I'm a third year student currently studying Product design at the University of Chester. I successfully completed a HND in Furniture Design and Make before progressing on to the third year. Before Furniture Design I did an extended diploma in Art and Design finalising in Photography, 3D Design and Graphics.

Furniture Design was more practical based, it prepared a student for industry and relevant skills needed to make a product from initial idea through to final production. In my final year I designed and made 3 pieces of furniture from initial concept and client specification, through the design and development process to final production. All of my work from both years of study went on to be exhibited at the Manchester furniture show. This gave me the confidence to set up a small upholstery business from home. I took a gap year from my studies to concentrate on the business and it thrived. Within a couple of months I barely had room in my home to continue and expanded out in to a small workshop. I concentrate on smaller products; footstools and bespoke children's furniture as my space is limited. During the current pandemic business slowed and I was able to take a step back and reflect on what I wanted to do and where I saw myself in the future. I decided the next positive and practical step was to go back in to education and further my knowledge of the design world. 

Furniture Design did not give me the level of scope that I wanted to create. There were limitations of the types of products that I could create and I wanted more freedom to explore my capabilities. That's the main reason I chose Product design, so I could branch out. One of the subjects I wanted to explore more was Computer aided design and although I gained 72% in CAD/CAM I felt as though I lacked anything more than basic knowledge. The facilities and programmes run on product design should hopefully help me progress in this area. The challenges that I face this year will be getting up to pace with my peers. I have no knowledge of solid works or how their design process differentiates from what I have previously learned. 

After completing this year I'm undecided as to whether to carry on and expand my business with the extended knowledge that I will gain or see what possibilities this year brings! Below are a few examples of the work that I currently do!