Simon Phan is an alumni of BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design at LCC. He is an illustrator at risograph design studio Kho Muc in Vietnam. He talks to us about the opportunities that came out of completing a Diploma in Professional Studies in his third year.
I graduated in 2013 from BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design, majoring in Illustration.
I co-founded Kho Muc Studio in September 2018. It's a small print studio specialising in risograph in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
As an international student I wanted to get to know more about the creative market in London and how creative studios are run.
I started my DPS year with an internship at the New Statesman magazine. This is where I developed my interest in editorial design and got a closer look into how a magazine works.
Another incredible internship during my DPS year was assisting the designer Ryan Todd with his illustration project for the London 2012 Olympics. In 2013 Ryan then asked me to help out with his studio booth for the Pick Me Up Fair at Somerset House.
The way things work in different environments. I was lucky enough to have worked at a big company as well as small independent studios.
By giving me one year's work experience added to my CV. DPS definitely helped to boost my confidence and has got me through the interview stage for most of my job applications since graduation.
Absolutely. This is a great chance to reflect on what you’ve learnt so far in academic study. DPS can help you to apply your skills and to examine your personal interests and practice.
It will be a tough year, but in exchange you'll grow and understand more about yourself through your likes and dislikes within a professional environment.
To be brave and present your best self through your portfolio. Things won’t be perfect at the beginning, but it can only get better once you get feedback from people.
My great peers and tutors. I couldn't have asked for more.
Paul Bowman, my former tutor and the former Course Leader for Illustration at LCC.
Bookstores, flea markets and design fairs.
An open studio where walk-ins are welcome. I like to talk with people about ongoing projects and if there's a possibility of incorporating risograph.
View the BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design course page
Find out more about Diploma in Professional Studies
https://www.khomuc.me/