Shahina
Ahmed

Can you tell us about your project?
“My design problem was born out of an intense dislike for shopping. You go to a store, and there are so many options, it’s overwhelming. On the off-chance you find something you like, it doesn’t fit properly, or you like everything but the colour, and so on. Initially, the idea was to create a bespoke brand, but as I researched further and learnt more about fast fashion and slow fashion, the idea and brand concept evolved. The brand I created, ‘Apna’, is a personalised slow fashion brand that aims to establish a personal connection between the buyer and the maker to bring the world a bit closer together.”

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?
“I loved being able to experiment with different media, materials, and processes. I used the laser cutter, CNC waterjet, foiling machine, spray booth, embossing press, and screen printing studios. Having these facilities and the wonderful support staff available enabled me to translate my ideas into finished outcomes.”

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“I was looking for a course in Branding and Identity, and NTU was one of the few universities in the UK that offered it.”

How do you find the course staff?
“My tutors were amazing. They were genuinely interested in our projects, and went out of their way to help us. They constantly pushed us to try new things, and were incredibly supportive throughout.”

As an international student, what do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
“I lived and studied in London for a year prior to coming to NTU, so it was quite a change. However, in spite of being a small city, I was pleased to find that Nottingham is a design-friendly city. There are always workshops and talks going on.”

Why would you recommend your course to someone thinking of studying it?
“I would recommend it for the tutors and the facilities. They made the course worth it for me.”

How do you think the course, and having a postgraduate qualification, will help you to progress your career?
“The course has forced me to grow both personally and professionally. By attending events and talking to designers, I have become more comfortable with speaking in public and more confident in my design abilities.”