Dimitrious Panagiotidis is a conceptual designer who attended our Screen Printing On fabric Weekend Workshop. Earlier this year he launched his namesake atelier, with his debut collection incorporating the wonderful prints he made during the course “The print making techniques taught enabled me to gain a much deeper understanding of my work. Throughout this process, I mastered my way of conduct and I found my artistic fingerprint.”

© Dimitrios Panagiotidis

Where are you from?

I like to think of myself as a citizen of the world and I appreciate different aspects from various cultures. Nevertheless, my heart belongs to the Greek endless blue.

What is your occupation?

I am a conceptual designer. From a young age I was immersed in the world of fashion and manufacture of fabrics, while my family influenced, mentored and instilled me with a passion for arts and culture, infused with aesthetics. Drawing from the past and gazing into the future, my work expertly taps into the fields of design, fashion and art – erasing the barriers that usually separate these worlds. Each a conceptual blend of these underlying disciplines; expressed through bold image-making, typographic nuance and an unwavering dedication to storytelling. In 2019, I founded my namesake atelier which creates fashion, design items and art, embodying the intrinsic principles of natural materials, geometry and simplicity.

© Dimitrios Panagiotidis

What short course did you to study upon at Central Saint Martins (CSM), and what was your journey to the course?

I attended the Screen Printing on Fabric Workshop, taught by Kangan Arora. During the course we experimented with fabrics and learned the art of printing using exposed and blank screens. Due to having access to the professional print room, we got the chance to create our own artwork.

We studied the preparation of screens for exposure, the mixing of pigments along with inks, as well as printmaking. The final designs we produced, as well as the feedback we exchanged among us, made me feel that I completed a creative work of an elevated level and that the constructive discussions on this enabled me to assess the application of my technique and how to ameliorate it.

© Dimitrios Panagiotidis

What did you enjoy most about your short course?

CSM’s ambience is what struck me most. Notably our professor Kangan Arora, the art facilities and the aura of creativity. The academic prestige rendered it an amazing experience for me. Working with multicultural students from many different corners of this world was eye opening in many ways and helped me appreciate different styles and perspectives to my own reality.

What is it like studying in London?

London’s contradictions and cultural diversity renders it the modern Medina of the arts. I loved it’s fast-paced lifestyle and architecture – every neighbourhood seemed a new adventure to me.

© Dimitrios Panagiotidis

How has your short course benefited your career? What are you going to do next with your new skills?

The print making techniques taught enabled me to gain a much deeper understanding of my work. Throughout this process, I mastered my way of conduct and I found my artistic fingerprint. This internal journey of creative maturity led me to design a series of unique geometric prints for my debut collection.

My aspiration is to delve into the world of fashion and my next step would be to pursue postgraduate studies. Eventually, I would like to end up working in the fashion industry and who knows, maybe one day collaborate with Jil Sanders and Yohji Yamamoto.

© Dimitrios Panagiotidis

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking a short course at CSM. Why should they study there?

I have already strongly recommended the short course I attended at CSM, as I think that it is an academic institution that is recognised by its pioneering creativity, high-end facilities and flawless organization. Having researched intensively on the academic market of courses, masters and academic diplomas, I would say it is one of its kind.

© Dimitrios Panagiotidis

What do you believe is integral to the work of an artist/creative, in any discipline?

Originality and faith are the most important tools that an artist or any professional should be equipped with. One should be bold to create and find his/her unique voice of expression and simultaneously should dare to support this unapologetically, without any fear. Technique and consistency come second. An artist’s vision embodied in his/her artworks cannot be properly constructed without masterful craftsmanship, dedication and attention to detail.

Can you recommend a piece of art, in any medium, you feel everyone should see?

Annie Albert’s works comprise the epitome of my aforementioned points and my favorite artistic creation of hers is Six Prayers (1966-1967). Its scope is to address Jewish genocide and the lives that faded in this inhumane and unfair way. I think this is what art should do. It should help us transcend our reality and celebrate human existence, along with its vanity, eccentricities and all the rest that come with our earthly experience.

© Dimitrios Panagiotidis

What 3 words best describe your CSM Short Course experience?

Follow your dreams

You can see more work by Dimitrious on his Instagram (@de_metry) or website. The Screen Printing on Fabric Weekend Workshop is back in October (places are still available!), click here to book your spot!

Meet Savannah Griffin, a Sixth-from student who attended the Fashion Design for 16 to 18 Year Olds short course this summer! It was inspiring to see her take on the challenge of trying something completely new, “Attending a short course at Central Saint Martins opens your eyes to what studying there could be like. If you enjoy the experience then you will have more of a drive to work towards the goal of attending there for university.”

