Education is a word that is used in everyday situations in any number of contexts, it exists as a typical path for many of the more privileged people around the world, and it is something others can only dream of. It is a word that possesses great power and even greater opportunity, so it is no surprise that choosing the right path can be a decision full of fear and trepidation. Making the commitment to not only focus your energy on something new but also committing to allowing change to happen in your world, is a serious and important step. And then there is the anxiety of choosing the right place to focus your energies. Navigating where and what to study can be tricky terrain especially in a time with so many options and oftentimes, so little trust; it is fair to say you would be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed. But remember, a waterfall started with just one drop of water, so let’s look at what really matters.
Maria O’Sullivan Abeyratne
Beyond Academic Excellence
In order for any academic institution to meet accreditation requirements, there are rigorous standards that must be met. And while most reputable academic bodies will meet these standards, we at the academy view this as the very minimum of our obligations.
Our steadfast belief is that while accreditations and academic excellence are vital, learning is so much more than that. We have spent decades not only honing and improving our coursework and content, but we have also been looking at the whole picture, the entire student experience and the value of immersing students into the mind and the universe of their chosen area. Not just the books. This is why our tutors are all professionals in their field and are actively involved in the creation and curation of our courses.
We are governed by the ethos that learning is life, and anyone who has lived for more than a minute will know that life is a meandering and unpredictable path of experiences and of change. We respond to the expectations of our students and adapt accordingly. So, when we combine this ethos with the highest of academic standards, plus a faculty of practicing professionals, well, it’s hardly surprising that the result is an alumni with a track record of successful careers.
Miriram Keegan
Success Stories That Speak Louder Than Words
Another valuable lesson we hold dear to our approach is that actions will always speak louder than words, so rather than making claims about our successful graduates, you can take a look for yourself.
Miriam Keegan, a graduate of the Fashion Design Academy of Ireland, where her passion for sustainability in the fashion industry was born. She is also a Fulbright scholar and is currently serving as a social compliance associate at FLA (Fair Labour Association). Miriam is on a crusade to change how fashion & textiles are produced, used and disposed, and she is already making waves in the industry. Read about her and check out our short film here.
Miriram Keegan
From the British Academy of Fashion Design comes Maria O’Sullivan Abeyratne. She established her company Adaptista, a fashion line intent on removing the “otherness” from adaptable clothing by making clothing more accessible to those with disabilities. You can watch a short film and read their blog in this link.
Maria O’Sullivan Abeyratne
Have a browse at other blogs from other successful Fashion Design alumni including Eylem Yildiran, Emily Houghton and Tom Fuggle in Australia.
Tom Foggle
Following Your Creative Calling
All of our success stories have one thing in common, they all speak of an inner voice, a calling or a drive that has been whispering in their ear for their whole life. Many began on different paths in their professional life but as that whisper grew louder and louder, they all say they simply could not escape the urge to do something creative and just take that leap.
Creative minded people can never escape the urge to innovate, and to bring ideas to life, and as soon as these graduates took the leap and began their learning journey, they knew this was the right thing for them.
Sometimes the hardest part is making the choice to do what’s right for you. Everything after that is gravy!
