FREE Mini Course #RockYourDegree

It's almost a year since I left my role as Senior Lecturer back in the UK to move to Iceland. In that time I've achieved so many goals that were on my To-Do list but there was a 'Student Advice'. I wanted to form an output, a way of offering my answers to all those questions previously asked to me and pass on the same advice to other students. So I got typing and created my first email course. 

It simple. You sign up for the FREE emails and you will immediately be sent Day 1 of the 5 Day email course. The course runs over 5 days so you'll get an email each day. Each email focuses on a different topic and they're packed with information and useful links. I hope you get loads out of this email course so let's get started and #RockYourDegree

DAY 1 - Clear Your Space, Clear Your Mind

• How to be organized and focussed

• How to best storage equipment and materials

• How to store stock for online shops, i.e. Etsy

• The importance of storing and keeping all student project work

• What to do with physical models, saving and backing up digital work

• Online Portfolio

DAY 2 - Inspiration + Motivation

• How to stay focussed, inspired, and motivated

• How to create moods boards and sketchbooks

• The importance of evidencing your design process within the sketchbook

• How to get in the habit of using the Library

• Sorting your Instagram feed to reflect you as a designer

• Pinterest

• The benefits of teamwork and a study group

• How to look after number 1

DAY 3 - Plan + Prepare + Present

• How to be organized so stress doesn't get the better of you

• Staying onto of dates and deadlines

• The Library

• Apps to help you stay organized in project management

• How to prep your mind, space, supplies, and food ready for any project or challenge

• Presentation tips for before, during, and after your presentation

• What is professionalism

• What to do if you fail

DAY 4 - Communication, Connections, Collaborations

• Communication and note-taking

• How to contact faculty (your lecturers)

• Writing academic work

• LinkedIn

• Your online presence

• Networking

• How to get the most out of Uni social events

• How to approach an office for help, internship, or employment

DAY 5 - Let’s Get Real

• The course finishes with a bit of perspective on studying and graduating

• And...ideas on how to show off your skills and stand out from the crowd

Project Brief: My Room, My Interior

Are you preparing your Art & Design portfolio for college or university? This creative assignment is perfect for anyone applying to study:

• Interior Design

• Interior Architecture

• Architecture

• Modelmaking

You’ll be using found objects and recycled materials to build a scale model of your bedroom - a brilliant way to demonstrate your spatial awareness, creativity, and hands-on making skills.

Why modelmaking matters

Modelmaking is a powerful skill that helps communicate and develop design ideas. Whether you’re pursuing architecture, interiors, or product design, the ability to physically represent your ideas will set your portfolio apart.

And yes, you can start with cardboard.

What is Modelmaking?

Modelmaking is more than just crafting - it’s a discipline in its own right. Students studying Modelmaking typically complete a 3-year degree learning to produce both physical and digital models.

Modelmakers go on to work in:

• Architectural and interior design studios

• Product development and prototyping

• Museum exhibitions and installations

• Film and TV (think set design and special effects)

It takes time, patience, and precision, but it’s also a lot of fun. And showcasing this in your portfolio proves you’re serious about spatial design.

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What You’ll Need:

Don’t overcomplicate this - reuse materials and keep it simple. Here's your checklist:

• Time and patience (this is not a rush job!)

• Craft knife (sharp blade = cleaner edges; always cut safely)

• Cutting mat (protect your surfaces)

• Glue (UHU works well; PVA is okay but may warp)

• Metal ruler (plastic ones split and slip, ouch)

• Material (ideally cardboard, mountboard, or cereal boxes - stick to one colour if you can. White or neutral looks more professional.)

• A bedroom (yours, or one you’re familiar with)

Step-by-Step: Build a Model of Your Bedroom

You’re going to build a 3D model of your bedroom in miniature. This is how spatial designers bring ideas to life.

Start with a sketch | Draw your bedroom’s floor plan - this will guide the scale and placement of your walls, windows, and doors.

Build the basic structure | Cut and assemble the walls to match your sketch. Add windows and doors by cutting them out of the wall panels.

Furnish the space | Now build miniature furniture - your bed, wardrobe, desk, shelves, chair, mirror, etc. Use simple shapes and stick to scale.

Add details | This is where your model shines. Fold paper to mimic bedding, curl it for curtains, create tiny books, electronics, rugs, or even a dressing gown on a hook. Be imaginative.

Include a scale figure | Cut out a small person (you) to stand in the room. Use the door height to guide the proportions.

Pro Tip: Use only white or one colour of material and mount your model on a larger base. It gives a clean, architectural look even if it’s made from cereal boxes.

How to Present Your Model in a Portfolio

Since the model might not survive your travels, document it clearly:

• Take photos from multiple angles:

  Top-down (plan)

  Front (elevation)

  Side-on (perspective)

• Include an object for scale reference (like a pencil or ruler)

• Consider making a step-by-step collage or progress page

• Add a short write-up or labels explaining key elements

Save everything into an A3 layout or digital PDF to include in your portfolio.

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Project Brief: Handmade Sketchbook

Create a unique, recycled sketchbook to strengthen your Art & Design portfolio

Looking to boost your Art & Design portfolio for a college or university application? This project invites you to design and make your own handmade sketchbook using recycled materials to create something entirely your own.

Whether you're applying for Interior Design, Architecture, Modelmaking, or any creative degree, showing off your skills in a well-crafted, custom sketchbook will help your application stand out. It's practical, sustainable, and a great conversation starter in interviews.

Why Sketchbooks Matter

Sketchbooks are essential tools for artists and designers. They’re used to record ideas, test concepts, explore materials, and document creative journeys. If you pursue a creative career, you’ll likely fill hundreds of them.

But before you fill a sketchbook with work - why not make one from scratch?

This Project Is Perfect For:

• Art & Design students

• Modelmaking applicants

• Interior Design and Interior Architecture students

• Aspiring Architects...or anyone who wants to show initiative, creativity, and craftsmanship in their portfolio.

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What You’ll Need:

• Recycled materials: cardboard, cereal boxes, newspaper, old wrapping paper, paper bags, etc. (Tip: Variety adds interest.)

• Thread, yarn, wire, or cord, anything strong enough to bind the pages.

• A large needle for stitching the spine.

• Scissors or a craft knife and adult supervision if needed

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Handmade Sketchbook

Design your cover | Choose your outer material and decide the size and shape of your sketchbook. Fold it in half to form a front and back cover. Cut into the cover if you’d like windows, shapes, or other design details.

Gather your pages | Mix and match your paper. Use plain, patterned, textured, and even printed materials to add variety. Don't worry about perfection, creativity is the goal!

Bind your book | Stack the pages inside your cover. Use your needle and thread to sew them together through the spine. Punch holes as needed and bind with a simple stitch. Messy stitches are part of the handmade charm.

Add interactive design details | Cut shapes, windows, or doors into the pages so that one layer leads to another, perfect for storytelling, branding, or thematic projects. Think about layering, negative space, and even hidden pages!

Personalise it | Add your name, logo, or brand colours. This is your sketchbook, so let it reflect your style. Be bold. Be intentional. Be you.

Final Tip: Photograph your finished sketchbook from multiple angles and include it in your portfolio. Document the process too, it shows initiative, design thinking, and craftsmanship.

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tag us on instagram @sonianicolson