Kim
Watson

Kim studies on our BA (Hons) Photography course and has recently won a Nottingham Young Creative Award.

How did you find out about Nottingham Young Creative Awards?"Being a Nottingham local I already knew a bit about the awards, and our tutors sent out an email reminding us about this year's competition."

Tell us about your winning entry."The theme was 'Made in Nottingham' and I decided to base my entry around the mixture of old and contemporary architecture in the city. In light of this, I also used a combination of old and new photographic practices, including multiple exposures of the architecture that conveyed the busy atmosphere of the city."

How did you feel when you found out you had been shortlisted, and eventually won?"I was quite surprised to be shortlisted as I had forgotten I had even entered amidst all the Degree Show chaos! Upon winning I felt extremely proud that my work was getting noticed and it gave me a huge confidence boost."

How valuable do you think this award is in terms of helping you develop as a designer?"This award has given me the confidence to be able to develop my practice, keep entering competitions and take on all the opportunities that come my way without doubting my work."

What did you win?"I won a cash prize and valuable work experience with a local photography business that specialises in event photography."

What made you choose to study Photography at NTU and what have you enjoyed most about the course?"I liked that the course included a good balance of both theory and practice. My favourite part was writing my dissertation because I had an excellent tutor to assist me and I was able to focus purely on what was personal to me. The study trip to New York in Year Two was also an incredible experience!"

What would you say the strengths of the course are, in terms of preparing students for industry?"A large amount of time on the course is spent preparing you for the Year Two exhibitions and the Final Year Degree Show, both of which prepare you greatly for the future. Also, the course provides lots of opportunities to work with local galleries, institutes, artists and photographers."

What do you enjoy most about living and studying in Nottingham?"Nottingham is a city of rich history and many talented people, it offers so many exciting opportunities."