Carys Reynolds: BA (Hons) Illustration

Full Name: Carys Reynolds
Graduation Year: 2017
Course Studied: Illustration
Job Title: Creative Artworker
Employer/Organisation Name: Graze
What are you doing now you have graduated from the University of Lincoln?: I am working as a Creative Artworker, specifically for packaging at Unilever owned snack company Graze.
How did your time at the University of Lincoln support your career?: I studied Illustration, which really helped me to develop my creative skills. I knew I wanted to work in the creative industry, the Illustration course at Lincoln really helped kick start this for me.
What are the best parts of your job?: The best part of my job is being able to combine my technical design skills with my interest in the Food/FMCG industry. The role has a lot of responsibility and has allowed me to branch into the print and technical side of the industry.
What inspired you to study at the University of Lincoln (or one of its predecessor institutions)?: When I was viewing university Lincoln stood out to me for it’s facilities, specifically design building and the campus nature of the site. The course also stood out for what it could offer me in terms of learning technical skills (like life drawing and print processes).
What was your favourite thing about being a student at the University of Lincoln (or one of its predecessor institutions)?: Lincoln felt like a friendly University, the city is fun yet compact meaning I could walk anywhere, the University and the friends I made were always close by! It was an all round enjoyable experience, i’m pleased with the choice I made.
What would you say to a prospective student thinking of applying to the University of Lincoln?: I’d say make sure to go on a tour, take a look around the facilities and ask lots of questions about the course. This was really reassuring to me and made the choice an easy one.
If you could give our current students any top tip for after graduation and their careers, what would it be?: Do anything. I put pressure on myself to find a creative job straight away, but this wasn’t the case for me, I spent 2 years working in retail and office jobs. This all turned out to be invaluable experience, all of which lead me to where I am now working in the creative industry. All the things you do along the way are worth it to keep busy, learn new things and earn some money.