With an extensive international career spanning art, fashion, media and creative direction, Omagh’s Caroline Baxter celebrates earning a first-class BA (Hons) in Visual Media Arts (Film) at South West College (SWC), a milestone that has opened new creative and academic opportunities and demonstrates how lifelong learning fosters personal growth, career development and fresh beginnings.
From an early age, Caroline knew creativity would shape her future. While studying at Loreto Convent Grammar school in Omagh, Caroline had already committed to pursuing art, progressing to a Foundation in Art and Design at Liverpool Polytechnic before advancing to Graphic Design and Illustration at Salford University. Caroline later moved to London, where she worked at Steven Spielberg’s animation studio, Amblimation, contributing as a special effects animator on major productions including An American Tail: Fievel Goes West and We’re Back!
Her career evolved into magazine publishing, with roles at leading titles such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, i-D, and The Guardian. She went on to become a BSME award winning Fashion Editor and Executive Fashion Director across several major publications, as well as co-founding a visual arts studio and working freelance on creative campaigns for fashion brands.
Reflecting on her time in the industry, Caroline said: “No two days were ever the same. One moment I would be producing and styling a shoot, bringing the right team together, or sitting front row at a fashion show and the next I would be designing and making props for a short film. I loved that the industry was so hands-on, and seeing an idea come to life in different ways kept it interesting and varied.”
A firm believer in lifelong learning, Caroline continued to build her skills alongside her professional career, completing weekend photography courses at Central Saint Martins, followed by further training in digital photography at the University of West London.
Reflecting on this period, Caroline said: “Working with photographers from all over the world became an education in itself. I learned a great deal about lighting, composition and how images are constructed before being shaped into finished magazine layouts. Over time, I realised just how important both the process and visual theory are in creative media.”
That growing interest in theory drew Caroline back into formal study, when she completed a CertHE in History of Art with the Open University.
“Rather than briefing photographers, I wanted to create the work myself, and fashion film was an area that truly excited me,” said Caroline.
From there, she progressed to the BA (Hons) in Visual Media Arts (Film), validated by the Open University at SWC’s Enniskillen Erne campus.
Reflecting on her degree, Caroline said: “Studying for the BA (Hons) in Visual Media Arts brought together all the creative skills I had developed over the years and helped me see how they connect within a wider media context. It also opened new professional opportunities, including joining the lecturing staff at SWC.”
Caroline now shares her expertise with students, emphasising the importance of idea development, visual thinking, and creative planning, alongside the use of emerging tools such as digital media and AI.
Caroline said: “That process of thinking, planning and developing is one of the most valuable creative media skills I’ve carried with me throughout my career, and it’s something I encourage all my students to adopt.”
For those considering a career in media, Caroline highlighted the variety of the industry: “The opportunities in this industry are endless. My main advice would be to talk to lecturers in Creative Media and explore the facilities. Most courses offer a taster across different disciplines, helping students decide which pathway suits them best. Securing an internship, where possible, is also invaluable for understanding the realities of the industry.”
Caroline’s inspirational journey is a powerful reminder that education is not limited to one stage of life and shows how learning can unlock new creative and academic opportunities, whether for those just starting out or experienced professionals looking to retrain, refocus or develop new skills later in life.