Student Stories: Chloe Boyle
This student story is from Chloe a Graphic Design 1.2 student at the OCA who is in their early 20s. From England but has lived in Munich, Germany and Los Angeles, USA.
What is your previous educational experiences and what drew you to OCA?
I went to Huddersfield University for a semester, but I didn't feel like I was learning much about Graphic Design and only went in once a week so I dropped out and went to OU to study Computing and Design, realised I wasn't that into Computing then came to OCA. I've always been into art and the creative world. I decided the online route also because another passion is travel and so this way I can study and travel.
Can you describe your OCA journey?
Before coming to OCA, I struggled to find a course that challenged me and pushed me to think more deeply about graphic design. I chose OCA because the course felt more suited to me and offered the flexibility to study while travelling. One of my biggest challenges has been understanding certain briefs and getting feedback, as I often rely on friends I made at university who also study graphic design. However, I've become more appreciative of feedback and now spend more time researching and thinking strategically about my work. One highlight has been the album cover design project in Assignment 1.1, particularly exploring the cultural influences behind it. I'm enjoying having the freedom to explore different areas of graphic design while balancing my studies with travel and developing my own projects.
Can you describe the tutor/ peer support at the OCA?
My OCA tutor has given me thoughtful feedback that has encouraged me to push my work further. They have suggested improvements during the refining process and encouraged me to reflect more critically on my design decisions. Their feedback has also pushed me to spend more time researching and making connections between ideas, as well as sketching initial concepts before moving into the final design. This has helped me become more thoughtful and strategic in my approach to projects, and more aware of how research, experimentation and self-reflection can strengthen my work.
What does studying with OCA mean to you?
Practically, philosophically... what does this 'piece of paper' actually mean to you, what difference does it make in your story? 50-100 words.
What's Next?
Right now I'm developing my own app (Xplorly) which I want to grow more. I've had just over 500 downloads in the past 6 months and wanting it to grow more. It' combines my love of spreadsheets, gaming and travel where you collect XP as you travel the world. I want to learn more coding and maybe develop a new app that focuses on Graphic Design and creatives to help them organise ideas.
Any advice?
Get the feedback and spend time refining, sometimes taking a break is good as you come back with fresh eyes and you see a mistake or get a better idea having said break.
Where can we find you?
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