Unexpected Portfolio

When I first signed up for the Global Short Program at UCA Farnham, I had my sights set on the Multimedia Film Production stream. I pictured myself behind the camera, experimenting with storyboards, and maybe even picking up a few cinematic tricks to bring home. But life, as it tends to do, had other plans. Not enough students enrolled in the program, which meant I had to switch gears to the Art and Design: Portfolio Development stream instead. At first, I was a little thrown off. How was sketching, printmaking, or InDesign going to help my creative practice? But I quickly discovered that sometimes the unexpected detour ends up being the highlight of the trip.

The Art and Design program turned out to be an absolute adventure. I found myself in studios I never thought I’d step into, learning about printmaking, experimenting with layouts in InDesign, going on excursions around the UK (such as the Seven Sisters Cliffs) and piecing together a portfolio that actually made me feel ready to step into professional spaces. It was hands-on, practical, and surprisingly fun. I’ll admit, there was a steep learning curve. I had to get comfortable with not knowing everything right away and asking for help while also celebrating the little wins of having my more cinematic scenes translated from my head onto paper.

One of the best parts wasn’t just the art itself, but the people I got to work with. Our group was a mix of students from all over the world, each bringing their own cultural backgrounds and creative styles to the table. It made collaboration extremely productive and each one of us were determined to help each other to create our creative vision. Ultimately reinforcing the idea that successful teamwork transcends language when founded on respect, empathy and a shared commitment to growth.

Looking back, I’m so glad I embraced the program shift instead of sulking about what could’ve been. The detour into art and design gave me skills I never expected to learn but will absolutely use in the future. Whether it’s portfolio building, software learning, or just the confidence to try new creative outlets. Flexibility became one of the biggest lessons I took away from the program. Plans don’t always unfold the way you expect, and sometimes opportunities look different than what you imagined. What started as a disappointment about missing out on film turned into an experience that gave me new skills, new friends, and a fresh outlook on creativity. I would recommend this experience to anyone looking to get out of their comfort zone and learn through opportunities you can’t always find in a classroom or at home.

Anabel Burrows
Bachelor of Communication (Media Arts and Production)
University for the Creative Arts, United Kingdom
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal