Student Stories: Ekaterina Vdovichenko and 100 Design Projects

Attending Rod Judkins’ 100 Design Projects this Autumn Term, it was Ekaterina Vdovichenko’s first time staying in London and experiencing this amazing city. Fully embracing and taking in all that this wonderful city has to offer, her short course also allowed Ekaterina to develop and assess what her next steps would be professionally.

“I chose to study the 100 Design Projects course because I wanted to get a glimpse of everything – to be able to experience different ways of approaching design. I believed this would help me decide where I was strongest and to understand where I could develop myself and my ability further.”

_{Ekaterina Vdovichenko}

Where are you from and what's your favourite thing about it?

I'm from St. Petersburg, which is in the Russian Federation. From my early years I was lucky enough to be educated on, and to be inspired by, the works of some of the greatest Russian artists - from Wassily Kandinsky, Ilya Repin and Ivan Aivazovsky to Ivan Shishkin, and many others. For my cultural development and my huge passion for art in general, I owe this to my city and my country, so I couldn't be more grateful for that.

What is your occupation?

I’m a head in the sales department, I work in one of the biggest online English schools in Europe.

What short course did you to study upon at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?

I chose to study the 100 Design Projects course because I wanted to get a glimpse of everything – to be able to experience different ways of approaching design. I believed this would help me decide where I was strongest and to understand where I could develop myself and my ability further.

What did you enjoy most about your short course?

CSM is the kind of place that instantly makes you fall in love with it, you never want to leave! I felt a strong wave of creative energy in everything when I was there, starting with the atmosphere to the people, and our amazing tutor - Rod Judkins is undoubtedly the best in what he’s doing.

What is it like studying in London and what has been your favourite discovery and/or experience?

It was my first time living in London, where I stayed for a whole month, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made this year! I got to visit some amazing places such as The National Gallery, the V&A and Tower of London, as well as dive into the culture and buzzing energy of London through its amazing neighbourhoods. I especially enjoyed visiting Notting Hill, where I was staying, the historic Southwark, the greenery of Kensington and the wonderful Covent Garden. Along with my new friends from CSM, I also went to see an amazing musical, Waitress, at the Adelphi Theatre which was also one of the biggest highlights of this incredible journey!

How has your short course benefited your career, education and/or personal development? What are you going to do next with your new skills?

By the end of the course I definitely achieved what I was hoping to take from the course which was a clearer understanding of the career path I want to follow. It also helped me develop greater confidence in my own skills which is crucial to be able to start accomplishing what I’m hoping to take on in the future.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking a short course at CSM? Why should they study there?

Just go ahead and do it! You have no idea how much you’ll benefit from a short course unless you try it! Even if you’re not attending to develop your career, you’ll get to experience studying in one of the best universities in the world – that’s quite a journey on its own and I’m sure it’ll be an experience you’ll cherish forever.

What do you believe is integral to the work of an artist/creative, in any discipline?

Be true to yourself and fearless! I believe this is an integral part to the work of an artist/creative in any discipline, because this world is already saturated with everyone, but not you!

What three words best describe your CSM Short Course experience?

Uniting. Inspiring. Fascinating.

_{Ekaterina Vdovichenko}