Rosie-May

School: Sawtry Village Academy

Employer: Self-employed

Job Title: Textile Designer

Qualifications:

• 12 x GCSE A-C including; Textiles A* Art A* A-level Textiles A* A-level Art and Design A*

Profile

I left Sawtry Community College as it was known back then, after studying A levels with A*,A*,A ,B. I was not quite ready for university as I was unsure of which subject to specialise in. I was still deciding whether or not to study Geology and Archaeology over a creative subject. I decided to do an Art and Design foundation course to help me explore if that was the discipline for me, I later graduated college earning a Distinction*. From there I went to Norwich university of the Arts, where I specialised in Weaving over three years, earning a First Class Degree ( 1:1 ).

I then started my own company designing, hand-crafting and selling traditionally hand-woven artisan pieces. I am now a traditional Hand-weaver based in Stilton, Cambridgeshire. I'm also a Princes Trust supported business and now an Ambassador for the Trust. I work with natural materials on traditional wooden Looms to hand-craft a wonderful selection of colourful Woven pieces. I focus on creating sustainable, conscious and practical products that avoid waste and utilise my hand-woven fabrics. More recently, I'm applying for heritage funding to start running hand-weaving workshops to continue on the craft.

Alongside my personal practice, I am an Art and Design Technician / TA . Through this I support young creatives in further developing their design process. I thoroughly enjoying working with the students, it can be an incredibly rewarding and uplifting role. I enjoy being a part of the creative cohort.

I am currently working towards a level 6 (degree) apprenticeship at GSK in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University. The course I'm on is 4 years and at the end I would have achieved a BSc in Bioscience with MMU.

Advice to students

Build your resilience - set backs happen and life rarely goes to plan. Try not to narrow your focus too much, remain open to new opportunities. Say yes to every opportunity for learning you can and be passionate. Take every advantage offered to you and enjoy what you do. Don't lose the element of play in whatever you choose to do.

Additional Resources