Before coming to study at LCC, Ulrika Bygge had studied industrial design and worked as a graphic designer for advertising agencies. However, she felt she needed a change.

"I wasn't sure exactly the direction I wanted to go in," she explains. "When I came across the Surface Design course on the LCC website I knew I'd hit on the right thing. The course sounded like it was very hands on, yet broad enough to let me find my way towards a healthier way of working by amalgamating art and design. My favourite aspects were interacting and working with people, printmaking, drawing and painting. But my biggest achievement would have to be the fact that I now enjoy and believe in what I do."

One of her greatest accomplishments was her project, which consisted of a series of ten narrative wall hangings. "For the first time I had the opportunity to work on a large scale - the wall hangings span a total length of 23 metres. And although I had a visual to work from, I was pretty much making it up as I went along with regards to process and material selection, which was challenging and lots of fun," she says.

LCC's links with industry opened many doors for Ulrika.

"As well as casual temporary work, I did a placement with a lighting ceramicist based at Cockpit Arts. Now in my final year, I have been doing a residency at Inky Cuttlefish printmaking studios. Placements and internships are a great way to learn about what you want to do and get your foot in the door. Most of my creative job offers and opportunities have come from them."

The course has also helped cement some clear goals for the future. "I'd like to freelance as a surface illustrator and set up a creative space offering a supportive environment for artists and designers who are interested in sustainable creative practices," she says. "I'd also like to get involved with arts workshops and widening participation projects."