Applying to UCAS

When applying for UCAS after initially filling out my form, I decided to start the process by looking at creating a personal statement. I spent a lot of time working on my personal statement because it is the first thing uni's look at and I wanted to create a good impression.

I firstly created a list of points to include within my personal statement:

Background

·         Alevels

·         GCSE’s

·         Foundation degree

·         Confident

·         Creative

·         Enjoy exploring unusual ideas

·         Love to challenge myself

Key Events – Experiences

·         Working in retail

·         Been part of a few fashion shows

Influences – Interests

·         All areas of fashion

·         Main influential designer Yohji Yamamoto

·         Recently started a life drawing course which i have found very interesting and beneficial to my development as a designer

·         Starting jewellery making in my own time

Ambitions

·         Go to university

·         Work in the fashion industry

·         Graduate scheme

This is my final personal statement:

Fashion, to me, is about pushing the boundaries and experimenting, I thrive when working with different materials and exploring interesting shapes and silhouettes. Seeing a creative vision develop into a reality inspires me to work in the fashion industry. I have a real interest in many areas of the fashion industry and enjoy learning about all aspects involved. Hence the reason I crave to extend my knowledge and study fashion.

When initially finding inspiration I tend to find it from primary resources, mainly my surroundings. It is then followed by keen interest to keep up to date with the key trends and following my favourite designers and inspirers; Yohji Yamamoto, as well as Viktor and Rolf and Gareth Pugh. Yohji Yamamoto is the most inspiring designer to me. I have always been hugely influenced by his RTW collections, the way he uses historical fashion to create dramatic silhouettes not only in his clothes but in his accessories as well.

I feel from my current course I have really developed my skills in many areas of fashion. My confidence has improved during the making of a garment and is constantly progressing, giving me the skills to make my designs more complex and of a higher standard. During my time at Newcastle College I have been fortunate to work with Colin Reid on a work related module. It allowed me to receive feedback from somebody who has worked in the industry for many years and greatly helped me to develop and expand my own work.

Tyne Way Trading was another work related project with industry. It was requested we design and made a Steam Punk Shirt. I felt I learned a lot from this experience and really appreciated the feedback form the company about my work. From this experience I was able to act upon it to improve the standard of my work overall to meet the requirements of industry.

During my time at sixth form I involved myself in the school's online TV channel. This boosted my confidence with another media format and gave me experience of working in a professional manner; skills which I feel will be extremely relevant and useful whilst completing my degree. To further my professional development I recently took part in a life drawing course. I found this to be very interesting and really helpful. It allowed me to develop a style which reflected my work in fashion. In my spare time I like to make jewellery and spend time building up my skills on my sewing machine.

Working as a sales assistant at Next has allowed me to gain insight into the retail side of fashion. I have had the opportunity to be surrounded by fashion and currently have invaluable skills that will assist me in my further studies. Through working in retail I have been made aware of trends, collections and colour-ways which have helped to give me an idea of how the fashion industry revolves. I have been able to become confident at discussing fashion and advising customers.  I have also worked at Shaw and Co solicitors and HMRC, these administrative jobs gave me interpersonal,   technologic and communication skills. By having numerous jobs in different areas I think it has allowed me to show responsibility and commitment. I have also modelled for Mao Couture in her fashion shows. This was an excellent opportunity to experience behind the scenes, giving me extra dimension in the world of fashion.

As a highly motivated person I see myself as being able to work effectively as part of a team and as an individual. I also see myself as conscientious and hardworking and strive to achieve the best standard of work possible in all aspects of my life.

I feel the course you offer would be a natural progression for me and I look forward to the opportunities and development I can make towards having a future in the fashion industry. I hope to have the opportunity to learn further from professionals to help me grow and be successful in my chosen career path.