ABOUT

An art & design masters course in the UK currently costs £50,000 to study and live in London

Arts education within the UK has for a long time been considered a luxury, with a price tag to match. Recent government announcements have revealed a slash of almost 50% in funding to all arts education, meaning this huge gap is about to grow even wider, with those from under-represented and lower socio-economic backgrounds being hit the hardest.

Only 10% of the UK population can afford a masters degree

To further this, the current industry is not built to support talent from a variety of backgrounds, whether it be through lack of network, or unable to work on intern wages and unstable contracts in London, meaning those that do manage to gain a BA degree are still less likely to gain paid work in their career of choice.

99.1% of jobs in the creative industry are filled by ‘the more advantaged groups’

#1

2018

In 2018 I started MYOM by researching artists and designers whose work I really admired. Without ever really expecting a response I sent out an email, explaining my position and the plan I had to try and build myself a free education. I sourced briefs, mentorship, and space directly from the creative industry. Throughout this time I learned more than I could have ever imagined, beyond technical skills, I learned how the industry actually works, how to approach opportunities and money, built a whole new level to my resilience and so much more. I concluded my ‘Masters’ by hosting a solo show at Somerset House and titling my course. I completed my Masters in ‘Anthropological Future design’ in 2019.

#2

2020

After the first MYOM experiment, I received an overwhelming amount of interest from the press and so many people found themselves in a similar position to myself. I was so confident that this experiment had worked, so far beyond my expectations, but was cautious that it was by no means easy. There were things I wished I had, that I knew I could help give to others. So I decided to push the experiment further and take on 10 new learners to guide them through the MYOM methodology. 10 incredibly talented learners, with completely different disciplines and experience, joined me on this experiment in January 2020. This is a tough project to undertake, add on top of the pandemic and I thought this being a success would be nothing short of impossible.

Yet in 2021 all 10 learners ‘graduated’ the programme with an incredible body of work. All of which, have gone on to higher-paid work within their field of choice, secured full-time positions in leading agencies, collaborated with leading brands, and produced award-winning work.

#3

2023

The second MYOM collective started in 2023 and finished in September 2024 with a final show at Somerset House as part of London Design Week. The showcase was a multi-disciplinary art and design exhibition, debuting the work of this year's MYOM collective. 10 creatives, covering a variety of themes and disciplines, from art therapy, sustainable weaving, mechanical costume design, digital fashion, and much more.

#4

2025

The third MYOM collective launch in 2025, as we undertake another creative experiment. We are looking for support to sponsor this cohort and really push the system as far as possible. What is also new this year is that we will be offering a range of creative services to share the value of MYOM and further the impact this amazing group of creatives can have.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Make Your Own Masters is for anyone, from any creative discipline that has faced a barrier to learning, whether it be due to finance, ethnicity, age, location, or disability. The MYOM system means that anyone from any background or circumstance can make their own education.

MYOM provides learners with a framework, a methodology and community to learn within, alongside a series of experimental learning sessions to better equip people to make progress within their careers.

Yet what is important to remember is that ‘Make Your Own’ is the most important element of the programme. Leaners are completely in charge of their individual learning, what they learn, when they learn, and how. MYOM will offer as much support as possible, but this is independent learning. It is difficult and nothing is guaranteed, so this way of working is not for a lot of people.

This is for those who thrive on independence and feel inspired to drive themselves through collaboration and collective support.

Learners will source briefs, mentorship, and space directly from the industry to build a bespoke year of education and simultaneously a professional network.

CHALLENGE

We have received a pivotal moment for creative education, the pandemic has made learning possible anywhere, movements that strive for equality have proven fundamental institutional change is needed, and Gen Z are questioning the value of traditional education systems altogether.

Coupled with recent government cuts to creative education and the cost of living reaching a record-breaking high, it will be those from lower socio-economic backgrounds that are most affected.

The problem is growing greater and the demand for alternative solutions have never been more prevalent, now is the time to build something radical.

MISSION

Built on the foundations of experimentation, community, and forging new pathways, this grass-roots learning project has the ambition to be the most agile, innovative, and inclusive learning network in the world. A research hub for learning methodologies and explorative design, an incubator for alternative talent, and a constant challenger for access to education and industry.