Designer Could have been at deaths door but is not!

By: Rukaya Chandia

I studied to an MA Level in Fashion (2004) I did what most design students do and work for a company for FREE!! I designed embroidery motifs for bra's and cute knickers in the CITY, I lived it!!!! Little did I know the company did want me to take any responsibility and just gave me odd things to do.

Then one day I find out the staff member who hired me left and the company did want me to know, so in the end a non-fashiony receptionist told me the truth and said she could not see me coming in everyday and the other staff not telling me.

After graduating I did odd ball jobs and did not get anywhere and went on the DOLE like most students. I decided to go back to my home town in LANCASHIRE. I do some design work, I design cards and building my website very slowly.

I have also been back to the south commissioned by a School playcentre to paint a large mural and I volunteer at the local museum and going for a job at the museum, I really hope I get it.

I am getting another commission in Manchester in a retro café. Wish me luck and to all the design students and creatives who struggling for their art. I think being a Woman, Indian, Muslim can hard in this world but being an Artist can be OK TOO!! I believe people who struggle makes them stronger and more interesting.