Digi-guide - Creative Arts

Art and Design

Art and design students at the college can look forward to a range of opportunities including working with real clients on real project briefs to showcase your talents, access to a wide range of equipment and resources to help you find your niche. Also, building your portfolio with projects designed to impress future potential employers.

Courses available at the college range from Level 1 to Level 3. Progression opportunities include further study, apprenticeships and employment.

Art and design students spend time in the Visual Art and Design centre, an inspiring space to share ideas.

Design students see their designs come to life from paper to catwalk.

Those interested in photography can get to grips with professional equipment to boost their professional portfolio.

Classrooms are designed for students to work together to encourage and inspire one another with their projects.

Art students have access to a range of media, from paints to printmaking to help them develop a range of different practical skills.

Using industry equipment allows students to get ready for the world of work.

Career SpotlightJim Kay | Freelance Illustrator

Jim Kay studied at West Nottinghamshire College between 1992-94 at the Chesterfield Road campus.

He studied general art and design, achieving the top grade for his studies. Jim went on to study illustration at the University of Westminster.

Jim Kay – Freelance Illustrator

From West Notts to wizard illustrator; Jim Kay draws on his experience as a former art and design student at the college.

Jim studied general art and design, achieving the top grade for his studies. He later went on to study illustration at the University of Westminster.

“What I learnt at college most definitely put me on the road to my career today. When I worked at the Tate Gallery and at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, it was the training in printmaking and painting techniques that really helped me. As an illustrator, I still go through the same processes taught to me by the staff at West Notts College all those years ago.”

“I’m still in touch with some of the staff. They were wonderful and we respected them because in addition to being lecturers they were practitioners and artists too. I carry their advice with me on every commission, on every sketch or painting.”

Jim is now an award-winning freelance illustrator, picking up the Kate Greenaway award for children’s book illustration in 2012 for his drawings in a book for older children and adults; ‘A Monster Calls’ by Patrick Ness.

He is also the illustrator of the Harry Potter books: illustrated editions.

The art and design industry is one of the most creative and diverse industry sectors. You’ll need a keen eye for detail, a head full of ideas and a love of the subject to excel in this area.

Art and design can span many genres and take many forms. You could find yourself working in pottery, textiles, and printmaking – or using modern software to create contemporary designs.

Many artists choose to work freelance, but there are several other art and design career paths available across various sectors – from advertising and architecture, to working in museums or teaching.

It’s great to have natural talent and a passion for art, but a qualification can really boost your prospects, too – especially when looking for paid work in this field.

Art and design courses at West Notts are taught in the college’s Visual Art and Design Centre. Courses are designed to give you a good overview of the subject, and help you hone the techniques and skills needed to create a unique portfolio which is sure to impress potential employers.

Courses can lead to further study at university-level study or employment.