Our Illustration BA empowers students to discover their individual creative voice while building the practical, critical and professional skills needed to thrive in the visual arts. Based at our Harrow campus, students explore a dynamic range of practices from traditional drawing and printmaking to digital processes, 3D fabrication, textiles and emerging technologies such as AR, VR and MR. Within a close-knit creative community, and with access to industry professionals and London’s vibrant cultural landscape, graduates leave equipped to shape the future of illustration with confidence and ambition.

This year, we were delighted to welcome back six Illustration BA alumni for T26gether Again, a special showcase marking 26 years since they graduated from the University of Westminster. Returning to the studios where they first developed their practice, the exhibition celebrates both their shared creative roots and the diverse directions their work has taken across more than two decades.

In this Q&A, we speak to one of the participating alumni, Shema Ladva about her time at Westminster, how the course influenced her journey, and what it means to reunite and exhibit together 26 years on.

1. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your current practice?

Currently I’m an Illustrator, working on large scale illustrations to be shown in exhibitions and gallery environments.

Alongside my practice, I also run children’s art and craft workshops on behalf of Havering Council and HaveringChanges, an organisation supported by the Arts Council and the National Trust supporting local projects within the borough.

2. How did the course and your time at Westminster help you develop your own visual voice and practice?

Our three years at Harrow were “Amazing”. We were encouraged to experiment fully. We took full advantage of the Mixed Media, Printing, Woodwork, Animation and Photography departments. As a result, we came out as painters, sculptors, animators, film makers, performers, educators, mentors and of course Illustrators.

3. What does it mean to return to Westminster after 26 years and see the course still evolving?

To return to Harrow after 26 years and witness the Illustration course still standing proud and strong is astounding.

Yes it’s evolved to cater for todays working environment in the creative sector but in many ways, it has remained the same. The true ethos of the course has been and always will be to enhance every student’s ability to succeed as a creative and to arm us with the tools needed in the real world.

4. What was the biggest challenge you faced after graduating, and how did your Westminster experience help you navigate it?

Twenty six years ago, we entered the creative world with only a portfolio under our arms and business cards. We had no website to showcase our work or social media to promote our work. 

It was daunting to talk to galleries, editors and publishers, but that was our only way into any establishment.

However, Westminster prepared us for the reality and how to navigate our way through the maze of the “Creative World”. 

It was also very beneficial to have many tutors who were also practicing artists in their own rights, to highlight all the aspects of the industry.

5. As a professional working within creative and illustration industries, what have been some of your career highlights? 

My success has been an evolutionary journey within my work. There is no feeling compared to the satisfaction of completing a piece of work or a collection, that’s taken years.

I have had the privilege to work with many amazing artists as a collective for a show or simply exhibiting my own work at the local library, gallery or spaces in theatres, restaurants and art centres.

6. In an era of AI and digital tools, what do illustrators still uniquely bring to the table?

Regarding AI, its a great tool that can benefit many creatives. However we need to tread carefully when it comes to unique and original ideas; to ensure we protect our vision at all cost.

7. What do you hope the next generation of Westminster illustrators will take forward and what would your advice be?

I hope the next generation of Westminster Illustrators make their mark on the art world with vigor and gusto. The advise I always hand out is “carry on regardless” whatever Iife throws at you.

8. Why would you recommend the Illustration BA at Westminster to someone starting their creative journey today?

All careers need a foundation. Starting at Westminster was the best decision I’ve ever made to start my journey as an artist. It will help, nurture and open windows and doors to your life as a Visual Artist.  

About Westminster 

As one of the most diverse universities in the UK, we are a global university with London energy, with more than 19,000 students from 169 countries. To find out more about our courses, visit the University of Westminster website.