Zoe Widdowfield studied Production Design for Stage and Screen and recently graduated in the summer. She came to study at degree-level from our Green Lane campus where she left with triple distinction in Level 3 Art and Design. Zoe’s final project was shown at our Degree show in the summer and received lots of praise! She has now decided to develop that into a fully fledged business. We wanted to catch up with Zoe and chat about her time at The Northern School of Art and what’s in the pipeline for her and her new business idea, Senzory Art.

– Can you tell us about your new business, Zoe?

My business is called SenZory Art, I specialise in making handmade Sensory Products. I use my artwork to help people and educate audiences on the need for Sensory Equipment. I also raise awareness and educate on areas such as Additional needs, Autism and learning disabilities/difficulties.

-Wow! When did you first start this work?

I started my SenZory Art in September 2017 whilst I was studying my final year of my degree in Production Design for Stage and Screen. I came up with my own concept of making my own interactive aquarium themes Sensory set. It’s a travel set which has been featured in Daisy Chain since the degree show. It’s had such a positive response that I decided to keep going with it, as I’m very passionate about helping people and educating audiences on what my work is about and is for.

– Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from everywhere! I make different themed items and explore what I can do with the themes. I carry out a lot of research and experimentation to ensure my work is correct and usable. My design work is usually very experimental and I like to explore all different possibilities.

– What’s everything been like since graduation?

Since graduation, I have been busy working! I have had a lot of positivity about my artwork, and I have done commission pieces. I’m also wanting to study my MA in Art Psychotherapy in 2020 so I’m still carrying out a lot of training, extra courses and volunteer work.

– Did you enjoy your time with us at The Northern School of Art? If so, what in particular?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Northern School of Art! Without it, I would not be where I am today so I’m extremely grateful! Especially to my lecturers both at green lane and Hartlepool who supported and helped me a lot. The atmosphere of the university is amazing and all the staff are very lovely!

– What’s been your highlight so far?

My highlight for me was definitely seeing the reactions to my degree show work! I put a lot of time and effort into making sure everything was right and the responses I’ve had since have been amazing and full of positivity. Graduation was a highlight too as I was very happy to have achieved what I did.

– Have you got anything exciting in the pipe line?

I have indeed! I am in early stages of becoming a business, and I am wanting to set up space in my own studio space. I have plans for next year to go forward with my business, new themes and new products are all in the pipe line! No spoilers just yet though, it’s all very early days, but fingers crossed.

– Where did your passion for art come from?

My passion for art has been with me since I was young. My full education has been dedicated to art and I’ve also found it to be my speciality. My passion for art has fuelled my dream of becoming an Art Psychotherapist. Art to me is therapeutic, so Art Therapy is a profession I am extremely passionate about pursuing  a career in.

– Why did you choose to study at The Northern School of Art?

It stood out to me as the best place for opportunities. The staff were all so lovely and welcoming. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I started the course, but throughout the course I found my ideal and dream profession. There’s also a lot of opportunities with networking and work experience, which stood out to me from other universities.