Biba Fox
JewellerWhat have you been up to since leaving University of the Arts London?
After I graduated I spent two years at the University of the Arts London Students’ Union, first as Education and Student Development officer and the year after I was the Activities Officer. During this period I enjoyed working with the students and started new initiatives, one of which was the Bazaars where students got a chance to sell their work.
In 2005, I joined an events company as Event Designer/ Manager. I got involved in various aspects of the company whereby I was able to pursue my creative interests as well as develop my skills on a professional level. Craving creative independence and longing to go back to designing and making, I started looking into setting up my own business. I went back to Central Saint Martins and signed up on their course: Business Start-Up for Creatives, attended many talks and business advice sessions.
After the initial research and development, Biba Fox Jewellery was launched in December 2008. I am still working on building the business, developing different aspects and continuing my learning.
What, if anything, would you do differently?
I would have taken time out and done loads of work experience to give me a feel for different aspects of creative careers.
Did you feel prepared when you graduated? If not, was there anything else you wish you’d done, any opportunities you wish you’d seized?
Yes, when I graduated I felt prepared. But in time, if you decide to change direction you just start learning again and build on your existing experiences.
Are there any particular skills that you have come to rely on?
There are a few: Organizational skills for different things I am working on. Computing skills which aid the organizing and presenting. Talking to people and being interested in what they do. Speed cooking – cooking a delicious meal (fast) after work.
What would be your advice to a student graduating now?
Once you have decided what direction you would like to pursue go to the Careers Service and get as much information you can, research online and prepare yourself. Starting out with work experience is always good – you learn the ropes and understand how companies operate.
