A Creative Journey on the Designer Maker Course

East Sussex College proudly celebrates Designer Maker student, Emma-Jayne Sargent, whose journey from nervous beginner to confident artist showcases the transformative power of creativity and determination.

When Emma-Jayne first started the Designer Maker course at East Sussex College, she wasn’t sure if she could do it. On her first day, she sat in her car, too nervous to go inside. “I felt really stressed,” said Emma-Jayne. “I didn’t know if I could go in, especially as a mature student. I thought, ‘What am I doing here?’ I told myself, ‘Just go in and see what happens. If you don’t like it, you can always leave.’”

That small decision was the beginning of something big. Over the next few years, Emma-Jayne’s confidence grew, and so did her skills as an artist. “By the end of the first year, I could already see a huge difference in myself. The things I’d learned and the skills I’d picked up were amazing. By the time I finished the third year, I couldn’t believe how much I’d grown, both as a person and as an artist.”

Emma-Jayne credits the support from her tutors for making that growth possible. She said, “They really help you push yourself as far as you want to go. And if you’re heading in the wrong direction, they’ll guide you back. By the third year, you become more independent, but you can always ask your tutors for advice. It feels like you’re working with them as peers by the end, which is great.”

Her advice to future students? “Be open-minded,” said Emma-Jayne. “Don’t come into the course with fixed ideas of what you want to do. You’ll learn loads of new skills that you can combine with what you already know. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”

Looking ahead, Emma-Jayne has big plans. “I’m going to apply for an artist residency at the College. It would give me access to all the facilities, workshops, and kilns for free, which would be amazing for improving my skills. I’ve already made connections in the industry, like with the pewter guild and the Vienna Museum, and I want to keep building on that.”

As for what’s next, Emma-Jayne is keeping her options open. “I’m deciding whether to set up my own studio practice or do a master’s degree in the next year. I’m excited to see where it all takes me.”

Emma-Jayne’s story shows how the Designer Maker course can completely change not only your skills but also your confidence. With the right support, students at East Sussex College can go as far as they want.