Syed Ahmed
Level 3 Graphic Design
Tell us a bit about you:
I am mixed-race, English and Bangladeshi, born in London (Tower Hamlets) but fortunate to have spent 13 years of my childhood in Bangladesh, where I studied at an English-medium school. Growing up, I was surrounded by creativity, as my siblings, mother, and grandmother excelled in various crafts such as cooking, embroidery, and knitting, all of which they mastered through self-teaching. These influences, combined with my exposure to diverse cultures and art forms, gave me a unique perspective that shaped my passion for painting, drawing, and poetry.
When I returned to the UK, I gained a wealth of experience across various industries, including banking, retail, catering, education advising, and broadband technology. While these roles taught me valuable skills, I realised they weren’t aligned with my long-term aspirations. With the unwavering support and guidance of my wife, I made the bold decision to quit my full-time job and focus on building a career centred on my creative abilities. This journey led me to attend free workshops and train myself using online resources, paving the way for a fulfilling path in the creative industry.
Why did you decide to study at WAES?
While attending one of the workshops, I met a facilitator who happened to be a former WAES student. During our conversation, I shared my passion for creativity and my aspiration to build a career in the creative industry. However, I also expressed my struggle in finding funded or free courses, as I was unable to afford paid ones. That’s when they introduced me to WAES’s Graphic Design courses, and from that moment, everything changed.
What was your biggest achievement at WAES?
My biggest achievement at WAES was not only completing the UAL Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication (Graphic Design) but also serving as Class Representative for both years. In this role, I took pride in supporting my peers with their coursework and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
How did your course help you towards the future?
The course, along with the guidance from my tutors and the careers team at WAES, provided me with a valuable blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. This support gave me the confidence to explore other mediums, such as video and media, and laid the foundation for building COT Group Ltd. (Creators On Tap)—my creative media agency.
What are you working on at the moment?
Currently, I am balancing my apprenticeship role as an Ad Operations Executive at Wavemaker UK with growing my creative media agency, COT Group Ltd. (Creators On Tap). Through the agency, I specialise in helping small to medium-sized businesses achieve their branding and marketing goals by offering tailored creative solutions. I’m also continuing to develop my skills in painting, drawing, and other creative mediums, staying true to my passion for self-expression and artistry.
Would you like to share a link or anything for people to keep up with your work?
What advice would you give someone about to study at WAES?
My advice would be to take full advantage of the resources and support available to you at WAES. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek feedback, and get involved in the community. It’s a place where you can discover your strengths and push your creative boundaries. Stay focused on your goals, and be open to learning from both your peers and tutors. The journey might not always be easy, but the skills and confidence you gain will be invaluable in your future career.
