Art Life - University for the Creative Arts

28The Margateproject in allfairness was themost enjoyableproject I took partin. It definitelyinfluenced mycareer - it taughtme to never giveup, even whenwe were runninglow on moraleand ideas, just tostick with it andride it out to getthe best results.It also taught methat I can speakin front of largegroups; peoplefrom governingbodies and peoplein the industry,clearly and calmlywhich I wassecretly not sure Icould do.’Grant Waters who wasone of the students whopresented the outcomesof the Learning and SkillsNetwork (LSN) and AimhigherKent and Medway project onembedding key skills in workrelatedlearning to the LSNDissemination Conferencein London.PROFILEGrant WatersNational Diploma In Art and Design Year 1 - 2006-07Grant describes himself as a‘pretty straightforward, easygoingperson with a desireto become someone.’ Hehas known from the timehe took his GCSEs that hewanted to pursue a career inart and design. He did wellthroughout his school life andworked to achieve the highestgrades possible at college inSittingbourne and at UCA.‘I really enjoyed my two yearsat UCA Canterbury, I made alot of friends and contacts thathave helped me to where I amnow and I am grateful to themfor that. The components ofthe course are very broad andthat’s why I really enjoyed thecourse as it gave an insight intoall avenues in design, and thetrips were amazing times too, Iwill never forget them.’Grant’s parents weresupportive of him going touniversity although neither ofthem had studied at degreelevel. After six weeks studyingat university Grant felt he hadchosen the wrong degreecourse and after spending fivemonths looking for work, hefound a post through a friend.Grant is now in charge ofDesign and Production atCorporate Image Media inMaidstone, a medium-sizepublishing company. Granthas sole charge of designingadverts for clients, through topage design and layout, liaisingwith printers and managing hisproduction team.He described his aspirations forthe future: ‘My goal is to workup to a massive publishinghouse in London and branchoff maybe to Dubai, Californiaor New York to work abroad fora year or two. I have a greatnetwork of family and friendsbehind me. After my nan diedthis year it made me realisethat life’s too short and nevergive up ever! I am just enjoyingeverything at the momentand am excited as to what thefuture has for me.’