“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced”

– Vincent Van Gogh

Emily Collard

Studying an art course at university presented a set of very unique and often challenging experiences which I don’t think would come with any other course! It has been a rewarding experience because it’s such a personal journey for an artist to watch themselves grow, learn and sometimes fail.

Much of my practice relies on drawing as a base as this is where my skills are strongest and over time, I’ve grown into my natural expressive style of linework. My work best applies to book illustration, as I enjoy the narrative aspect

of telling stories in my images. However, my work also links to editorial as my concepts can act as visual metaphors or condense lots of information. Recognising my personal visual language emerging has been extremely motivational for me and inspires me to keep developing this!

My favourite mediums are pencil, ink and paint, but I’ve built confidence in other areas such as printing, digital and collage due to the varied nature of briefs and opportunities. Meeting new people and tutors who are passionate and excited about creating art has motivated me

to pursue my goals and I’m excited for the creative future which I now feel is possible.