Alumna Sophie Illustrates Children’s Book

Alumna Sophie gained a Distinction for the Children’s book produced on the Art and Design Foundation Diploma at Leeds Arts University.

Former College pupil, Sophie graduated last year with an outstanding 3 A*s and B grade for her A Levels in Classical Civilisation, Fine Art, EPQ and Psychology. Since then, Sophie has continued to flourish, having enrolled at Leeds Arts University to study for the Art and Design Foundation Diploma. Undeterred by an ASD diagnosis, Sophie’s accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and determination she continues to display in her academic work. Not only has she successfully completed her year-long Art and Design Foundation Diploma in which she received a Distinction, Sophie is now enrolled on BA (Hons) Illustration, also at Leeds Arts University, having received 5 Unconditional offers from various other institutions. 

Her amazing final piece was a pop-up book for children, recalling stories of the Greek myths represented by night sky constellations. This interesting topic harks back to her A Level subjects having studied Classical Civilisations whilst at The Mount School. 

Sophie used watercolour to produce the original paintings before manipulating them in Photoshop – reusing the backgrounds and inserting animals as the story progressed. Each of the pop-up elements were handmade by Sophie and are interactive, allowing the reader to select a constellation card, insert it into the night sky and use their phone torch as a projector to create an image of the constellation. Sophie learnt a wide range of skills and techniques during her Diploma that allowed her to execute such a wonderful, finished product. She is now skilled in various forms of printmaking and has taken part in various workshops on 3D modelling, woodwork, and metal work.  

“The Foundation Diploma was challenging but I received lots of support and was able to learn a huge range of new skills. My final piece was something I have wanted to work on for a while – it combines my love of painting nature inspired by my home near the North Yorkshire moors and my passion for Ancient Greek history and mythology which I studied in Classical Civilisation A level at The Mount. The Diploma helped me decide to pursue an Illustration degree and I am already working in new ways and with new materials which I hope will help me develop my own distinct style.” – Sophie 

“The support she received from her Mount School teachers, Head of College and learning support was outstanding and enabled her to start reaching her potential. I am so proud of her!” – Sophie’s Mother adds. 

One of Sophie’s paintings previously hung on the wall of the Principal’s office and was used on the Principal’s notecards. 

We look forward to seeing what other beautiful illustrations Sophie produces during her BA qualification. 

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