Roxanne Bottomley

I’ve been teaching design for over eight years, across further education, undergraduate foundation, and postgraduate study. I was Course Leader for MA Graphic Design at Leeds Arts University and I hold a PhD in Design from Northumbria University. I currently work as a researcher at the University of York. Most of what I know about teaching, though, I learned on foundation courses, working closely with students who were still figuring out what kind of designer they wanted to be.

My lessons are conversational and led by what you bring. A typical session opens with a short check in: what you’ve made since we last spoke, what’s stuck, what you’re excited about. From there we work directly on your material, whether that’s a live brief, a portfolio, a personal project, or an application. I’ll ask questions, show you references, sketch alongside you, and give clear, specific feedback rather than vague encouragement.

I can help with graphic and communication design, typography, layout, visual research, concept development, portfolio building, university applications and interviews, and writing about your own work. If you’re preparing for art school or an MA, I’ve sat on both sides of that process and know what tutors are looking for.

Sessions run for an hour, and I’ll usually suggest something small to try before we next meet. I work with complete beginners and with people already well into a design career who want a fresh pair of eyes. Come with something in progress, or come with a question.

I also love to help with transitions- I am happy to life coach the life transitions that happen while studying and creating. I am excellent at pastoral care around studying.