First-year student in design industry ‘Oscar’ glory

She gave up her day job working in a bank to sign up to a foundation degree course at Norton College, in Sheffield, in September.

Although the 24-year-old is still only in her first year the decision is already starting to pay off.

Her work has seen her named as a top-ten winner in a competition described as the international design and advertising industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.

The D&AD Student Awards 2011 receive entries from learners across the world and are aimed at helping the industry discover new talent.

Amy said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed. It means so much to me. I didn’t expect this type of recognition for my work. I entered with the intention to just gain some experience for the future.”

For the competition, she had to submit an advertising campaign brief on behalf of Oxfam. She was listed as a top ten winner in the Open Advertising category.

She said: “I put a lot into the award entry and worked on it every single day since the brief was announced. All the sacrifices I have made to join the course seem so worthwhile. ”

The 24-year-old spent three years working in a hotel and then a bank before deciding to return to education. She started the course at Norton College – part of Sheffield College – in September having always been interested in art and design, pursuing it as a hobby outside of work.

She added: “It has been tough, and it was difficult giving up a full- time wage and the lifestyle that goes with that.

“But I enjoy designing so much I decided I had to try to break into it. I am really loving the course, and have immersed myself in it.

“The tutors are fantastic and so supportive.”

A Sheffield College spokeswoman said Norton College students were regularly headhunted by the large design studios however her tutors have hailed her achievement in the competition as a first.

Chris Halliwell, her graphics and multimedia lecturer, said: “The D&AD attracts students from the best art and design colleges and universities in the world up to and including postgraduate level.

“For Amy, a first year student, to do so well is unprecedented.”

Norton College principal Andrew Cropley said: “This is a fantastic achievement and I would like to congratulate Amy on her hard-earned success.”