Student Stories Summer School WINNER: Eve Donaldson and Urban Sketchbook for 16 to 18 Year Olds

So we’re both incredibly excited and a little sad (as Summer School is now over) to announce the final Summer School 2019 Student Stories winner. We’re happy to say huge congratulations go to Eve Donaldson who attended the Urban Sketchbook for 16 to 18 Year Olds short course! Currently taking her GCSEs, Eve had an epic journey to make it to her first day but once here had an incredible time learning, meeting other like minded students and getting to experience CSM for herself.

“The short course has also made me less anxious about applying to CSM in the future; being able to look around the college was really helpful in giving me an idea of how it all works and what student life is like.”

^{Eve Donaldson}

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

I'm from Belfast, Northern Ireland. My favourite thing about Belfast is probably the massive amount of history it has - interesting things have happened in nearly every area of the city!

What are you studying and where?

I'm still in full-time education (unfortunately), and I am entering my second year of GCSEs at Our Lady St. Patrick's College, Knock. I'm currently studying 11 GCSEs, including French, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, and of course Art and Design.

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

During Summer School I attended the Urban Sketchbook for 16 to 18 Year Olds short course. Due to some of the materials I was bringing from home to London I had to take a ferry to Scotland, followed by a bus to London (which took about 12 hours) and I arrived in London about four hours before my course began. I was exhausted but also very excited to start!

What did you enjoy most about your short course?

The variety of people on the course. We were a group of seven but we all came from different countries, and all had different plans for what we wanted to do artistically in the future. It was great to learn about the other courses and options that people were considering for university that I hadn't considered yet.

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

It was a bit nerve-wracking when I first arrived, because it was completely different from anything I had ever seen in Belfast - but after a short while, it became really familiar and comfortable. My favourite experiences were probably looking around the college art shop, they had a large variety of products and materials that I hadn't seen in other art shops before, and trying out the food in the college canteen.

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

My short course has given me a lot of new skills that I'll hopefully be able to incorporate into finishing my Art and Design GCSE work. I've learnt new techniques in monoprinting, and I've developed a large portfolio of work throughout my time on the course that I will hopefully be able to use in my GCSE experimental portfolio. The short course has also made me less anxious about applying to CSM in the future; being able to look around the college was really helpful in giving me an idea of how it all works and what student life is like.

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

I'd advise them that even if it seems a bit nerve-wracking at first, just go ahead and try it out! In Urban Sketchbook for 16 to 18 Year Olds you can develop a fantastic portfolio of work with the help of experienced tutors, and short courses helps you find and spend more time with like minded people.

What do you believe is integral to the work of an artist/creative, in any discipline? AND can you recommend a piece of art, in any medium, you feel everyone should see?

I think being passionate about your work is the most integral part of any creative. If you lose passion, you're going to lose motivation, and that can lead to a drastic dip in the quality and feeling of any piece of art.

My favourite piece of art that I would recommend anyone and everyone to see is J.M.W. Turner's 'Snow Storm - Steam-Boat off a Harbour's Mouth’. I love the atmosphere created throughout the piece.

What 3 words best describe your CSM Short Course experience?

Informative. Fascinating. Entertaining.

Feeling inspired? Why not check out all of our short courses for teenagers to find the perfect fit for you!