Explore the world of fashion with a short course
- Written byCarys Thomas
- Published date 15 July 2022
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Art has always been an important part of Kristina Sparakowski's life. As a child, Kristina dreamt of following her passion to study fashion design and has since worked hard to realise her ambition. “I am an artist at heart,” she tells us, “and fashion is my greatest passion.”
To expand her knowledge of the fashion design process, Kristina recently took our Fashion Design for Beginners Online Short Course. The course is designed for students who’d like to explore fashion design but have little or no prior experience. Students are taught fundamental skills such as choosing a concept, sources of research, developing ideas into fashion sketches, designs and a collection line up.
We caught up with Kristina to hear about her work and discuss her recent short course experience. If you’re interested in a career in fashion design you may want to take a look at our guide on the role of a fashion designer.
A passion for fashion
Originally from Bulgaria, Kristina now lives and works in Germany. “I studied economics and tourism and I have some international experience in the hospitality industry,” she tells us. “I love drawing and have always been interested in studying fashion design – it is my childhood dream!”
Kristina recently decided to expand her knowledge of fashion design and a short course proved to be the perfect way to find out more about the subject. “This year I finally decided to take my hobby to the next level,” she said. “Since UAL has a great reputation when it comes to studying art and fashion, I decided to take a short course.”
Current projects
Kristina and her husband currently run a small company in Germany. “My husband is also a hospitality professional,” she tells us, “and we have a small business (‘VIRGIN SECCO’) exporting fine non-alcoholic beverages to UAE.”
Since finishing the Fashion Design for Beginners Online Short Course, Kristina has enjoyed working on a range of fashion projects. “At the moment I am working on a series of fashion illustrations and fashion collages which I would love to showcase in a gallery one day,” she explains.
During the course, students produce a body of work that can be added to a portfolio which can be used for a range of future applications. For Kristina, the course has been an important source of inspiration for ongoing creative projects. “This was the most inspiring course that I’ve ever done,” she says, “I have learnt so much and I am still working on one of the projects now.”
New approaches
Kristina credits course tutor, Romero Bryan, for helping her unlock her creativity and realise her artistic ambitions. “Romero was so inspiring,” she says, “he really managed to unlock my fantasy and creativity. I didn’t know that I could do all the things that I did! I believe every young artist at the beginning of their career needs an encouraging tutor like Romero. I am so grateful for the chance to learn from him.”
Kristina feels that the course has inspired her to start a new chapter in life and explore new ways of thinking and making. “The course completely changed my way of thinking and enriched my creativity. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the course was really practical and industry oriented. I believe this is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in my life!”
To find out more about Kristina’s work and see some of her current creative projects, follow her on Instagram.
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Student artwork by Kristina Sparakowski
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Student artwork by Kristina Sparakowski
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Student artwork by Kristina Sparakowski
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Student artwork by Kristina Sparakowski
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Student artwork by Kristina Sparakowski
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Student artwork by Kristina Sparakowski
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Student artwork by Kristina Sparakowski
Do you have a passion for fashion?
We offer a wide range of fashion design short courses designed to help you kickstart your creative journey with an introduction, as well as a number of specialist courses that will allow you to advance your skills and refine your style. Read more about how to start your career in fashion design with a short course.
Investing in a short course can be the perfect way to break into your dream creative field. As Kristina puts it, “the best investment is and always will be an investment in yourself.”
Take a look at our fashion design short courses for more information. You may also want to explore our full schedule of short courses starting soon.
