Olena's pathway to achieving her dreams in the art and design industry

19 year old, Olena Konstantinova is a Ukrainian refugee and travelled alone to live in Wales. 

When Olena safely arrived in Wales, with help and support she discovered the WJEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Coleg Ceredigion.

Since studying in September, she has already been applying for universities and has secured a conditional offer to study at Cambridge School of Art at Anglia Ruskin University.

Olena said: “I’ve always enjoyed drawing and being creative, my family members have always been good at art and inspired me to do art in my future. I decided that I wanted to go to university to study illustration so studying the foundation art course at Coleg Ceredigion was the natural progression to help me get to university.

“Since studying at Coleg Ceredigion, I have gained more confidence in my work and I have made good progress that has prepared me ready for university. My peers are very supportive and it’s nice to have people around you who understand you and have the same interests. Art is a part of me and I can’t imagine myself without it. I’m very passionate and I feel grateful to be able to be on the path to do art as a career.”

The Foundation Diploma is a one-year, intensive course designed to provide learners with a thorough and comprehensive experience of art, craft, design and media. This WJEC awarding body course enables to make informed choices of their career progression to Higher Education and / or employment.

The qualification is focused on developing creativity, understanding of materials and techniques, the fundamental principles of art and the importance of contextual research. It aims to enable students to develop a sound working discipline through regular and extensive practice and is suitable for mature students (17 and above) wanting to expand their abilities and understanding of art.