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Lisa studied at Brampton Road in the early 90s, gaining a job in London straight from college for Period Living magazine. 25 years later she left the big city for Suffolk and set up her own design company and gallery with her husband.
Name
Lisa Thomas
Maiden name
Cole
Which institution did you attend?
Cumbria Institute of the Arts
Which campus did you study at?
Carlisle, Brampton Road
What course did you study?
HND Graphic Design
What years did you study with us?
1989 to 1991
Why did you choose to study with us?
The course specialised in editorial and publishing design
Do you remember any tutors?
Jackie (can't remember surname) She was cool and supportive.
Who were your friends, have you stayed in touch?
Lost touch: Joanne Fielding, Adrian Clamp. Still in touch: Emma Michard, Victoria Ollerton, Steve Anyiwo, Craig Lancaster, Raj Mistry, Gareth Dobson
What did you do in your spare time as a student?
Went out to the Twisted Wheel on a Tuesday night. Watched Twin Peaks and any David Lynch movies. Visited friends to chat. Made dinner for friends.
What is your fondest memory of your time as a student?
I really enjoyed driving to Newcastle to see bands playing at the university. It was just great to be away from home and live my life as I pleased.
Job title
Owner / Creative director / Curator
Employer/organisation name
Come Hither Design / Come Hither Gallery
Briefly explain what your job entails
I run our company with my husband, who is a graphic designer, and have an extensive established client list, from high-end large companies to smaller local restaurants and businesses.
I opened an art gallery in our village in response to lockdown where work dried up a bit and I needed something colourful and beautiful to ease the enforced restrictions. The local community seem to really enjoy visiting.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
Meeting new clients and customers.
What were your career ambitions when you started studying and do you think that you have achieved them?
I had ambitions of working and living in London. I was offered a job at Period Living magazine (EMAP) while doing work experience with them, so I moved to London with a job straight from graduation.
I would say that I have achieved a lot in my career and met and worked with some amazing people.
I left London after 25 years to relocated in Suffolk but have carried on with my London clients.
How did going to university influence your life?
University life made me learn how to budget money, be self-motivated and take what I could from living on the border of Scotland.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of coming away from Cumbria Institute of the Arts with a job that would set me on my way in life.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I hope to travel the world to get more inspiration from different cultures.
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for students today?
Work hard and have fun with what you choose to do with your life. Don't be afraid to take risks.
Visit Come Hither Design here:
https://www.comehitherdesign.com/
Let us know what you have been up to since uni, complete an alumni profile form HERE.