From creative experimentation to industry experience: Abby's prosthetics journey at Solent

Choosing Southampton Solent University gave her the opportunity to develop specialist technical skills while gaining the hands-on experience and industry connections needed to build a creative career. 

“I chose to study at Solent University as within prosthetics and special effects, the work requires niche disciplines and various skills such as sculpting, hair punching and even digital drawing. This course gave the opportunity to explore a wide range of specialist areas with room for practice and error, whilst balancing practical and academic sessions. Here, I knew I would be given support and direction to establish my career through my own experimentation.”

Through practice-led learning and industry-style projects, Abby has discovered that her ambitions have grown beyond one specialism, opening the door to a wider range of creative opportunities.

“My desired career path is to work within film, television and theatre as a prosthetic artist. I found through studying at Solent that my interest in careers have extended past, specifically wanting to work with prosthetics, to focusing on welcoming both prop-making and a makeup route. What interests me most is working in lively and collaborative areas where I can constantly learn from peers and art departments to expand my skills.”

Preparing for life after university has meant experiencing the realities of working in the creative industries. Through her final major project, Abby has been able to develop the professional mindset needed to be career-ready.

“I've been preparing to turn these ambitions into a professional career over the last three months through the assembling of my final major project. Here, I've been working long hours which has helped me understand the requirements and lifestyle of a prosthetic artist”

One of the biggest lessons Abby has taken from her time at Solent is the value of collaboration. Working alongside fellow students has helped her develop new techniques, share ideas and build the confidence to work creatively with others.

“This time invested within the university's studios, alongside other course mates have helped develop my collaboration skills. Although each student created their own singular project, we found and shared new practices (such as the diverse processes of creating moulds for sculptures, life casts etc), helping each other, discussing and offering mutual support. I found this process to be more valuable than any outcome of work as it boosted my confidence and ambition to work with new people.”

That collaborative spirit extended beyond the classroom. During a university trip to Paris, Abby had the opportunity to connect with students and lecturers from other creative disciplines, broadening her understanding of the wider industry.

“whilst there I was able to interact with other art department students and lecturers where I could share experiences. I found this was still a valuable experience to find a common ground with courses that I would not interact with in day-to-day scenarios or overlapping professions.”

Real-world opportunities have also played an important role in helping Abby become career-ready. Through Solent's industry links, she gained hands-on experience working with local theatres, applying her skills in a professional environment.

“I've gained real-world experience through working with local theatres such as Mayflower and MAST Theatre. There I worked within a close group to create period makeup and hairstyles for two separate shows. Working with local projects was very rewarding, seeing final photos of our hard work come to life and how the actors could fully embody their roles helped push my confidence working with diverse groups.”

Balancing multiple projects and deadlines has helped Abby develop the organisation and adaptability needed for a career in the creative industries, with support from lecturers helping her make the most of her own artistic style.

“My course lecturers supported me by truly listening to feedback and adapting to help instantly. Most importantly they were understanding of all circumstances, as third year is an incredibly busy time, they allowed our course to work at individual paces and write in our own style. I believe for an art course this is essential, allowing students to express their talent rather than conforming to just one art style.”

For Abby, becoming career-ready has been about more than developing technical skills. It has been about building the confidence to trust herself, embrace challenges and take opportunities that once felt out of reach.

“Personally, the most useful skill I've learnt is to trust my own confidence. Through making mistakes, I found confidence was the common denominator to propelling my work further instead of staying within a work slump.”

“First year me would not have the ability to even comprehend how I'm showcasing my final major project and the ambition to create large, complicated pieces. Now grown as a third-year student, I can say my self-assurance has driven my career further, approaching and engaging with industry professionals.”

Looking back on her time at Solent, Abby believes saying yes to new experiences has been one of the most valuable parts of her journey.

"I've been able to say yes to opportunities I never thought I would get, including being a model for others' work and travelling to do the career I love."

Her advice for future students is simple: "Take every opportunity even if you know it's not what you want to do professionally. I've become surprised by what I'm more willing to say yes to!"

Find out more about our Fashion, Make-up and Prosthetics courses.