Life at Reading College
Kallum-Andrew Smeesters-Kirkwood studied Graphic Design Level 3 and then a foundation year at Reading College and University Centre from 2015 to 2018.
He is now studying an MA in Fine Art at Reading University and working part-time as an art technician at a school, while working on his own projects and publishing them to his website.
Kallum said: “Studying at Reading College was a great experience. It took me from being quite designer-minded to thinking like an artist, which is what I am now, and has helped put me on this career path.
“I went to college because I wanted to get out of the school mindset and to try and get some real-world experience.”
“One of my favourite things about college was having access to the workshops and having all the amazing equipment at my fingertips.”
Life after college
After college, Kallum took a gap year before going to university. He worked in retail full-time to gain some work experience, while building up his portfolio in preparation for university and a career as an artist.
He then went on to study a BA in Fine Art at Reading University and has now progressed on to his Master’s course.
“I specialise in the practise of photography and filmmaking, in a style that’s between the boundaries of surrealism and post modernism,” he said.
“I was also the first in my family to go to university, which I’m quite proud of, because it’s a big achievement for me.
“I’ve definitely matured after going to college and university. I’ve gone from being a bit of a class clown to now, feeling like an adult.
“Especially now, working in a school as a technician and taking a role of authority, makes me realise how much I’ve grown up, and I think college had a big influence on that.”
Motivation and Inspiration
One of the people who inspired Kallum was his tutor at Reading College, Mike Workman.
“Mike’s straightforward approach to my academic studies and photography really showed me how to be a photographer going forward and he taught me what I’d need to do to make it in the industry,” Kallum said.
Kallum shared how certain achievements at college motivated him to keep going and pursue a career in art and photography.
He said: “I’m really proud of getting a Silver Arts Award while studying at Reading College.
“The award is equivalent to an extra GCSE that’s funded by the Arts Council. It’s a funded process that gives participants an additional qualification within the arts.
“To do it, I had to work alongside a tutor from the college with a group of five to 10 people, and we exhibited at the Modern Art Oxford, creating our own exhibition space and having an actual external exhibition. I got to work as the junior curator which was quite an honour”
Advice to college leavers
Kallum had some words of wisdom to share with college leavers who are about the take their next steps in the creative industry.
He said: “If you feel you’re ready, jump straight into it. If you’re like me and you felt a bit overwhelmed and unsure what you wanted to do after college, don’t be afraid to take a year out, practise and keep learning more in that break away because you can always come back to it.”