Small things make a big difference

BA (Hons) Illustration graduate, Georgia Body, explores life’s daily routines and how small changes can make a difference in her final major project.

Georgia, 20 and from Southampton, was awarded the Paul Osborne Drawing Prize for her work. We caught up with her to find out how mindfulness inspired her work, about her new business and her top tips for students…

Tell us a bit about your final project.

My project is a picture book telling the story of a man who lives a very mundane life; he is lonely, isolated and stuck in a routine. One day he has to break away from that routine in a very small way, and as a result of this he is shown a whole new world. He then begins to make small changes in his life and becomes happier for it.

What was the inspiration behind your project?

In the beginning I just wanted to tell the story of everyday people and eventually that meant telling the story of one person. This project, to me, came to be about mindfulness and how important the small things are.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at Solent?

Being in such a creative environment, with lots of people to bounce ideas around.

What’s next for you?

I don't have any jobs lined up at the moment but I am applying to illustration jobs on various platforms such as Upwork and I will be sending out my self-promotional packages to art directors soon! I am part of a collaborative called Teacup Illustration, which was formed during my time at university with another student. We have recently opened our online store on Etsy selling illustrated gifts, so I will be developing that further as well.

Please share any advice you have for other students or potential students?

Don't leave everything until the last minute and find something about each project to get excited about!