© Savannah Griffin

Where are you from and what’s your favorite thing about it?

I’m from London and my favourite thing about it is it’s diversity. I find myself discovering something new everyday, not because I intentionally seek these discoveries, but simply because London is a place where everything and everyone is welcome, may that be different types of music, different types of food or different types of people. No matter what walk of life you come from, you are able to flourish and grow here. That’s what I love the most about London.

What are you studying and where?

I am currently attending sixth form at St. George’s catholic school, studying history, politics and art and design while also taking an additional course called EPQ.

© Savannah Griffin

What short course did you to study on at Central Saint Martins (CSM), and what was your journey to the course?

The short course I took was called Fashion Design for 16-18 Year Olds. My journey to the course was a spontaneous one. This doesn’t mean to say that I was not serious about the course, nor was my consideration of taking it light. In fact my decision to take the course was triggered by my passion to discover what it would be like to study at CSM as well as to see whether fashion was the path for me. I had spent hours looking through all the courses on the website, then one day I woke up with the determination to apply to the fashion course because it had intrigued me the most. The idea of designing and creating something that could possibly be showcased to the world on a catwalk caused me to feel overwhelming excitement and eagerness.

© Savannah Griffin

What did you enjoy most about your short course? 

The aspect of the course I enjoyed the most, other then the skills it had taught me, was it’s atmosphere. Unlike in sixth form, this class had a very relaxed feeling to it. Through this atmosphere you are not only encouraged to be more independent from your teachers but it also allows you to really concentrate as well as connect with your piece of work. I was allowed to fully take into consideration all of my research and how I could connect it together to craft a final outcome to my project based on London.

What is it like studying in London. What has been your favorite discovery ?

I find studying in London a privilege. Although I study here on a daily basis, this course opened my eyes to the many artistic opportunities London has to offer. From galleries to museums to libraries and architecture, London is filled with inspiration and opportunity to grow as an artist.

© Savannah Griffin

How has your short course benefited your education? What are you going to do next with your new skills?

Initially when I entered into the course, I had no clue as to how to approach fashion design. However, after completing the course, not only did I discover my own drawing style, ergo boosting my confidence as well as giving me a sense of identity and originality. I also learned how to research and how to collect ideas which has not only been helpful to the short course but also in the A level art course I am currently taking. Overall, the course benefitted me through encouraging me to be more experimental rather then safe in my designs, which had in return not only allowed me to view the design process as fun and exciting but with more confidence. With my new skills, gained from this course, I will begin to bring an experimental aspect into my art work as well as start to view the art and design process in a more abstract way so as to gain a personal perspective on my work as well as other peoples.

© Savannah Griffin

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking a short course at CSM. Why should they study there?

To anyone who is considering taking a short course at CSM I would tell them to go for it 100 percent. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Attending a short course opens your eyes to what studying there could be like. If you enjoy the experience then you will have more of a drive to work toward the goal of attending there for university. If you are no longer in education, this course or any other course is just as valuable in giving you experience which will ultimately allow you to flourish.

© Savannah Griffin

What do you believe is integral to the work of an artist? Can you recommend a piece of art, in any medium, you feel everyone should see?

To an artist I believe determination is integral. Going into any type of profession to do with art is hard, you will always have competition and you will not always achieve what you want to achieve. But as a true artist you must keep pushing forward and do what you love no matter what anyone says or thinks, your determination is ultimately what will make or brake you. A piece of artwork I recommend everyone should see is called Death by Gustav Klimt because, despite it being such a dark and some might even say a depressing art piece, it is without a doubt beautiful in a peculiar sense.

© Savannah Griffin

What 3 words best describe your CSM Short Course experience?

Inspiring, valuable, insightful.

If you’d like to take on a new challenge, you can secure your place on an upcoming Fashion Design for 16 to 18 Year Olds course right now with one week intensive courses returning for Christmas School and Easter School 2020. Is Fashion design not your thing? why not take a look at all our short courses especially designed for teenagers!

Nora Venediktova is a final year Fashion Design student who spent her summer holidays developing her pattern cutting skills on the Pattern Making – Experimental and Explorative Approaches Part 2 short course. We loved seeing her work progress throughout the week!  When asked what she believed to be integral to the work of a creative? she replied “Self education, self analysis, self understanding.”

© Nora Venediktova

Where are you from and what’s your favorite thing about it?

I am from the Russian Federation and my favourite thing is the sincerity of people and orientation on self development.

What are you studying and where?

I’m studying BA Fashion Design at Stieglitz Academy of Art and Design, I’m in my final year.

© Nora Venediktova

What short course did you to study on at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?

Pattern Making – Experimental and Explorative Approaches part 2. I consider pattern making a very (if not the most) important stage in fashion design. That is why I chose this course.

What did you enjoy most about your short course?

I enjoyed communicating with other creative minds.

© Nora Venediktova

What is it like studying in London?

The freedom to say what you want with your work and get understanding and support.

© Nora Venediktova

How has your short course benefited your education?

I’ve become more conscious about garment construction, what I’m doing, why and how I’m doing it. I also found new ways of creating patterns from my designs.

© Nora Venediktova

Can you recommend a piece of art, in any medium, you feel everyone should see?

I find the clothes of Rick Owens very inspiring. He can probably be called a sculptor whose medium is fabric.

© Nora Venediktova

You can follow Nora on Instagram to see more of her stunning work (@strudeleater).

Patternmaking  – Experimental and Explorative Approaches Part 1 & Part 2 short courses return for our Christmas School and Easter School. If you’re looking for something sooner, we also have evening, Saturday and weekend courses to choose from with Autumn Term starting on 30 September 2019.

Catarina Sequeira is a Costume Designer from Spain who recently attended our Costume Making short course. We loved the photographs Catarina shared with us of the work she made; she said of the course, “I very much enjoyed the spirit of the class, working with people from different backgrounds but all of us wanting to learn as much as we can.”

Catarina Sequeira

Where are you from and what’s your favourite thing about it?

I’m from Barcelona, a vibrant and cultural city in Spain.

© Catarina Sequeira

© Catarina Sequeira

What short course did you to study upon at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?

I did the Costume Making course and it was so inspiring and playful. I loved it!

© Catarina Sequeira

© Catarina Sequeira

What did you enjoy most about your short course?

I very much enjoyed the spirit of the class, working with people from different backgrounds but all of us wanting to learn as much as we can. Also the process of making the clothes was really nice and the teacher helped us individually.

© Catarina Sequeira

© Catarina Sequeira

What three words best describe your CSM Short Course experience?

Surprise. Inspire. Useful.

© Catarina Sequeira

You can see more of Catarina’s work via her Instagram (@_morla_design_) and website. Costume Making will return soon so make sure you sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with new CSM Short Courses news and course dates. In the meantime there’s still five weeks of Summer School to discover. If you’re planning ahead we also have evening, Saturday and weekend courses to choose from with Autumn Term starting on 30 September 2019.

Due to the amazing amount of entries we’ve been receiving, we left our Student Stories competition open a little longer but we’re now very excited to announce the very first winner of our Student Stories Summer School 2019 questionnaire is, Yixin Yan! Congratulations, you’ve won a CSM Short Course of your choosing, up to the value of £600. Yixin attended the fabulous Jewellery Making with Plastic and Metal short course and we think both her words and the incredibly vibrant photographs speak for themselves! Yixin chose to study at CSM for her “study holiday break” and said of her experience, “This is not a “neighborhood” short course, this is world-class top tier education.”

Yixin Yan

Where are you from and what’s your favourite thing about it?

I am from China, a city close to Shanghai called Changzhou. My favourite thing about Changzhou is the food, it’s rare to find a restaurant that is comparable in London.

© Yixin Yan

What is your occupation?

I am a Marketing Artist for a game company in Farringdon, London. At university I studied Illustration at the University of Southampton and Winchester School of Art.

© Yixin Yan 001

What short course did you to study upon at Central Saint Martins (CSM), and what was your journey to the course?

I chose to study Jewellery Making with Plastic and Metal. I have some experience with Fimo (clay) and ceramic jewellery but this was my very first time working with resin, acrylic and metal. It was a great experience and I learnt so much; from making rubber molds, sawing and filing to soldering and polishing, all taught professionally by our tutor, Sarah King.

Sarah King and Yixin Yan

What did you enjoy most about your short course?

It was very hands-on and straight forward. Sarah is a great teacher with a rich background in working with plastic. She is always very patient in giving suggestions and directions, also attending the course was a great “study holiday break” from my usual work.

© Yixin Yan

What is it like studying in London. What has been your favourite discovery and/or experience?

It has been a long time for me being away from an art university and I was very happy to be able to get back into an art library again. So I guess for me it has more been about discovering King’s Cross, and my favourite thing has been getting to attended Central Saint Martins.

How has your short course benefited your career, education and/or personal development? What are you going to do next with your new skills?

I’ve always liked to make stuff with my hands, especially since my day job is focused on computers, so I’d like to make more things after work and I’ll definitely keep up my practice in jewellery; I even have an Etsy shop selling my clay jewellery. I now have a few resin projects planned in my mind, and after Sarah taught us how to use wax molds, I might try silver as well.

© Yixin Yan

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking a short course at CSM. Why should they study there?

CSM has the best tutors, facilities and you will meet amazing students as well. If you want to have the best experience of learning you have to come to CSM! This is not a “neighborhood” short course, this is world-class top tier education.

© Yixin Yan

What 3 words best describe your CSM Short Course experience?

Specialized. Enlightened. Enjoyable.

© Yixin Yan

You can find out more about Yixin through her website and keep up to date with her amazing work via Instagram, @yixinstudio. Jewellery Making with Plastic and Metal also returns this Autumn Term and if you’re planning ahead, comes back in Spring Term 2020. Week 7 of Summer School also starts next week and we can’t wait to hear all about your time at Central Saint Martins as you’ll also have another chance to win a CSM Short Course of your choosing, up to the value of £600. To enter simply share your short course experiences with us by completing our Student Stories questionnaire.

Looking to expand on her existing skills, Maria, a jeweller who works with existing pieces took Jewellery Making for Beginners to “progress from using pre-made materials to hand making all my own elements.” Check out Maria’s stunning work and how she felt about Paul Wells’ insightful course.

Maria Francesca Mereu

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Maria Francesca Mereu and I am from Sardinia, Italy.

What is your occupation?

I make jewellery from pre-made pieces in various metals and stones

© Maria Francesca Mereu

What short course did you study on and why did you choose it?

I took the Jewellery Making for Beginners course because I wanted to progress from using pre-made materials to hand making all my own elements. The course offered a great starting point to help me learn the basics of handmade jewellery that will allow me to bring my own creative ideas to life.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

The course lasted one week and I found it very intense but exceptionally well structured. There is a fantastic creative vibrancy at Central Saint Martins and the workshops are spacious and bright. There is also great variety of materials, tools and equipment available, which are supplied as part of the course. Our tutor, Paul Wells, was really friendly, helpful and clear in his explanations and guidance, and his relaxed and patient manner made it a very pleasant atmosphere to learn in.

Maria Francesca Mereu & Paul Wells (tutor)

How has this course benefited your career and personal development?

The course has provided me with a great range of basic skills to take my creative ideas to a new level. This has pushed me to want to learn more skills, taking what was initially my hobby to a more professional level.

© Maria Francesca Mereu

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking a short course at Central Saint Martins?

Do it! If you have the desire and creative ideas to make your own jewellery, and want to get a great basic introduction, then this is the perfect course!

© Maria Francesca Mereu

What do you believe is integral to the work of an artist, in any discipline?

Love what you do!

What three words best describe your short course experience at CSM?

Intense, inspiring and stimulating.

© Maria Francesca Mereu

You can see more of Maria’s work via her Instagram, @icipici1 and upon her very own website. Jewellery Making for Beginners is sold out for July but we have another Summer School session taking pace in September, so don’t miss out! The course also returns for Autumn Term for those of you look for your next evening class and we even have dates available in 2020, see you there!

Last year Olga attended the always inspiring and incredibly popular Fashion Design for 16 to 18 Year Olds course, which is now fully booked for this year’s Summer School – so book your Christmas School places sharpish! Today we look at the amazing work she produced whilst upon the course.

Olga Wiślicz-Iwańczyk

What is your name and where are you from?

Olga Wiślicz-Iwańczyk, I’m a student in my final year of high school and I am from Warsaw, Poland.

What course did you study on and why did you choose it?

I chose Fashion Design for 16 to 18 Year Olds because, since I want to apply for a Foundation course, I felt it was important to experience how it is to study at Central Saint Martins.

© Olga Wiślicz-Iwańczyk

What did you enjoy most about your course?

I thoroughly enjoyed the course, especially the tutors’ unique approach to creating art which taught me to think out of the box and not to be afraid to take risks.

© Olga Wiślicz-Iwańczyk

How has this course benefited your career and personal development?

During the course I learnt a lot about the design process and I will definitely be using that knowledge when creating my portfolio. I was also inspired to experiment with my art and have more fun with it!

© Olga Wiślicz-Iwańczyk

What would you say to someone who is thinking about taking a short course at Central Saint Martins?

Whether you are planning to apply to CSM or are just looking to try something new, you will surely learn a lot in a great atmosphere. It’s an unforgettable experience that allows you to look at your work in a fresh new way!

© Olga Wiślicz-Iwańczyk

What do you believe is integral to the work of an artist, in any discipline?

I think inspiration is what truly gives art meaning. Well-done research and an emotional connection to the subject are fundamental.

What three words best describe your short course experience at CSM?

Inspiring. Fun. Unforgettable.

© Olga Wiślicz-Iwańczyk

There are plenty more amazing courses for teenagers to book upon this Summer School, starting every Monday. Early birds can also secure their Fashion Design for 16 to 18 Year Olds course placements upon our upcoming Christmas School session right now – see you there!

This announcement comes a little early but as we’ve received so many amazing #MyCSM Instagram entries, we’ve decided to select a winner for our weekend short courses prize today! We’d also like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has submitted an entry into our Summer School Instagram competition so far, we’ve been so impressed by the amount of creativity, skill and learning taking place over the last 4 weeks.

We’re excited to say that the first Summer School Instagram, #MyCSM, winner is The Photography Course student, @j.o.c.a.s.t.a.

Jocasta has won a free placement upon a weekend, Saturday and Sunday, short course of her choosing! Congratulations. We thought the work you have produced and shared with us perfectly captures the spirit and vibrancy of the course, as well as the CSM short courses experience! We also absolutely adored this series of photographs which summed up your time at CSM over the two week course.

© @j.o.c.a.s.t.a

© @j.o.c.a.s.t.a

© @j.o.c.a.s.t.a

© @j.o.c.a.s.t.a

© @j.o.c.a.s.t.a

All Instagram entries received after this announcement will be added to the second competition draw and don’t forget, there’s still an opportunity to win a CSM Short Course of your choosing, up to the value of £600, by sharing your short course experiences with us. To enter simply complete our Student Stories questionnaire, to be featured upon the CSM Short Courses Blog or UAL Short Course Stories.

Feeling inspired? Week 5 of Summer School starts next week and we have plenty more amazing courses to choose from, available to book right now! Why not try Ceramics for Beginners, Graphic Design – Beginners, Jewellery with Wood or even Introduction to TV and Film Set Design for 16 to 18 Year Olds, there are so many incredible courses to discover.

Easter School at Central Saint Martins is almost upon us, 18 March to 12 April 2019, and we cannot wait! There’s still plenty of time to book places upon one or more of our incredible upcoming courses.

With the opportunity to study for up to 4 weeks at CSM, Easter School offers you the chance to join a one week intensive daytime course, meeting Monday to Friday, from 10 to 4 PM. So whether you’re upskilling, changing careers or just looking to get creative, do it at CSM.

Visit our mini Easter School at Central Saint Martins site for course options, and there are even dedicated courses available to 16 to 18 year olds! We can’t wait to see what you’ve picked, and to meet you in a few weeks’ time.

Want some Thursday inspiration? Here’s 5 reasons why we think you should definitely pack your weekend with creativity, personal development, “me time” and meeting like minded individuals through one of our fabulous weekend short courses.

CSM Short Courses student photographing model.

1. Weekend courses are the perfect way to learn a subject, delivered over one weekend, on a Saturday and Sunday. How can two days of creativity and development change your path?

2. Central Saint Martins for everyone! All of our courses use the same awesome facilities as the degree level students and are taught by CSM tutors, alumni and/or practising professionals. From beginners to experienced students, we want to see you here!

3. London! Whether you’re travelling to or already live here – when you’re not filling yourself up with awesome knowledge – explore and rediscover this truly wonderful city.

4. Building your network; no matter which course you take, you’ll also be meeting brand new like minded colleagues who all chose to attend the same course as you. Make friends, share insights and start your journeys together.

5. With so many fantastic courses to choose from, we know you’ll find one that fits your needs but if you need a helping hand, why not try…

Dynamic Gestures Life Drawing Weekend

How To Launch A Product Based Business From A Market Stall Weekend

Introduction To Making Latex Clothes Weekend

Printing With Botanicals Weekend

…all of these courses run over the 09^th and 10^th February, and there’s plenty more weekend courses to discover.

We can’t wait to see which courses you pick! You can also find out what other students have studied and said about our courses in Student Stories and if your weekends are already spoken for, check out our other study options and dates available via Available Courses Starting Soon.