Amy Heffernan
Profession
BA Performance: Design and Practice Alum
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Alumni
Biography
Amy is a freelance Interior Stylist working across photography, installations and interiors. She graduated from BA (Hons) Performance: Design and Practice at Central Saint Martins in 2003.
Interview
Why did you choose to study BA Performance: Design and Practice (PDP) at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
I had a passion for the sets and costumes in films and on stage, the look and feel. Having been involved in my school’s drama production I loved the energy of the efforts behind the scenes. I liked the idea of thinking immersively and working through the process of research, sketching and hands on model making.
What have you been working on since graduating?
Since graduating in 2003 I went on to experience working on short films after a work placement at BBC Costume and Wigs. I then went onto work at Wallpaper* magazine combining my knowledge of set design with my appreciation of contemporary design, to design sets and style photoshoots featuring new contemporary furniture design. Since entering the freelance world in 2020 I now regularly create a feature for Elle Decoration magazine as well as designing interiors for developers and working with brands to style photoshoots.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
The most interesting project was the design for dance module, collaborating with a choreographer from the Rambert school of dance was an immense joy. Together we created a dance which was performed at the Cochrane theatre as part of our final projects. I loved working collaboratively and creating a visual feast with movement, music, costume and set elements using the power of colour in front of a live audience.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
If I was able to offer any advice to students considering the course I would suggest saying yes to every course opportunity and making the most of each project from the start. Being present is vital, I went into the studio every day all day and that helped me to learn from my peers as well as from the tutors. At the end of our course we had a session on business advice and the tax system, this was one of the most important sessions across the three years and I would highly recommend attending any of the less creative talks available as they may end up being some of the most needed in the working world.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
The highlight of my Central Saint Martins experience was having a studio space in which to experiment creatively and have ideas and run with them with no limitations. A chance to seek out what interests you and jump into it without the pressure of commercial decisions or client feedback.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
The most important lesson I have taken into working life was the idea that you don’t design a fancy set just for the sake of it, every element from the set to the props should be rooted in the text, there should be a reason for it being present. The idea that the set can be part of the performance, hiding or revealing elements to the viewer. That really stuck with me and helps me to this day to decide what is really important in every project from an interior design scheme to a photoshoot.
Links
Explore Amy's website to see her work
Follow Amy on Instagram
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn