Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Simpson, class of 2002, Art and Design
Published on: 10/02/2026
By Joanne Lusher
Amanda Simpson
Which institution and campus did you attend?
Cumbria Institute of the Arts, Brampton Road campus
What course did you study?
Art and Design Foundation
What years did you study with us?
2001 - 2002
Why did you choose to study with us?
As with most creatives I wanted to explore and develop my already artistic tendencies within a safe friendly environment, and as such enjoyed the freedom to create and develop a range of art work, photography and IT skills that prepared me for the next four years studying fashion design at Northumbria University, ending on a high in 2006 with the River Island Accessory Award, Graduate Fashion Week.
Do you remember any tutors? Did you have any favourites, if so, what made them special?
My tutor back in 2001 at the Brampton Road campus was Jac Scott, at the time Jac was creating fabulous quirky artworks, utilising anything everything really from DIY stores to barbie dolls, creating thought provoking art installations and possibly the first recycling guru of 2000s. Jac gave a complete structure, focus and framework of design strategies that I was able to work with and implement within my own work and design studies at Carlisle.
Who were your friends, have you stayed in touch?
Vanessa O'Donnell was a great friend of mine whilst studying art and design at Brampton Road campus. We had a great time, cheering each other on during a year of not only learning great skills but also finding ourselves and intrinsically what made us tick.
Inspiration and creativity
What did you do in your spare time as a student?
During my (not so much) spare time, I would visit Tullie House Museum, a great adventure into the wonderful textiles and art works there. I particularly remember an ebony inlay box exquisitely hand carved.
As I was also studying photography, I would walk around Carlisle taking photographs (black and white although I preferred sepia) using a Nikon camera supplied by Brampton Road campus. Great memories!
What is your fondest memory of your time as a student?
One day I will always remember... I was sitting alone in the Annex at Brampton Road campus studying a piece of garlic for a study in oil pastels... I don't think I have had a day since where I've been so engaged in my work, absorbed and at one with art and creative process.
Job title: Vintage/Antique Fashion/Jewellery Sales
Employer/organisation name: The Fashion Studio
Briefly explain what your job entails
Buying/selling vintage and antique fashion, jewellery and accessories. Photography, creating visual fashion display, website design.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
I really love fashion, Jewellery, photography and film work. It is so satisfying to read the reviews from my customers.
What were your career ambitions when you started studying and do you think that you have achieved them?
I had no ambition when I started my course at Brampton Road, however, by the time I left... It was Jac Scott that gave me a direction and a taste for ambition, and that was to enrol at Northumbria University and to study fashion design. The many skills I have acquired have enabled me to run a successful business in fashion. Although my passion and ambition was/is to be a fashion designer, I find myself completely absorbed by recycled fashion.
How did going to university influence your life?
Studying at Brampton Road, and as previously mentioned my tutor Jac Scott has had a great influence on my creative pathway over the past 25 years, and it's still gaining momentum!
What are you most proud of?
I didn't give in!
What are your ambitions for the future?
Development of my business "the fashion studio". I'd also like to create more.
We want to hear about your student memories and where your degree has led you… Complete your alumni profile here.