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Starting University

I go back to University soon. I did my foundation at Falmouth University where I lived a way from home for a year. I've never put myself under so much pressure as last year. I am staying at the University to start on the BA Drawing course. I decided to do this course because I wanted to be pushed technically and make the most of the printing facilities.

I would describe myself as a manic, chaotic, workaholic art student. Last year I changed a lot, not only in the terms of my confidence...this has both been very up and down but also my process and way of working.

I have always worked hard with my Art, I thrive in a studio environment and being surrounded by other creative people. I love to talk to other people about their process and learning about how they apply their thinking to their work in a visual way. When I finished my foundation I didn't want that to stop, so I found that connecting with other artists through blogs and Instagram is a great way to meet new people. I love to do it but at the same time I have a real anxiety about doing it. I have never been very good at talking to people, I can be shy/reserved but with art I seem to come alive (excuse the cliche). I have approached people about collaborating and I want to continue this when I go back to University. I am still very hesitant about going back just because last year was so up and down. However this year is a new start and I need to learn to go with things more.

I have decided to set myself some goals. I need to remember that I have three years to grow and change as an artist whereas last year was very intense. I was burnt out by the end of my foundation just because most days I would be in the studio from 8AM until late.


1) Don't be such a workaholic - learn to spread my work across the week rather than rushing everything and losing control. This is my problem, I know my limits but push through and this is why I crash and burn at times.

2) Talk to people - I love talking to people about their work but get very anxious about approaching people at times. I need to push past this.

3) Relax-  This is a hard one for me, as I am not very good at doing this. I need to find ways to relax, even if this means taking time out and watching a film and listening to music.

4) Be more independent - This goes hand in hand with the relaxing. I need to become better at being on my own. I love to be with other people but at the same time need to become better with my own company.

5) Don't be so impatient.

6) Make the most of being in a beautiful place - Falmouth is one the of most beautiful places I've ever been to. I have three years to explore it. Don't just work the whole time.

7) Document things - whether this be through my blog, drawing, photographs or any other means.

I want to be excited to start and I am sure once I'm there everything will be fine. Everyone keeps telling me that...I just need to believe it.

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