UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design student Sophia Ivison is the recipient of this years Joe Cole Award! This award  is given to the student with the most outstanding work across FE and HE. The award is judged by a former employee Ken Young who taught alongside Joe Cole when they used to be lecturers here.

Joe is a former lecturer of the school that after returning from the war “developed into a highly respected and inspirational teacher who launched many successful art careers… a highly gifted artist in his own right, he never sought public acclaim. It was only after his death in 1984 that he began to be recognised as one of the leading British artists of his time.”

As the winner of the award, Sophia received a cheque from our principal for her work, which has been bought by the school and will be displayed on campus along with the previous winners from over the decades.

Sophia, from Middlesbrough, came to The Northern School of Art from Unity City Academy. Speaking of why she chose to study here she said; “I decided to study at The Northern School of Art because “I have always loved art, and would spend many hours drawing and painting since I was very little.When I was around 4 I would always go straight to the art supplies in school instead of playing outside with other kids. All my life I have always been told I had a talent from a very young age, and I have gotten better over the years.

My art teachers Mr Lickley and Mr Skeech from ‘Unity City Academy’ as well as my family, guided me towards starting a art career as I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up. They seen potential in me that i didnt see in myself. So my Mr Lickley and Mr Skeech made a phone call and got me a meeting at the Northern Art, I went and got accepted the same day!”

Find out more about her work and award win below:

Tell us about your time on your diploma:

I feel my diploma will help me secure some job opportunities, as well as make my portfolio stand out. I am extremely grateful that my work got chosen for the award as I never believed in myself what so ever, so when I found out I won it was a real shock. I am thankful that my tutors were always there to help me throughout my two years at the college, whenever I was confused or stuck on what to do, they were there to explain and help me understand everything so I was never behind.

Tell us about your FMP!

I have always struggled on choosing a FMP for my work. I found first year really tough and didn’t do the best to my potential. I had low self esteem, and didn’t know what I was doing. But with my tutors Sara, Rebecca and Andy’s help I was able to pull through and have a better understanding on what I needed to do. My second year, we had the choice to do whatever we wanted for our FMP’s, therefore I decided it was the perfect opportunity to create art on the ‘Harry Potter franchise’. As I have always loved the storyline, and films since I was younger.

I decided I wanted to push myself to do something I have never dared to do before, I decided to try realism and portraits. I started off strong and started creating my first portrait drawing of ‘Harry Potter’ I was really nervous but after using some new equipment like my electric rubber, ‘white highlight gel pens as well as new pencils the drawing came together, and I was pleasantly surprised at the end result. Throughout the drawing, did come to some stand points when I struggled to draw details for example: pours, fine lines and hair. I truly did not know what to do and kept asking myself, was this a mistake? Should I start over? I decided I cannot make it perfect and carried on. I am glad I did, because it was the best work I had created until now.

Though, later on I tried something called the ‘Grid method’ for a ‘Dumbledore’ drawing which turned out to be a disaster. It is the worst portrait I have created. I decided to keep it in my sketchbook because it shows a learning curve, and that the ‘Grid method’ is not for me and I am proud I tried something new even though it didn’t turn out as expected.

My favourite drawing and my most proud piece has to be my ‘Voldermort’ drawing as it is my most realistic and detailed work I have ever created! It was what got me the award and I will always remember it as a massive achievement.

What technique I found was best when drawing realism, was using a makeup brush and scraping a pencil onto some sandpaper to create a powder form, then dipping the brush into the powdered graphite then used it to blend and create shading throughout the drawing. It given me a boost in shading and really brought everything together, leaving only fine details to be needed for it to be finished.

You won the Joe Cole Award, how do you feel?

When I found out I won the award. I had gotten a text message from my teacher Sara on teams, with a paragraph talking about the Joe Cole award. I did not know what it was or what it meant, as I had just woken up beforehand. I text her asking what it is and she asked to call me, so I gave her my parents number. She then called me and told me the amazing news. When she told me I had won the award out of the whole entire college, as well as a prize. I was gobsmacked. I could not believe it one bit. I did not know what to say, I was in complete disbelief. As soon as we finished our phone call. I ran and told my parents straight away and they were over the moon, and so proud of me. It had taken me a couple days to really let it sink in that I had won, and made me realise maybe I do have talent and what it takes.

What’s your favourite memory from the school?

My favourite memory, at my time at the ‘Northern school of art’. Has got to be creating willow sculptures with my friends at the start of second year. It was a challenge to work with Willow, and was absolutely hilarious seeing us all work under pressure, and having little disagreements on who does what part of the sculpture. I also loved our show we had at the end of second year I loved seeing all of my classmates work and how members of the public had positive compliments to say about all our work. It really opened my eyes to know I can do whatever I put my mind to.

What are your next steps?

My next step is to go to university at The Northern School of Art in Hartlepool. I am starting the illustration degree in September, and I cannot wait! My plans for the future are to become a famous illustrator, as well as a artist and sell my art. I am hoping to travel and be able to create art at the places I visit to share with everyone. But for now I am going to see where it takes me and to not rush and take it day by day.

What is your advice for students starting the diploma in September?

My advice for any future students that are planning on starting ‘Art and design’, is don’t worry or stress yourself out. You don’t have to have everything figured out, it’s different for everyone.

It could take years for you to figure it out and that is totally fine! Do not rush anything, you have time it’s not the end of the world. If you start the course and decide it is not for you and you want to try another, you absolutely can! And if you feel like your work is not good enough. I promise you it is, and to not give up! You’ll have some days where you don’t want to do anything at all and have no motivation, but you just have to push through. It will be all worth it in the end ❤️.

See more of Sophias work on here Instagram: @Sophia_robbo_art18 and Facebook: Soph robbo.

If you are interested in studying a creative course at college level but are still unsure of a specific area of study, this is the course for you. It encourages individuality to allow you to explore a wide range of artistic skills and experiences allowing you more time to experiment and consider your creative career options. Find out more here.