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FASHIONABLE: A model wears a dress by Sarai Williams

EACH YEAR final year students from Coventry University’s School of Art and Design exhibit their work at the University Degree Show.

Creations from visual arts, design, music, fashion, dance, drama, media production and photography get the chance to showcase their talents to the public at different locations across campus and at selected venues in London.

Four up-and-comers discuss their passions and aspirations for the future.

Sarai Williams, 28, fashion design degree

When did you realise your passion?

I’ve always had a passion for fashion, but I’m a mature student so I didn’t go into it straight away. I’ve always been creative, so I would see things in the shops and think to myself that I liked it, but that I would do it this way and put my own stamp on things.

Your inspiration?

My nan who passed away in December inspired my current collection. At that time I was actually considering not moving forward because I have two children and relied on her to help me, so the collection is dedicated to her. She was a strong, independent woman who gave me the values I have today. The collection is about power dressing and empowerment and I’ve used a lot of influence from 1980s fashion, architecture, and modern art.

What’s next?

I’m in the middle of lining up another work placement. I previously did one with Gavin Douglas, a designer from Birmingham, last October and consider his vision to be the same as mine: elegant but still very urban. He is someone I really look up to and he inspires me to move forward with my work.

Your dream?

I would love to have my own women’s clothing line, which is something I’m going to be working towards now that I've finished university. I would also love to get some work experience with design houses such as Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood - both great British talents.

Michael Kyeyune, 22, Illustration and animation degree

When did you realise your passion?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. At high school I realised that it was something I might want do at university and decided to study at Coventry because it offered animation as part of their illustration course. Even though I had an interest in animation, I had never done it before, so I wanted to see the type of work that went into it.

Your inspiration?

For my editorial work I am inspired by issues I can relate to, for example social and political [issues] such as child soldiers. I also create caricatures based on celebrities and enter them into weekly competitions.

Your dream?

I want to create work that changes people’s lives in a way even if it’s just to make them happy or they feel they can relate to it, that’s what I would love to do. The other option is teaching, as I believe you don’t have to be an art student to draw and to have fun with it.

Juliet Okadigbo, 21, Fine art degree

When did you realise your passion?

My art teacher in school recognised that I had a talent, so I’ve always been known for my skillful hand for drawings, building and making things.

What's next?

I would love to get experience in a sculpture company and use their tools to make my own pieces, which mainly focuses on my Nigerian heritage.

The dream?

I would like to have my own business and make work related to my African culture as it’s a central part of my identity, and I want to involve people and get them to create work in relation to their own backgrounds.

Sam Frimpong, 23, Illustration and graphic design degree

When did you realise your passion?

I didn't have a passion for design, but I’ve always been drawing and designing stuff from a young age. At the age of 15, my teachers encouraged me to study art. I initially studied fashion at university, but didn’t really like it as I felt my creative expression was being restricted and I felt too confined, so I changed to illustration and graphics where I could be myself.

What’s next?

While I was at college, I started my own clothing brand called NeRD Central in 2008, but I've been working on it on and off because of university work. Now that I've finished, I want to work on building the brand up and hopefully get it into stores. I design illustrations on most of the items in the clothing line, but mainly on jumpers, T-shirts and jackets.

Your inspiration?

My main inspiration is an entrepreneur called Johnny Earle who has his own clothing brand called Johnny Cupcakes, which he originally set up in America and he now has stores around the world. He came top of Business Week magazine’s 'Best Entrepreneurs 25 and Under' in 2008. That’s what I’m working towards; getting my own store and branching out internationally.

Your philosophy?

Nothing in life is easy and, yes, there’s a recession, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue your dreams. Anything is possible once you put your mind to it.

The graduates will be exhibiting the best of their work at Free Range Art Week in London between June 28 – July 1. For more information, visit www.covdegreeshow.org.uk