James Chisholm

BA (Hons) Illustration, 2010

James Chisholm is a self-employed graphic designer and illustrator. In his final year of study James set up web-based company, Sour T-shirts, where he has taken his designs from paper to print and onto the clothes rack.

Q. What are your memories of studying at Wolverhampton?

"It was fun, informative, challenging, and in the end, life-changing. I really loved the course and it was very much a collaborative environment. The lecturers and support staff were fantastic and it was great to work with experienced fellow artists."

Q. Why did you choose to study Illustration?

"When I was younger I used to dream of designing book and CD covers and so I knew I always had a passion for illustration as a career. It was a tough choice between Illustration and Graphic Design, but I am glad I stuck with Illustration because it is wonderfully diverse and encompasses a lot of different teachings from across both areas. I also quickly realised that it spans much more than just book and CD covers!"

Q. What made you decide to set up your own business?

"I like being my own boss and having the freedom to choose what I do, both creatively and business wise. Running your own business is very time-consuming but I do what I love and I love what I do. I get to design and create new things every day, work on interesting projects and meet new people – I’m very lucky!"

Q. How do you think your degree prepared you for your career?

"My degree taught me some vital lessons. Firstly, that constructive criticism and feedback is priceless. Secondly, I learned self-discipline and how to manage my time. The course gave me time to develop as an artist and become much more professional in my approach to my artwork and business."

Q. How did you develop personally?

"I gained a massive boost in confidence. I joined as a mature student because I have Bi-Polar, but the University helped me to grow beyond the boundaries I had set for myself and when I graduated aged 27, I was a new man."

Q. What advice would you give to students thinking about studying Illustration or going into the same career as you?

"Illustration is an excellent choice and can lead to many different career paths. If you are thinking of setting up your own business make sure you network, set yourself sensible goals, and always aim to improve and develop."

Q. What do you think is your greatest achievement?

"I recently designed and supplied a t-shirt to the author Terri Garey, writer of the Nicki Styx books for a readers’ competition."

Q. What are your aspirations for the future?

"Next year I'm launching a second brand and I hope to continue to grow my business. I’m already busy beyond belief and I'm hungry for more - only time will tell."

www.sourtshirts.com

www.facebook.com/SOURTSHIRTS

http://jimsour.com