Okay, better now than never. I shall discuss my traumatic but wonderful experience on the 8th February 2011 at Belfast University of Ulster Art College.
You know how I constantly talked about how I was freaking out about my portfolio. Well it was worth every single moment. Other people had lots of work, and some had hardly any. But their’s was all in A1 portfolio folders, which freaked me out big time because I had two suitcases of sketchbooks and final pieces!!
Disappointingly, when I arrived at 8:30am in the building, I discovered that everyone’s interview was at 9:15. I assumed everyone was given a slot and I so happened to be first. Alas, I was totally wrong. We sat in the entrance area for like 40 mins. I sat beside an unusual chap called Dryder? Or something similar to that. He was unusual, and a little creepy. But looked like one of them strange people who have an amazing gift for art. His portfolio was jammed packed with work. Would have liked to have seen it. Can’t imagine how he would have interviewed though, he didn’t acknowledge anything that was going on, he fell asleep later on. There were quite a few oddities there, but who am I to judge!
Then we were called up to floor E.
After all 30 of us got up to E, we all were told to get a table and place our work on it in this massive room, unused classroom I believe. Everyone sat their work down, but because mine was in books I had to set it all out separately. There was only a half table left so I had to place all my books on it. Then the man got cross at me and I wanted to cry. :( He told me to move it to the sofa, which kinda looked better for my work, but I was annoyed and wanted to slap him out of stress and aggravation.
We then were put into another room, complete with chairs scattered everywhere, and told to take a seat. They said they were going to take some time and look through everyone’s work.
This is when I regret I do not bring water, food or even my phone. We sat for an hour and 40 minutes. Of course, something like that would take a long long time, but time dragged on so much. Other student’s desks of works were in this room, so we were able to stretch our legs and look at their work. They had their own little area with a little wall round them for privacy. This I loved because it suited my own working style. Love the personal space that I can decorate, clean and call my own.
It was then I discovered the flaming charisma that was Mr Edward Cullen. Well, a guy, who was the spitting image of Robert Pattinson playing Edward sitting directly across from me. He was gorgeous. I’m not even joking. His hair was loosely combed back and had a strong jawline. To top it all off, he had a Cullen jacket on, the grey one that he usually wears in the films. It was so peculiar. I kept staring at him in awe. He looked real good. I hope he gets a place. His posture was fantastic, flaming with charisma. (May I add he also looked at me a few times, I think he was freaked out though.) He sparkled in my eyes. Haha.
Eventually, some interviewers returned, saying they will now begin the interviews. They said these go a lot quicker because they are only 10 mins long. They called the first few names of people and they left the room.
Then. THEN. The fire alarm went off.
I was so focused and terrified I honestly thought I was going to have a breakdown. So a few hundred of us clambered down 10 flights of stairs to only reach the bottom and find we have to go back up again. False alarm. What a surprise.
It was then I got talking to a girl called Chloe, and she was so nice. She was from Portadown and her portfolio was mostly fine art. And she does 4 A-levels! I overheard one of the girls who was in the middle of her interview at the time gushing about how nice the women were, and they asked questions from a sheet. She expected that these questions are asked to all the candidates. Mentally I began thinking of questions they could ask me.
I still did not have anything to occupy myself with. I wish I had my phone to text Mum or Dad, who were sitting in the cafe downstairs, patiently waiting and wondering what on earth was going on upstairs.
I found a book about Graphic Design and I don’t remember, but I think I read it cover to cover. I found an interesting quote about the difference between graphic design and advertising, but I didn’t use it in the interview, darn. Every so often a different interviewer came into the room, calling out someone’s name who was not mine. Chloe came and went, she got one of the woman. I was alone, afraid of getting the man who I was unable to decipher what he was saying.
At 11:40, finally, my name was called. But it was not the woman’s voice I was hoping for. Thankfully, it’s voice was one of the most friendly faces. I was so past myself hearing my own name, I’m afraid to say I could not remember his name. But he seemed jolly, and I immediately liked him. I beamed at him, excited that he had freed me from the white room prison.
I followed him into a room, the same room as where my art was sitting. But because half of them had already been interviewed, many tables were empty. I was led over to a single table, where I faced him and a slightly older man. My work was piled up beside them. They both introduced themselves, saying something along the lines of we want to find out things about you, you to find out things about us and the course.
I then spotted the paper on the table, and sure enough the girl was telling the truth. They continued, saying they were going to ask me a few questions.
These questions and answers were as followed. Roughly.
Why does Viscom appeal to you?
I have always loved art, ever since I started my GCSEs did I realise art was the route I wanted to follow. And although I do enjoy some fine art work and 3D work, I feel my work is much stronger using graphic design. My other strong subject is ICT and I feel by combining these skills give an outcome of a higher standard. In my area it is difficult to find groups that provide for this skill so my only option would be to this course in higher education.
What qualities do you have that are suitable for the course?
(I remember making this up before going into the room) Well firstly, I’m quietly confident. I seem like the quiet, shy type, but I am capable of the work I am given. Sometimes I don’t like speaking in large groups and I feel I shouldn’t be made to speak, but I can if I need to, such as now in an interview like this. I also do group management in ICT so I am familiar in working in groups and I enjoy contributing towards a project. This will be suitable for this course because I saw on your prospectus that group work will be done during the 4 year course.
Secondly, I am creative. I like seeing and responding to things around me. I like seeing something small and feeling inspired to draw it, or use it in someway to create something different.
Lastly, to put it bluntly, i’m crazy. But not in a bad way. I like being individual, that bit different. I like collecting things, wearing interesting and stylish clothes and having an interest in something that others don’t have. I think my uniqueness aids my work.
Do you have any disabilities or illnesses?
Um, no.
What job would you like to do after you graduate from this course?
What I like about this course is the wide variety of jobs that are available. At the minute I am looking to go into advertising, because the past year and a half I have used my skills to create posters and invitations for different events, which you may have seen here. *points to stripy book* *they nod understandingly* I enjoy making things that have a purpose, that make people think when they look at it, and I feel useful when I am able to help. I also enjoy fun art too. *They look confused, “What is fun art?”* They laugh. Oh, like photoshopping just for practicing and enjoyment. “You mean experimental?” Yes.
I said something else then ended with: so that’s why I think this course is perfect for me.
Of course, there is probably more that I blabbed about, but that’s basically all I can remember. There were more questions too but it’s all a blur now.
Before I left, I shook their hands, just like Patricia told me to, and began to pack up my many books. The jolly man helped me, and I made a joke about going on holidays because of the number of suitcases I had.
So that was it really. The day was long and I left at midday, starving, shaking but feeling confident because I tried my best. And that’s all that I could do, so I am pleased that I tried. All in God’s hands now.
- The Quietly-Confident, Creative and Crazy Claudia
