Alumni Spotlight: Erin Gibbons, Art & Design Foundation Diploma
Our Art & Design Foundation Diploma is designed to give students experience working with a wide range of creative disciplines to help them decide the direction they want to take in their artistic career and further study. The course is structured to help each student develop their individual voice and a way of working that best suits their interests and abilities.
Erin Gibbons studied at Leith School of Art on the Foundation Diploma 2023/24, passing with Distinction and going on to study the 3D pathway of Fine Art at Central Saint Martins. We spoke to Erin about her experience at LSA, and how her first year at University is going.
Why did you choose to study the Foundation Course at Leith School of Art?
I chose LSA because it provided the ideal environment to explore my artistic interests before committing to a university degree. The programme prepares students to pursue degrees in fine arts, graphic design, and other creative fields. My goal for the year was to build a strong foundation in skills such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and design for my art portfolio. I wanted to enrol in a course that would allow me to experiment with various techniques and materials, helping me identify my preferred mediums. Additionally, I aimed to gain a deeper understanding of art history and contemporary practices beyond just A-level standards. LSA offered all of this at a high quality.
How would you describe your time at Leith School of Art?
During my year at LSA, I learned many valuable lessons, but the most important takeaway was to always stay open-minded. I discovered the importance of trying new mediums and styles, especially techniques and materials outside my comfort zone. The experimentation I engaged in during sculpture week was crucial for me — it helped me identify my strength in this medium and started an obsession that shaped the work I made for the duration of the course and inspired applications to further my sculpture/fine art education. If I were to do the Foundation again, I would remind myself not to stress too much about the final outcomes. At LSA, embracing the unexpected results throughout the process is often more valuable and interesting than executing a meticulously planned idea exactly as envisioned.
What did the Art & Design Foundation Diploma prepare you for?
The foundation course provided me with a solid structure to develop my work independently. The framework of Research > Development > Final Piece has been invaluable. Now, as I pursue a university degree, I find that there is always ongoing feedback or suggestions for improvement. However, LSA prepared me to view critiques and feedback not as daunting challenges, but as positive learning opportunities. The thorough but constructive criticism I received on the foundation course has been incredibly valuable for my growth and continues to guide me.
Do you have any advice for new and/or current students?
No.1 Tip: Stay curious and get an Edinburgh Fine Art Library Card! I spent so much time there on the weekends and it really helped my work develop. If a particular subject or technique intrigues you, go and flip through some books on it. Staying informed about contemporary artists and movements happening in Edinburgh and the UK will keep you inspired and provide context for your own work. Always keep a question ready for a tutor, as that's what they’re there for. I found that I got the most out of my experience by regularly stopping my tutors for a quick chat whenever they passed by my desk.
What has your experience been like since leaving LSA?
Since leaving LSA, I have started studying the 3D Pathway of Fine Art at Central Saint Martins. The atmosphere there is refreshingly independent and hands-off. After a nurturing year in the foundation program, the freedom of a less structured course has allowed my creativity to flourish even more than I ever expected. This environment provides me with the potential to explore my artistic instincts independently whilst still ensuring that guidance and support are readily available whenever I seek it.
Learn more about the Art & Design Foundation Diploma, fees & funding and how to apply.