ideas.”

18. Her advice: “Want to work in fashion? Be confident, enthusiastic, eager and hard working! I know having these words drilled into you can seem very repetitive but they are key. If you want to work in Design, be prepared to start at the bottom and do the ‘admin’. You won’t be designing straight away but if you are committed, focused and have the talent for designing, you will get noticed!”