B-Tech

Your fourth and final year can seem quit daunting if you don't know what is expected from you. Below are some tips on creativity, lecturers and information that will help you before starting your B-tech year.

• The amount of work is more then your previous years, so make sure that you keep up, if you fall behind, you'll stay behind.
• Gather visual inspiration and concept ideas before the year starts as this will already help you to stay up to date.
• Love what you do because you're doing it for yourself.
• Although we all hate to admit it, your un-picker is your best friend, learn to love it.
• Set yourself short term goals and deadlines that are realistic and take a break every now and then just to breathe.
• Fourth year can get very expensive, so be passionate or you will loose interest in your thesis, make sure that your patterns are perfect and get the correct amount of fabric so that you don't waste unnecessarily.
• Do not procrastinate!
• Be innovative, don't go for the easiest idea as chances are, its already been done.
• Go on an internet detox! Source your inspiration through books, magazines and journals.
• Your visual diary is extremely important, use it and make it work for you.
• Look at Pinterest, there are some great inspirational ideas.
• Make use of WGSN and the online Voque.
• Look at local street trends.
• Be your own designer, 4th year is your concept, your research during this year should benefit your future career.
• Create fabric manipulation, invent your own techniques that will give you a unique signature look as a designer.
• Respect and mutual understanding is important between you and your lecturers. Keep them updated on what you are doing and where you are heading with your work, stay involved!
• Don't be scared to ask questions of lecturers and remember that if you miss a deadline, its your baby, these deadlines almost always produce helpful advice, take this advice and criticism and use it constructively. Also remember that you do not ALWAYS have to listen to their advice on a design, it is your own, Make it personal and stay true to you.