Sports Designer says ‘all dreams can happen’

11 July 2023

Now a professional graphic designer and graduate of University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Swansea College of Art, Jac Elsey attributes some of his success to the skills and community nurtured at UWTSD…

Jac Elsey smiles in his academic gown and hat.

Jac Elsey, from Gorseinon, Swansea, had always dreamed of designing for sports teams; a dream that was seeded as a child while competing in the UK and Europe with his kickboxing club and watching football games.

“I was fascinated that every competition I was in felt different, not because of the atmosphere but because of how it was branded across the venue,” Jac says. “And going to watch Swansea City AFC, I was far too busy looking at the matchday programme and posters around the stadium to actually witness kick-off!”

“I got so obsessed with graphics that I started to make some of my own. I started a page on Instagram in my late secondary school years making graphics for kickboxing athletes, which did surprisingly well. It gave me enough confidence to believe I was decent at design and to decide I wanted to take it further.”

Jac visited many other universities for open days, but says that “UWTSD felt different”.

“Of course, it was convenient as a Swansea resident, but as soon as I walked in on that open day the ethos of the place felt very comfortable, the lecturers were clearly enthusiastic, and the workspaces were filled with inspiring work from past students, which made me believe I could be the same one day.

“Plus, the chips in the canteen are really good, too!” he jokes.

Going into the course from a sporting background, Jac was pleasantly surprised to have his horizons broadened and be pushed to work on different themes. “Having a variety of projects across many areas was really valuable, as it made me realise I like other types of design, as well as sports design. I found undiscovered passions and had my eyes opened to a wider view of the design field.”

The Swansea College of Art BA Graphic Design course is based at UWTSD’s Dynevor building, where Jac felt accommodated in whichever direction he wanted to take. He points out that digital and physical designers alike will find the facilities they need, including the latest Mac suites and technologies as well as Riso- and Screen-printing machines. “If you have an idea for a project, there will be nothing to limit you in that building!”

Jac Elsey dressed for graduation stands with his arms around his parents.

With a strong focus on helping students with employability and the world of work, Jac was impressed that the briefs were tailored to reflect realistic situations. “The lecturers prepare you for what it is actually like to work in industry, and I was fortunate to work with a number of organisations and people during the course, in full-time and freelance roles.

“This really benefitted me – because for the last year and a half, alongside my degree, I have been employed as the sole Creative Designer for The Scarlets, a professional rugby team based in Llanelli.”

“My role gives me control of the brand’s look and feel, designing anything and everything from social media marketing graphics, commercial proposals for potential sponsors to stadium signage.

“I had always dreamed of working in the sports industry, so when they called to tell me I’d got the job in the middle of my second year at UWTSD, that dream came true! It has been a fantastic experience and a real pleasure to be a part of the strong Scarlets community in Llanelli.”

When asked what he’d recommend most about the course, Jac says: “Where do I start? Every single day you learn something new, which is why, now that I have graduated, I will forever miss stepping into that building three times a week.

“If I tried to list all the good things, I’d be here for days, so I’ll just say: with a passion for design, this course will be nothing but enjoyable. I simply couldn’t imagine a better place for a designer to reach their potential.

“The lecturers have unreal experience in the field and above all, are nice people who will happily help and support you. The facilities are second to none. If you look at the portfolio of graduate success, it speaks for itself: Apple, Manchester City, Pentagram, Lego… the list goes on.

“If you dream of working for any company you want in the entire world, Graphic Design at UWTSD can you get you there. Even if you worry that you’ll struggle to get a job after you graduate, the course has a massive reputation among the design industry network, so I guarantee you won’t be short of opportunities.

“It’s so much more than just an academic degree. The course teaches you how the world works, about understanding people, what to look for and what to avoid in employment.

“I came into it expecting to learn about design, do a few cool projects and a dissertation then graduate. I couldn’t have been more wrong, because it was so much more.

“The friends I’ve made here make me a better person, have the same interests, and I truly believe I’ll know them for life. I doubt I’ll ever have three years of my life as good as that, ever again.

“But who knows what the future holds? Thanks to UWTSD, the options for me are endless.”