Hannah Harrison

Why did you choose Northumbria School of Design, and what did you know about us before you applied?

I visited Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) before becoming a student here and the School of Design had one of the best stands there, also the School does really well at GFW every year so that was one of the reasons I decided to apply to study with them. I also wanted to complete a placement year as part of my course, and I knew the fashion design course at Northumbria offered this. Finally, knowing that Jonathan Ive (the man that invented the iPod etc) had studied at Northumbria School of Design was a huge incentive for me.

What do you most like about Newcastle, and how do you find the city?

I love the fact Newcastle is compact. It’s a great city for students with everything from clubs to art galleries, and the beach is also on your doorstep!

How do you find the cost of living in Newcastle?

Great! Everything is really good value. When I compare the cost of living with my friends studying elsewhere, Newcastle always comes up top!

Did you find the Design School welcoming? 

Yeah in my opinion Northumbria School of Design is really down to earth!

How do you find your tutors and the staff within the School?

Down to earth and Friendly!

What are the facilities like?

The facilities are all really good!

What do you like most about the School of Design? 

I think it is great working in a really cool looking building where all the facilities are new!

Tell me a bit about your course. 

It’s a four year course, with a placement year between 2nd and 3rd year. In the first year you complete projects in menswear, womenswear and textiles. Then in second year you choose which pathway you want to do, I chose textiles.  During the placement year, I went to John Lewis for 8 months on my placement year assisting with the accessories designer where I produced specs, design packs, met with suppliers, visited London fashion week,  worked with buyers, designed a girlswear range and produced mood boards so it was a great all round experience. I have just finished my 3rd year and am about to enter my 4th year. In 4th year we have to produce our own collection which we show at our end of year show at the Baltic, then a selected few are chosen to show at Graduate Fashion Week in London.

If you had to pick an object to represent your course, what would it be and why?

A tools belt! In a day I will be in the print room screen printing, to drawing specs on illustrator, to sewing on the sewing machine to pattern cutting!

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date during your time with us?

That you should take every opportunity that comes along!

If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be?

Exciting, Fun, Exhilarating

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

Work hard and be prepared for long hours!

What are your plans now and for the future?

I’m going into my 4th year so my plans now are to be chosen to show my collection during Graduate Fashion Week and then I either want to do a MA or get a job!

What skills would you say you have gained/improved since the start of your course?

I have gained Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator skills which are an essential skill for most design companies!

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria School of Design?

I have become more confident in myself as a designer. I know what I want to design and the companies I want to design for!