A talented young artist from South Downs College is making their mark on the local art scene after transforming their creative passion into a growing business, with their illustrated products now being stocked in local independent shops.
Taro Rogers, who studies Level 4 Creative Enterprise at South Downs College, has successfully launched a range of illustrated bookmarks, combining their artistic talents with the business skills developed throughout their course.
Their creations are now available to purchase at Gallery No.30 in Petersfield and The Artisan Shoppe in East Wittering, marking an exciting milestone in their journey as an emerging artist.
The Level 4 Creative Enterprise course at South Downs College is designed to help aspiring artists develop their creative talents into viable business opportunities. Students are encouraged to work towards launching their own creative enterprises, developing products in their chosen disciplines while gaining valuable industry skills and connections.
From illustration and photography to fashion, textiles and jewellery, the course provides students with the opportunity to transform their classroom into a working studio, creating products that can be marketed and sold.
Paul Parsons, Course Leader at South Downs College, explained:
“We have a fantastic variety of artists on the course creating everything from clothing and illustrations to crochet, jewellery, and much more. The idea is simple: we turn the classroom into a working studio to help unlock genuine career opportunities. Many of our students continue running their creative enterprises long after finishing, while others use it as a stepping stone to progress directly into the creative industry.”
Praising Taro’s achievements and determination, Paul added:
“Taro is a remarkably talented artist, but what really sets them apart is their proactive focus on reaching out to local, independent businesses. They have been working hard to get their creations onto the high street, and the response from local shop owners has been overwhelmingly positive. We are absolutely thrilled that retailers are recognising the quality of Taro’s work and their outstanding illustration skills. Taro’s bookmarks, for example, are crafted with eco-friendly values at their heart without compromising on quality.”
Reflecting on their success and the support they have received, Taro said:
“I am incredibly grateful for all of the support I’ve received from my friends, family, and teachers. I’ve been given opportunities I didn’t think were possible and have gone further with my art than I ever could have imagined. It really is a dream come true.”
Taro’s success demonstrates how the Level 4 Creative Enterprise course supports students in developing their artistic skills, building industry connections and taking their first steps towards a career in the creative sector.
To see more of Taro’s artwork and latest creations, visit their Instagram page @tarodraws__.