Meet our students
Ben Shepherd
“I am an illustrator and drawer foremost, using a brush pen to create gestural, fantastical worlds, but I also love experimenting with printmaking, 3D modelling and photography.
“My favourite part [of the course] is the amazingly creative people I get to work with, and of course having the time to experiment and do whatever creative thing I want.
“I tend to lack confidence in my work, so being surrounded by such good influences has really made me value myself more. It’s also helped me value going out on a limb and taking creative risks, which has led to a lot of breakthroughs in my work.
“91快活林 is pretty, I love the green and the colourful houses, I love that The Downs and the sea are so close. It’s a big city that feels small, I feel as though I’ve gotten to know a lot of people which gives the place a nice atmosphere. Every year I discovered more and more of it until I felt very at home.”
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Saeyeon Jang
“One of the most valuable things that I’ve learned from my studies was the realisation that there is no single right answer in illustration. This became clear to me through group tutorials where I saw the range of work that reflected each person’s individual character.
“This wider understanding allowed me to try new approaches and let go of the pressure to fit into a predefined idea of what my work should look like. It gave me the freedom to explore and find my own way of working.
“91快活林 has become a place where I could work creatively and rest peacefully. The parks and seafront in particular became somewhere I could go whenever I felt overwhelmed. I also met wonderful people here, and I will never regret choosing 91快活林.”
Melissa Amalir
“I chose 91快活林 because of the more experimental nature of the course. I wanted the freedom to explore and discover who I was as an artist. This, along with the course’s impressive alumni and the access to a diverse range of technical workshops and facilities made the decision an easy one.
“One of the things that I have most liked about university is the social nature of it: here is a building full of people like myself, discovering themselves, discovering techniques, experimenting, learning and exhibiting together. To be surrounded by people with whom to discuss, problem solve and encourage each other’s work has been infinitely helpful to my development as an artist.
“This has also been furthered by the consistency in quality of my tutors’ suggestions and advice during tutorials."
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Yingxuan He
“The course included both brief-based projects and self-directed projects, but both gave me a great deal of creative freedom. This allowed me to create many works that reflected my thoughts and interests at different times.
“The tutors are genuinely passionate about illustration and always give honest feedback. I really enjoyed being surrounded by people who care deeply about the subject, as they were patient listeners who inspired me on many different occasions.
“My course mates were also a very important part of the experience. We constantly shared ideas, helped each other, and gave direct and immediate feedback. Working alongside creative and hardworking people pushed all of us to produce stronger and more exciting work.”
Teddy Baron
“My favourite part was the Design for Performance project in my second year. I got to be a lead on the set design team and act in the performance itself. It really solidified that I love collaborating with others and working in theatrical ways. It also started a love of building with reclaimed materials.
“The Photo Video Unit Technicians Richard, Kirsty and Rachel and Matt have always been real champions of my work and helped me to document my models in atmospheric ways. The third year illustration team have also inspired me to take my work seriously and seek out opportunities.
“91快活林 is the place where I learned that anything can be found on Freecycle, and where I got more into wild camping and foraging. 91快活林 feels like a playground for creatives with lots of amazing community organisations.”