High demand for Holly’s illustrations

Holly Fyson, newly graduated from Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) in Contemporary Creative Practice (BA Hons): Illustration, recently designed a teaching space for BSDC’s childcare students.

Earlier this year, Holly was looking for a project to complete as part of her course, for which she was signposted to BSDC’s Foundation Learning department, whose sensory room was in need of an update to become a vibrant and engaging environment. She took on the challenge of transforming a plain white room into an appealing space, combining a range of stimuli to help foundation learning students develop and engage their senses.

Following the huge success of her sensory room project, Holly’s excellent illustration skills were recognised by several staff from across the college and led to her being commissioned to design a bespoke, realistic and innovative teaching space for childcare students to develop their skills.

Holly met with the early years teaching team during the planning process to share and consider designs and ideas. She conducted herself professionally and completed the project to a high standard, producing an illustration of woodland animals, which perfectly matched the brief.

Holly studied at the College from Level 4 to degree level and strived for success throughout her studies. Her hard work and dedication recently saw her awarded with the Higher Education Learner of the Year award during the BSDC HE Graduation Ceremony by Chief Executive and Principal, Dawn Ward CBE.

Holly is now looking to develop her illustrations and bespoke designs further with her own business through leading online marketplaces, Etsy and Not on the High Street. She also plans to continue her work with the College in the future as an artist in residence, inspiring and motivating the next wave of creative talent.
Speaking about her success, Holly said: “I enjoy the freedom of being given a brief and creating work independently. During my course, I took part in some amazing projects, including transforming the College’s sensory room and creating a nursery teaching space for childcare students. I found working for clients challenging, but I learned a lot from it and it has really boosted my confidence!”

Emma Strange, Deputy Director of Creative Industries at Burton and South Derbyshire College commented: “Holly has always been a conscientious and professional designer; she has shown her commitment and awareness of being a designer and the responsibilities that brings. We wanted to show the full potential of Holly’s work, and this project was a great opportunity for her to do so. Her illustrations and designs are creative and fun, and really suited the childcare environment. It was great to commission a learner who is as professional and hardworking as Holly to implement the ideas and thoughts of the staff and learners, enabling them to work in a real life space.”