James Taggart

Becoming the illustrator I always wanted to be

Design
Illustration student, James, is leaning his elbow on a printer whilst talking and gesturing.

Shifting to illustration felt right, especially with my interest in 2D work like cartoons and comic books.


Changing my mind to study my real passion

Before Illustration, I initially studied Animation but quickly realised it wasn’t for me—I loved creating images, not animating them! Shifting to illustration felt right, especially with my interest in 2D work like cartoons and comic books.

USW stood out for its top-notch facilities and approachable lecturers. Coming all the way from Ireland, finding a place where I felt at home was important, and the atmosphere here has been exactly that—supportive and welcoming. Everyone’s genuinely happy to help, and our small class sizes create a close-knit environment that feels like family.

Find your course

THIS COURSE HAS HELPED ME BLOSSOM CREATIVELY AND BUILD THE CONFIDENCE TO EXPRESS MYSELF FULLY.

James Taggart

Illustration student

Building confidence and exploring creative opportunities 

Throughout the course, I’ve had fantastic opportunities to connect with the industry. I’m currently working on a VR project with Gogglemines (under NDA, so I can’t share too much), and I’ve participated in events like the Chapter Arts Festival and art fairs in Hereford. These hands-on experiences have shown me the possibilities in this field and allowed me to explore my love for tactile, physical work—whether it’s a drink-and-draw, an art fair, or any creative event, I’m always there!

Looking ahead, I’d like to pursue freelance work while possibly doing a Master’s or a PGCE. This course has helped me blossom creatively and build the confidence to express myself fully. My advice for future students? Just go for it! Illustration is an amazing outlet for creativity and personal growth, and it teaches you to streamline your skills to industry standards.

Employability and Careers

Interested in Design?

Our design courses are created with industry in mind and we aim to prepare you for the workplace by the time you graduate.