Sophie Cleaver (OI 2012-22) studied an Art Foundation course before completing her undergraduate degree at UAL. She spoke about her journey from A-level Art to becoming a professional artist. In Year 13 she applied for both Foundation Art and undergraduate Art courses, finally choosing the Foundation route. She highlighted that both pathways are possible after A-levels, although some universities prefer the more developed portfolio that students typically build during a Foundation year.

Sophie also explained that a Foundation course gives students the opportunity to explore different artistic disciplines, experiment with new techniques and discover the direction they would like to pursue. Although she was an extremely talented portrait artist, (inset photo left) she developed a particular passion for ceramics during her Foundation year. Sophie explained that her degree included essays and a dissertation, which often surprises students considering an art degree. She also described collaborative group projects, visits to museums and art galleries, and the cost of specialist materials.

She noted that Art Foundation courses are free for students progressing directly from school and that the UAL Foundation programme is delivered at colleges across the UK, making it accessible for those who do not wish to study in London. Since graduating, Sophie has focused on building her professional profile by promoting her work through websites and social media to reach a wider audience. Although she was an extremely talented portrait artist, (inset photo left) she developed a particular passion for ceramics during her Foundation year. Sophie explained that her degree included essays and a dissertation, which often surprises students considering an art degree.

She also described collaborative group projects, visits to museums and art galleries, and the cost of specialist materials. She noted that Art Foundation courses are free for students progressing directly from school and that the UAL Foundation programme is delivered at colleges across the UK, making it accessible for those who do not wish to study in London. Since graduating, Sophie has focused on building her professional profile by promoting her work through websites and social media to reach a wider audience.

Emily Calver (OI 2018-25) is a first-year student at the University of Lincoln, studying Interior Architecture and Design. She explained that she wanted a course with broader career opportunities than a Fine Art degree could offer. Emily described her course as being assessed through a 50/50 balance of practical and written work, with continuous assessment and regular feedback to help students develop their projects. Throughout her course, Emily has been able to draw on both her Design and Technology and Art skills. As many of her classmates had not studied Design and Technology, she was able to take a leading role during workshop sessions using specialist machinery. Emily explained that first-year Interior Architecture and Design students are taught alongside Architecture students, giving her extensive experience with CAD software, 3D modelling, floor plans, and researching building materials and their applications.

She also highlighted the real-world nature of her projects, which have included designing a mindful space for a children's cemetery, redesigning facilities for a local canoe club, and creating benches for Steep Hill in Lincoln. When researching university courses, Emily advised students to investigate any additional course costs. At the University of Lincoln, materials are provided free of charge, whereas she found that a similar course at Nottingham Trent University charges approximately £300 per year for materials. Both Sophie and Emily (designs pictured below) emphasised that university art courses bring together students with a wide range of talents, skills and experiences. They encouraged students not to compare themselves with others, to avoid developing a fixed mindset about the type of artist they are, and to embrace opportunities to experiment with new techniques without fearing mistakes. Every project should be viewed as a valuable learning experience.

Sophie will be appearing in Sky's Portrait Artist of the Year which will be aired in September/October.

Written by Andrew Calver