While studying Photography - BA (Hons) at ECA, Alexander made the most of the vast array of opportunities available at ECA from directing a short film with the Edinburgh Filmmaking Society to being a board member of Bookmarks. 

Since graduating, Alexander has continued to pursue his passion for photography, preparing a portfolio of work to apply to study photography at the Royal College of Art.

Why I chose to study Photography - BA 

Attending university always seemed like a pipe dream, it was through a film-making workshop with Media Education and the Scottish Documentary Institute when I realised I wanted to study at Edinburgh College of Art. In those workshops I was surrounded by past alumni, and I remember thinking that I too wanted to surround myself with great like-minded people.

It was everything from the flexibility that the programme offered, to the magnificent natural light in the art studios. I could do anything that I could imagine, the only rule was I needed to work. I knew that I could work until two or three in the morning on a project if I wanted to, and sometimes that’s what it took.

My time at ECA

My time at Edinburgh College of Art was full of unexpected adventures. In the first semester I chose to do an artist book-binding elective without knowing how to properly tie my own shoelaces, due to my Cerebral Palsy. Nothing phased me. If I had a particular train of thought I would see it through until the very end. I joined as many extracurricular activities as I could, ranging from directing a short film with the Edinburgh Filmmaking Society to being a board member of Bookmarks.

Some might say that I am an extrovert and I tend to agree. I attended as many opening nights, film screenings and socials as I could even if I had no one to go with. The people that you meet along the way will provide you with your university experience, and hopefully give you a direction as to who you want to become in the future.

My graduate project was only made possible through the process of collaboration with former photography student from Edinburgh College, Gavin Smart and Natalie Hotchkiss a former Languages student at Edinburgh University. I met Natalie Hotchkiss through my part-time job at McDonald’s.

Realising that every University experience is unique gave me the courage to try new and different things.

My experience since graduating

I tried not to think about ‘leaving’ art college, it’s inevitable at the end of the day. We start, but eventually finish one day. My time and experiences at Edinburgh College of Art were second to none. I am still working on new ideas and preparing my portfolio to apply for a post-graduate at the Royal College of Art. My career will take years to evolve, and it will develop over time. Currently I am organising my first book launch at a WeWork in Edinburgh, overall, I am quite excited for the future.

Art college taught me how to work both independently and as part of a team, a useful skill to have for every project or collaboration that you work on.

My advice to new and current students

For a first-year student I would advise to try a diverse range of courses as something may surprise you. For a final year student, I would advise to start working on your ideas in the summer months, as going through an extensive creative thought process is crucial.