January 2017
Danielle Rippengill
Graphic Design, 2016
1. Tell us about yourself.
I am a recent Graphic Design graduate from Anglia Ruskin and have continued my studies undertaking a Masters postgraduate course in Graphic Design and Typography. My interests within graphic design have now led me to my new role as a junior graphic designer designing children’s books. I have always enjoyed publishing and typography and couldn’t be happier my career is starting in these areas.
2. What is your fondest memory at Anglia Ruskin University?
My fondest memories from my time at Anglia Ruskin has to be the friends I’ve made and the new people I continue to meet. They've become a vital part of my university journey. I will always look back fondly at my graduation ceremony after being asked to deliver the vote of thanks, this for me was the perfect way to end a very enjoyable three years at the university.
3. What advice would you give to current students as they're preparing to graduate?
It’s really hard as you prepare for your career and graduation, it's a lifetime's worth of hard work and tears, so enjoy the moment! Throughout the last year of your undergraduate course it is best to start looking at companies you would like to work for and finalising your portfolio ready for interviews. At least then you are prepared and the whole process won’t feel so daunting.
4. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst you were studying?
I wish I had known that all the hard work will pay off and that my university experience would not only help me grow as a designer but also as a person too. I spent a lot of time stressing and worrying about my work and if I’m good enough, and I wish I had spent that time enjoying my university experience even more than I did!
5. How did your time at Anglia Ruskin help you?
When I first started university, I struggled and lacked confidence in myself and my work. If anyone three years ago had told me I would be where I am now, I would not have believed them. When I became a student ambassador for my course and the university, this was definitely the turning point for me. I found I was able to talk to new people about my university experience and course with ease, rather than shy away in the corner. Over the years this really helped me and opened up more opportunities for me. I realised one of my aspirations for the future was to become a lecturer and since then I have been able to teach graphic design and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
6. What did you love about your chosen course?
One of the best parts about my course was the group of lecturers we had. They worked incredibly hard for all of us to ensure were getting the most out of our work and the course. They offer help and support every week and are an asset to the university. The course itself has lots of opportunities to work with companies outside of the university on different briefs, one of which is Sony! This is a part of the course that starts to prepare us for the industry and what is expected of us.
7. What would you tell someone thinking of studying at ARU?
I’m obviously very biased because I would not have wanted to go to any other university; I’ve found the whole university very positive and friendly and glad I’ve spent my time here at Anglia Ruskin. I think one of the best things to do is to come for an open day, talk to our students and lecturers and get a real feel for the university and the course you're interested in.
8. In one word how would you describe Anglia Ruskin?
Creative!
9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
One of the first things that got me interested in graphic design was creating a magazine during my A levels studying media studies. Continually from that moment on I was interested in typography and working with text and image. My interests over the years have only developed and I have become more and more intrigued about the possibilities and need to gain more knowledge.
10. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
There are many different achievements that I am most proud of, successfully completing my degree, collaborating with a fellow student to design the final degree show publicity in June 2016, being selected to give the vote of thanks at my graduation and lastly now undertaking my Masters in Graphic Design and Typography.
I’ve come a long way from the person I was when I started university and I think that could possibly be my greatest achievement, I’m very proud of the person I’ve become and look forward my future in design.
11. What advice would you give your younger self?
This was some advice I was given by one of my lecturers and it's stayed true all through university: Be your own best friend.
12. What drives you?
My drive is to constantly question myself and parts of the design world. I always want to learn more and become a better designer. My aspiration to become a lecturer is definitely one of my biggest drives, it keeps me focused on my future and ensures I’m following the right path to hopefully fulfil this one day.
13. What’s next?
I’m currently in my first year of my Masters postgraduate course and I hope to successfully complete this in 2018, with the hope to continue my studies at Anglia Ruskin and undertake a PhD. I would like to explore the possibilities of typography, more specifically in children’s books and for educational purposes.
I absolutely love my new job so hope to stay designing children's book for many years to come. I hope to build upon some of my illustrative skills to help me in my career and pass some free time when I can!
But, we will see what happens, I enjoy travelling so hope to fit in some down time and explore different parts of world, too.
