Izzy's Chester Made Story: From entering the subject to graduating with it being my biggest passion
Find out what makes Izzy Chester Made
My time of studying BA Graphic Design at the University of Chester has been an interesting journey – from entering the subject with a background studying art, yet not knowing if Graphic Design would be the right choice for me, to graduating with this being my biggest passion and further emphasising that Graphic Design is a significant industry that can only be possible with the drive of creative humans.
Gaining a New Outlook
The subject allowed me to be incredibly expressive with the manner in which I approached and produced my work whilst still giving us a sense of reality in how these principles may play out in a real scenario. Being someone who is naturally reserved, the time at University gave opportunities for teamwork-based projects, which give everyone a new outlook on how collaborative work is critical for this field of profession.
A Community-based Project Gave Me Confidence
My first experience within a project that was community based in Chester was the opportunity to create work for the Chester Christmas Market 2025 – this consisted of free range illustrative work with the idea of capturing what Chester at Christmas means. This opportunity was a fun introduction of local-based work for me, and this also assisted me toward my confidence when it came to my student job opportunity within the subject.
Working for the Chester Festival of Ideas
From February 2026 to July 2026 I landed a job opportunity with the University of Chester as an assistant Graphic Designer for the Chester 'Festival of Ideas' for 2026. Throughout my time working with the Festival team and the University I had a great time connecting with different people in different areas of the organisation, and understanding how to make their visions a reality was rewarding!
During this project I got to help expand the brand of the Festival, which would be beneficial to them for the next coming years. I got to have full creative outlet when it came to their promotional materials, which have helped engage a wider audience for 2026 from previous years, and I created physical design assets that would be viewed and used by hundreds of people throughout the event! This experience really helped shape my outlook and provided me with the confidence to pursue my next steps of being a Graphic Designer!
The Annual Degree Show: Displaying My Work
The 2026 degree show has to be one of the most accomplishing feelings for anyone on the Graphic Design course, as you are able to display all the hard work of your passion projects to a whole audience. For me, this was a project based on my other interest of theme parks and the idea of that the past, present and future of Graphic Design is human. The idea of the time we are living in, it may seem that for someone new who may be considering this course but is pushed away by the concept of 'AI is taking over' – I can say it is not, humans are the key to making design thrive, and a soulless machine cannot take away or replicate your passion and creativity!
Credit to My Lecturers
Throughout my time here in Chester as a whole I have to give it to my lecturers, Janey and Gareth, who have been nothing but supportive towards everyone on the course in so many ways. The people who help you grow really does make a difference!
Post-graduation: My Creative Journey
I am an incredibly fresh graduate of the University of Chester but I am already actively seeking out my next Graphic Design opportunity! My goal is to land a role close to home in Halton, Cheshire or Merseyside as I feel the importance of being a local designer is important to me as I am able to express my creativity and work along with local creatives.
Alongside this I am also active in posting my creative journey on my social media under my personal brand @izingcreative. I have been showcasing my degree show work, which has gained traction from many theme park enjoyers, and which has given me the insight of how this may allow me to start my own small business within this niche, providing something new and creative to a community of likeminded people!
Being a fresh graduate may seem daunting, which it is very, and it might seem tempting to just give up, but after working hard for three years to give up would be pointless. I have the strive to want to make this a successful career, and if that means putting in further effort and dedication to reach that then so be it!
Advice for Current and Future Students
My advice to any current or future students especially within the creative area is to not stop being creative. You do not have to be earning to be creative, but having that as an outlet it will make an impact and it will keep our future human. But as cliché as it may seem, don't give up on your passion.
To be a graduate of the University of Chester is a great achievement, being a graduate of the University of the city I originate from is a great achievement, and to be at this point shows you will find your way to something you're passionate about!