Studying Illustration at ECA equipped Kate with the tools necessary to process deeper personal feelings and experiences through art while also building a repertoire of design skills.

Since graduating Kate has been able to jump into work as a freelance artist, pursuing her interests in veganism and animal welfare.

Why I chose to study Illustration - BA (Hons)

I was drawn to the city of Edinburgh for all the typical reasons, and also intrigued by ECA’s reputation (from the way I would hear people talk about ‘Illustration at Edinburgh’ when I was studying my foundation diploma at Leeds College of Art).

Additionally, there was the allure of a small programme cohort – the thought of studying alongside hundreds of people overwhelmed me – and I really liked the look of the artwork people had been creating as I snooped around after the interview.

Seeing the artwork of current students was a big encouraging factor for me, as opposed to the look of the studio itself, but the promise of a desk all to myself (apparently too much to ask for on other courses…) and the view to the castle was admittedly pretty enticing.

My experience since graduating

After graduating I wasn’t ready to leave Edinburgh; time at university had passed so quickly and I felt as though I’d only just arrived.

After graduating I was continuing with sporadic commissions (as I had been doing during the course) and was also working part-time for a vegan festival. This continued quite unsatisfyingly for a year (I felt as though I couldn’t dedicate enough time to my commissions OR personal work because of the other part-time job, which I wasn’t enjoying) until the festival job unexpectedly fell through.

I was left with no choice but to plunge into being a full-time freelance illustrator whilst I “looked for another part-time job”, but to my great surprise and delight, I realised that I didn’t need another job and could stay afloat from commissions and selling prints! I recognise that I was able to achieve this partially due to the large reach I have on social media – something I have been building for the last decade.

The illustration course at ECA lead me to revelations that have shaped my artistic career for the past four years and forced me to tick important boxes such as creating a portfolio website and an Etsy store!

My biggest achievements since leaving ECA have been painting a 7x7 foot mural in the Animal Equality head office in London; being commissioned by notable organisations/brands such as Sea Shepherd, Wagamama, Vegums, and PETA; having great success selling prints and stickers at a couple of vegan events (notably LiberationArts in Bristol, 2019), and recently having a significant breakthrough with my personal work and my ability to process deeper personal feelings and experiences through art.

My advice to new and current students

Make the most of the studio, because you will miss it when it’s gone – even if you don’t get the best seat you’ve been pining after. Trying to sit in your halls bedroom and create work is not the same as sitting at a desk surrounded by people who are going through the same thing as you.

Explore the printing facilities, and ask for help (you’re not being annoying) and don’t miss the visiting artist talks, even if you can’t be bothered in the moment.