Brenda Hernandez Gonzalez is from Mexico, and graduated from MA Applied Imagination in 2021 from Central Saint Martins (CSM).Please can you tell me a little bit about yourself? I was born and raised in Mexico until my family relocated to Seattle in 2012. In 2015, I began my studies at the University of Portland, graduating in 2019 with a BBA in Marketing and a Minor in Fine Arts.
I’ve always enjoyed immersing myself in as many creative practices as possible, from photography to painting, to inform my career. I kickstarted my professional journey at a Seattle marketing agency after my undergrad, then moved to London in late 2020, where I studied and worked until the end of 2023. I’m now back in Seattle and continually looking to expand my expertise in creative fields, excited by opportunities for collaboration and connection.
Why did you choose to study MA Applied Imagination at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
To be honest, an MA felt like my ‘panic button’ during the pandemic in 2020. With the world at a standstill and a business-focused degree, I started second-guessing my skills and felt driven to push my creative career forward. However, pandemic or not, I’m sure I would’ve chosen to come to Central Saint Martins (CSM) regardless -I’d fallen in love with London during a semester abroad in my undergrad.When I came across MA Applied Imagination, it was unlike any other MA I’d seen. It felt like the perfect fit, a unique blend of elements that aligned with both my creative and non-creative interests. I was accepted into three MA programmes at different universities, but (CSM) ticked the most boxes, offering the flexibility I needed to explore a range of creative outlets and carve my path.
What have you been working on since graduating?I've continued developing Inter.work, a campaign I began during my final MA project at (CSM), advocating for the rights of international students and migrants in the UK, with a focus on expanding working rights. I’m thrilled and grateful that the campaign gained traction across universities and Students’ Unions, sparking new initiatives promoting similar causes throughout the UK.From mid-2022 to the end of 2023, I worked as Creative Lead at a London Craft Brewery, diving into the dynamic brewery world and applying my skills in new ways, which I found incredibly rewarding.
In early 2024, I published an article on international student rights in a higher education publication and presented it to UAL staff to support the cause. After spending time with family in Mexico, I returned to Seattle as a Marketing Specialist and creative. I’m still working on Inter.work and am always eager to connect with others in similar fields to expand my practices.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?My final project, Inter.work taught me that I can tackle issues that feel bigger than myself. As someone who has been both a migrant and a student since 2012, I was always dissatisfied with the professional opportunities available to people like me due to legal limitations and lack of university support. It was a topic I never imagined I could drive change in, much less approach creatively.
The project took me to the NUS National Conference in Liverpool in early 2022, where I was invited to propose that the NUS advocate for international students’ working rights - a proposal that passed as policy! Since then, I’ve continued fighting for the cause, with more SUs and universities becoming aware and working to create a better environment for international students. Meeting others in similar situations has been incredibly rewarding, knowing that the campaign - and the similar initiatives it’s inspired - can truly make a difference.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Send that elevator pitch to as many people as you can. Don’t be afraid to slide into DMs. Reach out to anyone whose work interests you (for academic or professional purposes, of course). The worst that can happen is not getting a response, and even if someone says “no,” at least now you know! When people respond positively, they can be incredibly helpful. Building your network can truly set you up for success during and beyond the MA.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins (CSM) experience?The people. I had one of those unique MA years where nearly half of it was during the pandemic, which made it hard to feel connected at times. Many of my peers felt the same, so we tried our best to build relationships and create something positive out of the situation. I met people of all ages and backgrounds, and we always found common ground, which made the year special. Some of my best friends came from this course.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?How to realise an idea and apply it to the real world. Before this, all my personal projects existed only in my head - I’d never been pushed to develop what felt like just ideas. During the course, I was given the connections and tools to make them tangible, but it was up to me to decide how far I wanted to go. It was incredibly fulfilling to find a cause I’m passionate about, make meaningful change, and see it through.
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