University Application: Personal Statement

I would like to pursue further studies at University in Advertising or a related course as I

am aiming to work in this field. I have a strong motivation to change the perception of social

media in the advertising industry having acquired and developed skills that will assist me

during these studies. Relevant I.T skills include Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator and

In Design and I have used these when creating an animated film, documentary and a special

effects film. One of the first projects we worked on at Long Road was a special effects film

based around "Misfits." I researched the characteristics of the protagonists and their special

powers then wrote the script, filmed and edited this using Premier Pro. I then added special

effects using After Effects to create unusual characteristics such as face morphing and

changing skin colour to match temperament. Recently, I produced a 5-10 minute documentary with

my partner in the Media group. We chose to interview a local inspirational artist Wesley West

who works in the advertising sector. Wesley showed us his day-to-day working life and his

artwork and sculptures created over many years. He was a very inspirational person. I

thoroughly enjoyed making the documentary especially editing the footage after filming.

Speaking to somebody already in the industry helped me to form a good understanding of what

makes a good advertisement. During our next project we will also be studying live briefs to

create "real" adverts. From all of these projects I believe I am gaining valuable hands-on

skills and am looking forward to developing these even more at University. Whilst on the

Applied Media Diploma I went on a New York trip where we visited the Empire State building,

Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge and were fortunate enough to visit an American Advertising

Agency. This helped me to learn more about commercial awareness and what consumers are drawn

towards. The background of my stop frame animated film "Changing Faces" was inspired by my

trip to New York. To further my studies, I am researching "Olden Day Adverts Vs. Modern Day

Adverts" as my chosen extended project dissertation. I am particularly interested in how

adverts have changed from the 1940's to modern day, the role played by women in advertising

over the years. This project has helped me to improve my analytical skills, time management

and communication, through assembling this report. Other relevant experiences include the

National Citizen Scheme (NCS) and designing and constructing an info graphic for National Film

Television School. Whilst at the NCS I learnt to work well within a team of people and enhance

my team leadership skills. My team and I also learnt how to deal with university life by

spending a week on campus and we were lucky enough to spend a day at the Sky Sports Studios.

We learned how to professionally edit, film and create exciting and extraordinary headlines. I

gained a lot of insight into television and film from these sessions, including the drive and

dedication it takes to succeed in this industry. Outside of college, I go to see live music

events, theatre, and making of live television programmes. I recently attended the second

showing of an English Indie film "The Beat Beneath My Feet" which had a questions and answers

session after the viewing and the opportunity to meet the actors, producers and screen

writers. This showed me the wide range of opportunities which can be accessed after studying a

Media related subject, which I found exciting. Having a passion for art and creativity, I also

enjoy regularly attending life-drawing classes covering different topics like Extreme

Lighting; I have experimented with ink to find new and different styles. I am looking forward

to broadening my skills at University and becoming more independent, as well as being taught

by professionals within the Media and Advertising industries. I hope that this will provide me

with good career prospects after my course.