“East Sussex College gave me the confidence to get a degree.”

When Nicholas Clarke first started at East Sussex College, he wasn’t sure he had the confidence to progress beyond Level 2.

Seven years later, after completing Level 2, Level 3, Foundation and a degree in Visual Communication: Illustration, he graduated with the skills and confidence to pursue his own creative future.

After attending Willingdon School, Nicholas chose East Sussex College because it was local, had good facilities and came recommended through word of mouth.

“I chose East Sussex College because it was local to me and had good facilities. I had also heard good things about the college through word of mouth.”

What Nicholas didn't know when he started Level 2 was that East Sussex College would become a seven-year journey, taking him all the way from his first qualification through to degree-level study.

Initially, Nicholas decided to start at Level 2 rather than jumping straight into a higher level of study.

At the time, he wanted to build confidence before jumping in at Level 3.

“Due to a lack of confidence, I decided to start at Level 2. However, progressing through that year really helped me and gave me the confidence to continue through the next few years.”

That first step proved to be the beginning of something much bigger. Nicholas progressed onto Level 3 Art & Design, then Foundation and eventually the BA (Hons) Visual Communication: Illustration at East Sussex College, with the degree awarded by the University of Brighton.

Rather than leaving after completing each qualification, Nicholas chose to keep progressing at the college, building his skills and confidence with every stage.

For Nicholas, that progression was made possible in large part by tutors who encouraged him to push himself and believe in what he could achieve.

“The biggest thing East Sussex College has given me is confidence and encouragement to pursue my interests.”

As he moved through each stage, his confidence developed alongside his creative skills. One of the biggest lessons he took from his time at the college was the importance of pushing himself beyond what he already knew.

“I learnt to work outside of my comfort zone. As I progressed, I became more willing to experiment and try things that I might not have done before.”

That willingness to experiment became an important part of Nicholas’ creative development, with his tutors encouraging him not to become too comfortable with one particular process.

“I would always try new things. You should never stick to one process, and I was encouraged to explore different ways of working.”

One project in particular stands out when Nicholas looks back at his time at the college.

“I remember completing a large collage piece for my final project in year two. It was something I wouldn’t have done without the support and guidance I received.”

For Nicholas, projects like this helped him realise what he was capable of and gave him the confidence to continue progressing.

That confidence eventually took him further than he had imagined when he first started.

“Being able to celebrate an achievement was wonderful. It was really gratifying to reach that point and celebrate everything I had achieved.”

Reaching degree level was a significant milestone for someone who had initially chosen Level 2 because he wasn't sure he had the confidence to progress further. Seven years after starting at East Sussex College, Nicholas had completed his degree and was ready to start thinking about where his creative work could take him next.

Throughout his degree, Nicholas continued to develop his own creative style while maintaining the experimental approach he had built during his earlier studies.

Now, having completed his degree, he is looking towards developing his own work and building a future around his creativity.

“I am creating my own paintings and looking to set up my own studio space so I can create more work.”

Looking back across his seven years at East Sussex College, one moment stands out above the rest – his final exhibition.

“The final exhibition is something I’ll always remember. Being able to admire my work and see the effort I had put in was a really special moment.”

From starting at Level 2 with limited confidence to completing a degree, Nicholas' journey shows what can happen when students are given the support and encouragement to keep progressing.

His advice to anyone starting at Level 2 or Level 3 who might not yet realise that degree-level study could be an option is simple.

“Trust the process and trust your tutors, who tell you to push the boat out.”

Nicholas didn't have his whole future mapped out when he first joined East Sussex College. He simply took the next step, then another, and kept building his confidence along the way.

Now, seven years later, he has a degree, a growing portfolio of creative work and ambitions to establish his own studio – a very different place from where his journey began.