Why I Chose to Study Model Making & Design For Film at IADT

For Rosemarie from Idaho, USA, studying abroad wasn't originally part of the plan. But after visiting Ireland and discovering a place where she felt truly at home, she made the life-changing decision to leave her college in the United States and pursue her passion for film design overseas.

Now studying BA Design for Film at the Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT), Rosemarie is building the creative career she always dreamed of while embracing life in Ireland.

Studying Film Design in Ireland as an International Student

Before moving to Ireland, Rosemarie was studying at a college in Florida. While she enjoyed her course and had made great friends, life had become increasingly stressful.

"I had three part-time jobs and no financial support from family. I was living on my own and trying to balance everything at once."

During a summer visit to Ireland, she attended a month-long programme at a college in County Clare. What began as a short trip soon changed her perspective completely.

She found herself connecting with the people, culture and pace of life in Ireland. After speaking to locals and reflecting on what she wanted from her future, she realised she felt happier there than she had in a long time.

That experience ultimately led her to leave her previous college and begin exploring opportunities to continue her education in Ireland.

Why I Chose IADT's BA Design for Film Degree

Rosemarie always knew she wanted to work in the film industry as a prop maker. However, finding a programme that specialised in that area proved difficult.

"IADT felt like a dream come true," she explains. "They had an amazing programme, amazing industry connections and it was in the place that I had fallen in love with."

After applying and returning to the United States to save money, she received the news she had been hoping for: she had been accepted.

For Rosemarie, the decision was clear. "When I heard I got in, I felt like my future was set."

What It's Like Studying BA Design for Film at IADT

A futuristic dinosaur-inspired mask designed by Rosemarie for her assignment.

One of the biggest differences Rosemarie noticed after arriving at IADT was the hands-on nature of the course.

Rather than simply learning theory, students are encouraged to design, experiment, build and create from the very beginning.

"I love working with my hands. At IADT, I get such an incredible hands-on learning experience."

She describes a teaching environment where lecturers demonstrate techniques before encouraging students to develop their own creative solutions.

"They'll show you how something works and then ask, 'What do you want to do?' They help you brainstorm and figure out how to bring your ideas to life."

The approach has allowed Rosemarie to develop skills she never imagined she could learn so quickly.

"I've made things that I never thought I would be capable of making, and that was only in my first semester."

Practical Projects and Creative Work in BA Design for Film

Rosemarie created this original puppet inspired by Irish history.

The practical projects have been one of the highlights of Rosemarie's experience at IADT.

One of her first major assignments involved designing and building an original puppet. Despite having little experience with the materials beforehand, she created a detailed character inspired by themes connected to Irish history.

Soon afterwards, she completed another project involving the creation of a futuristic dinosaur-inspired mask designed for a speculative world-building assignment.

What surprised her most was how quickly her confidence grew.

"A month earlier I had never worked with any of those materials, and suddenly I was creating things I was genuinely proud of."

For Rosemarie, seeing an idea evolve from concept to physical object is one of the most rewarding parts of the course.

"I love seeing something that was once just an idea become something I can hold in my hands."

Career Opportunities in the Irish Film Industry

Rosemarie hopes to build a career as a professional prop maker in film and television.

As she prepares to enter her work placement year, she is particularly excited about the opportunities available within Ireland's growing screen industry.

Her goal is to gain experience at Ardmore Studios, one of Ireland's best-known production facilities and the studio behind productions including Netflix's Wednesday.

The prospect of combining her creativity with practical craftsmanship is exactly what attracted her to the industry in the first place.

"I've loved films since I was a kid. I always knew I wanted to work in them."

Support for International Students at IADT

Rosemarie rests on the green Irish hills.

Moving overseas without family support can be challenging, but Rosemarie says the people around her have made a huge difference.

She credits both her friends and lecturers for helping her settle into life in Ireland and succeed academically.

"My teachers are some of the most incredible people I've ever worked with. They're passionate about what they do and genuinely care about you as a person."

Throughout difficult periods, she found staff willing to offer guidance, encouragement and understanding.

According to Rosemarie, her lecturers care not only about academic performance but also about student wellbeing.

"They remind you that the project will still be there tomorrow and that taking care of yourself matters too."

Student Life and Creative Community at IADT

Rosemarie met wonderful people at IADT.

Beyond the classroom, Rosemarie has enjoyed becoming part of a creative community filled with people who share her passion for film and design.

She particularly values the collaborative environment within her course.

"We work so well together and bounce ideas off each other all the time."

The combination of talented classmates, supportive lecturers and like-minded creatives has helped her feel at home in Ireland.

For someone who moved across the world to pursue a dream, that sense of belonging has been invaluable.

Advice for International Students Considering IADT

Rosemarie is all smiles as she poses beside a work by Van Gogh.

Rosemarie's journey has not always been easy. Like many international students, she has faced challenges related to finances, accommodation and adapting to life in a new country.

Despite those obstacles, she has no doubts about her decision.

"It was by far the best decision I've ever made for myself."

For students considering studying at IADT, she believes the opportunities, support and creative environment make the experience worthwhile.

Today, she feels closer than ever to achieving the future she imagined as a child.

"I've already made quite a few of my dreams come true. I can't wait to see what happens next."