Katy
Waterfield

What made you choose to study Textile Design at NTU?
"The Textile Design course here allows you try each specialism and then specialise, which is exactly what I wanted to do. Nottingham is such a lovely city and when I visited I could just see myself being happy here."

What do you enjoy most about the course?"The course allows you to develop so many new skills. The live projects are a key feature of the course; the most important part of coming to University is to be employable, and with all the connections we make through the course with companies, NTU helps you to do this.

Congratulations on being part of the winning team for the Next live project! Can you tell us a little bit about it?
"In teams, Next asked us to create fresh, new and innovative designs and concepts for a variety of printed, woven and knitted products for Next's 2015 autumn / winter menswear range.

"I learnt how to work effectively and get the most from good teamwork. I also worked a lot more professionally than I had done in previous projects as there was more pressure which helped push my ideas further.

"Completing live projects gives us so much more reality to our design work. To research the industry thoroughly so we understand exactly how our work can fit in and what the company wants from us. It is also a really important part of making contacts, and keeping hold of them for when we graduate. It's really good to put on your CV as work experience which helps develop your own personal knowledge of the market."

How have you found the course staff?"The tutors are dedicated to helping you when you get stuck, to encourage you and to help you see solutions. I email and talk to mine often to get their opinion or technical advice. The technicians are brilliant in the workshop, they will always have time to come and fix whatever problem you have - even if you do it five times in a row!"

Did you complete any work placements during your studies?"I volunteered at the Framework Knitters Museum in Ruddington. This was such a lovely experience as I was able to learn how to operate the 19th Century knitting machines. I also made a few products to go in their craft shop. They are all really welcoming and I hope to continue to help out there when I can - I love that a heritage museum can keep the skill alive through people like me who show an interest and want to learn."

Why would you recommend studying Textile Design at NTU?
"It’s a great place to study, the tutors are really encouraging and push you out of your comfort zone so you discover new things. The theory side of the course makes you look at the world a completely different way and appreciate where your designing fits into contemporary culture."