1. Personal Statement Hannah Jones
I believe Photography is one of the strongest branches of communication across the world; it has no
linguistic boundaries; it has the power to document any moment in time and lets you see the world
around you, past and present. By my studying of such a diverse art and design course I have had the
opportunity to find an area in which I know I will thrive, this area being Photography. I have a
diverse skill set from all creative branches which enables me to transfer skills from graphics
design to fine art practices and has given me knowledge and understanding of all field requirements
in the arts industry. I have a passion for all things photographic as it allows me to express my
creativity with others without the need for words.
I was privileged enough to have my work exhibited at a Private exhibition for Look15 at the Bluecoat
Gallery in Liverpool. In this exhibition I was able to use Photography as a medium in which I could
convey a message, raising awareness for people lost in Industry and left by society such as sex
slaves and labourers. Through this opportunity I have gained experience in working to a brief and
submitting for a deadline along with being able to discuss my work in a professional manner.
Since a young age I have been highly determined in learning and refining a variety of skills. I have
attended a team building residential as part of the National Citizenship Service which has enabled
me to become a very confident team member and also gives me the ability to become a team leader this
makes me able to work with clients and also complete successful collaborations. Along with self-
appointed prospects such as NCS I have been able to work on my personal skills through representing
my college as an ambassador; this gives me responsibility and allows me to manage both college
duties and course work. I also represented my course at many open evenings and attended high school
fares as a way to promote and discuss my work and that of the entire course which gives me
confidence and has refined my ability to communicate with a variety of ages from year 9 to year 11.
I am extremely interested in having a career as a photographer, I have made the effort to promote my
work through social media and I have two blogs along with a Pinterest account and Flickr in which
people follow my work and achievements. I have contacted artists and photographers including Freddie
Ardley – one of the photographers who first inspired me to peruse photography as a career- as well
as Erik Janssen a street photographer with an amazing portfolio of portraits. Being able to look at
their work and creative process allows me to see what industry is like and the principles for
fulfilling a live brief. This has also given me knowledge and guidance when completing live briefs
set by the college, I have created posters for the college surrounding student confidentiality as
well as having my own photographs used as part of a promotion for a gallery exhibition set up via
the faculty staff.
I am aware of the changes in the Art and Design sector in recent years due to government policies.
Lottery money for the arts will be more heavily invested outside London with the amount of money per
head increasing; I understand that the Arts sector is one of Britain’s biggest economic employers.
This has given me further confidence in my career choice. I recognise the constant change in
policies around the art and design sector and realise the importance of marketing work and putting
yourself out there to get noticed. I am a self-motivated person who can independently manage a
project as well as evaluate and improve my own products.
My current studies are on the UAL Diploma in Art and Design which encompasses a range of artistic
practises including photography and animation. I am specialised in Photography which enables me to
study photography 15 hours a week plus the independent study I put in along with this. By having
studied most artistic areas I can transfer skills such as Photoshop, and Adobe Premier to make more
interesting and refined pieces of work.
I have a keen interest in performance; I attend an Ariel Hoop class. This allows me to express my
creativity in a far more physical manner and lets me watch other performers and use inspiration from
their movement to create photographic collections. I also enjoy hill walking and have a large
collection of Landscapes which I photograph whilst on shorter walks in both the Lake and Peak
District.
I feel I possess all the skills necessary to pursue a career in Photography, fully appreciating the
effort and commitment required for a successful career and look forward to the opportunity to make
it as a Photographer.