Why I chose Falmouth's Illustration degree

This article was written by second year Illustration BA(Hons) student, Amelie.

When I was deciding where to study Illustration, Falmouth University immediately stood out to me, not only because of its creative reputation as the one of the best art and design universities in the UK but because of the creative freedom and sense of community the undergraduate degree promised. Now, having completed my first year and a half on the Illustration BA(Hons) programme, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Practical workshops

One of the biggest and most exciting surprises was just how many workshops we had in first year. I didn’t realise how hands-on the Illustration course would be, but that turned out to be such a positive thing. We were constantly learning new methods and techniques, from experimental drawing to sculpting, which kept everything fresh and engaging. Being in the studio three to five days a week never felt like a chore either, mainly because the Falmouth Campus is such a lovely environment to work in that it made me genuinely excited to be there.

I didn’t realise how hands-on the Illustration course would be, but that turned out to be such a positive thing.

Confidence in drawing

Another huge change for me has been my confidence in drawing. Compared to when I started, my skills feel almost unrecognisable. Drawing so regularly has helped me develop a much more natural illustrative style, and I know many people on the course would say the same. Because you’re encouraged to draw constantly, even casually, it becomes much easier to trust your doodles and ideas without overthinking them.

Varied projects

What I love most about the Illustration degree is how mixed and varied it is. In first year alone, we explored drawing from life, experimental ink techniques, storyboarding, world building and even three-dimensional work. The projects themselves are also really exciting! In first year, we completed a character design project, an editorial project (in just three days!), a book project with complete creative freedom, a collaborative ecosystem project, and a world-building project where we imagined and designed our own island. Alongside this, we had digital skills workshops and wrote a couple of essays, but the balance always felt right.

The workload is full on but never overwhelming. Projects usually last six to eight weeks, which gives you plenty of time to develop your ideas. I find myself sketching every day, even if it’s just something small, and that consistency really helps keep the creative momentum going. I produced so much work in such a short time, and a lot of it I’m genuinely really proud of! (If you’d like to see some of the work I have created during my time at Falmouth my website is amelinaballerina.cargo.site).

Creative freedom

The level of creative freedom on the Illustration course is something I really value. You’re given a brief, but how you interpret it is completely up to you. Your final outcome can be in almost any medium, as long as you can show your creative journey and experimentation along the way. This emphasis on process rather than just the final piece really encourages you to take risks and explore ideas you might not otherwise try.

Being surrounded by nature and the sea has given me more space to think creatively and has had a big influence on my work and general outlook on life.

Supportive staff

Support is another major strength of the course. You can regularly sign up for one-to-one tutorials, both for written and practical work, and you’re never left feeling stuck. The tutors are always there to help, and the overall atmosphere is incredibly supportive. Everyone is open to sharing ideas, and being surrounded by such inspiring people makes a huge difference.

Inspiring location

Another part of my experience at Falmouth that I really value is the location itself. Moving from London to a much more rural, coastal town was a big change, but it’s been a refreshing and rewarding experience. Being surrounded by nature and the sea has given me more space to think creatively and has had a big influence on my work and general outlook on life. Although I’m currently on exchange in Rotterdam, I’m really excited to return to Falmouth soon, as it feels like a place that truly supports both my creativity and wellbeing.