Heather Sykes
Heather Sykes a Creative Writing and Illustration student who graduates in September embraced life at university to the full, getting involved in extra-curricular activities and working as a student ambassador.
She combined her illustration skills with a passion for nature to become a lead student in the University’s sustainability work, contributing to blogs and helping out at the annual Go Green Week.
Heather joined the course straight from completing her A-levels.
“After attending an Open Day, I loved the green spaces in the city and how friendly the people here are, but also, I felt the staff and students I spoke to on the day were very friendly and happy,” she said. “The University of Worcester was also the only place in the UK that offered the joint in Creative Writing and Illustration which was so unique and aligned perfectly with my interest in children's books.”
She added: “There are a few key moments that made my course special, including a great workshop from a guest illustrator, Petr Horacek. I also loved the final degree exhibition, getting to see everyone's work together. Also, getting involved in the Clay Club run in the Art House was a highlight; it was very therapeutic to sit making pottery for a few hours each week between deadlines. Another one of my favourite memories was the opportunity to study a module abroad in Venice, which was a completely different experience and one that made my course even more special.”
Heather has a passion for stop animation, a filmmaking technique which is captured one frame at a time.
“I spent lots of time during lockdown making stop-motion animations, so this was something I was keen to (and was able to) carry on through my degree,” she said. “I ended up making several stop-motion animations both 2D and 3D for a range of formats (children's TV concept, music videos, political short films, and illustration competitions) which I was very pleased was supported on my illustration course.”
Heather is now working part-time as a Content Writing Assistant and is hoping to break into the world of publishing, with a key interest in children's publishing.
The University’s annual autumn Graduation Ceremonies will take place as planned from September 12-14 in the beautiful and historic Worcester Cathedral followed by celebration receptions at the City Campus. No Worcester graduates have been affected by the marking and assessment boycott.
Find out more about the Arts at Worcester.