Art & Design student excels at East Sussex College

Art & Design Level 3 Hastings student, May Mayor, waxed lyrical about the support and guidance from East Sussex College after an exhibition at the end of 2021.

May has studied for a Level 3 Art Diploma at the College’s Hastings campus, and attended her first exhibition at the end of 2021 after missing out on previous events due to the Covid situation.

“I’m here today for the exhibition. It’s quite nerve wracking because all of a sudden your work is on display,” said May. “Because of Covid we didn’t have one last year, so this is our first one and this is the big one because it’s the end of the year. It’s quite scary, but it’s nice that everything we’ve done and led up to is here.”

One of Ofsted’s many positives about the College, after they confirmed ESC as a ‘Good’ provider earlier this year, was the highly appreciated support that teachers offer students.

Speaking on the positive support from teachers and the draw of having an education in Hastings, May said, “Our teachers are brilliant. They are really easy to get along with. I feel like if I was doing any other course it would feel like I’m still at school, but because the Art Diploma, especially in Hastings, it’s a really good place for the art scene and for music and everything.

“When you grow up here you don’t realise it, but it draws in a lot of people from around the country. Having good tutors that can help you understand that and help you with even little things like assisting with writing a personal statement, there’s really nothing too big or too small. I’m really glad I’ve had the tutors I’ve had.”

She added, “I’ve really enjoyed myself here. It really puts into perspective that it is possible to make a living as an artist. You get told all the time, ‘what can you get from art? Everything is going to become cyber!’, but there’s art in everything - from Graphic Design, to Architecture, clothing… everything! The world wouldn’t be able to exist without artists.”

It’s always important that there is a clear path for progression after a student completes a course with the College, regardless of the subject area.

On her plans after College, May said, “Next year I’m hoping to do Foundation at the same time as a volunteering retreat in Wales! So I’m really trying to secure that! Luckily because the teachers are so understanding , they really make sure you do what you want to do, without having to drop other things. They’re great for that. After Foundation, I’d like to go onto a Degree in Archaeology, maybe somewhere in Scotland!”

To find out more about the Art & Design courses on offer at East Sussex College, please visit our website by clicking here.