Megan
Hatton

What made you decide to do a short course and why did you choose to do it at NTU? Did you attend for career/professional development or did you attend for pleasure?

I decided to do a short course at NTU as I left Art College when I was 20 and had completely lost my way with my Art. I wanted something to spark that creativity in me again so I could start pursuing my dreams of being an Artist. It started out as something for me to do for pleasure alongside working full time which is why the 1 evening a week really suited me. I had also previously attended NTU as I studied Fashion Management for 4 years there, so I knew it was a great University and had excellent facilities.

What was your favourite thing about your course? 

My favourite thing was how great the tutor was. For that one evening a week I was able to be fully present in learning lots of new painting techniques and really enjoyed it. The evenings always went so quickly.

Have you continued to use the skills you learnt on your course after it finished? Have you worked on anything that’s been particularly successful or satisfying? 

I haven't stopped painting since being on the course. It was right at the start of the pandemic so I was furloughed from my job shortly after for 2 months. This gave me so much time to practice and work on my paintings. In 2021 I exhibited my work with a gallery at The Affordable Art Fair Battersea, London. In 2022 I will be back there in March, I'm also part of a private show at a gallery in Esher in April and in May I will be back at The Affordable Art Fair but this time in Hampstead, London.

I honestly wouldn't have had any of this success if it wasn't for the course sparking the creative side of me again and giving me the confidence to explore and put my work out there.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham? 

Vibrant, Creative, Contemporary

What do you think of the creative and cultural scene in Nottingham? Is Nottingham a good place for creative people? 

I absolutely love the creative and cultural scene in Nottingham. There are some truly brilliant independent businesses and everyone is so supportive of each other. There are great art galleries such as George Thornton Art and small indie's such as K.Fines Jewellery who actively support other indies in their shop. It's a great city for creatives to be inspired.

Where would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?

I'm a really big foodie and absolutely love No.Twelve but also love visiting Wollaton Hall as it's the perfect place to go for a great walk.

If you could give anyone considering doing a short course some advice, what would it be? 

Enjoy it and ask lots of questions because it goes so quickly.

What’s next for you now you have finished your course? 

To continue with my artwork and see where it ends up taking me over the coming years. It's a really exciting time for me now.

I just wanted to say a big thank you for running these courses and making them so accessible. The price is incredible for what you learn and it really has helped me to completely change my life and be able to make a living from something I love doing.