Sarah Wills, 27, from Portadown, is currently studying the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice at South West College (SWC) Dungannon and describes the course as excellent, crediting it with transforming her lifelong passion for drawing into a flourishing creative career and a published children’s book.
Sarah credits the course with giving her the confidence, skills and industry knowledge needed to develop as an award-winning designer, artist and children’s book publisher. ‘A Man’s Best Friend’ is a colourful, fun paperback about a man and his canine companion, fully self-published and entirely created, written and illustrated by Sarah.
Following the success of her debut publication, Sarah is now working on her second book.
Reflecting on her journey, Sarah, who launched her business, Sarah Wills Illustration, in 2020 and works from home as a mixed-media artist, says the course has supported her development both personally and professionally, boosting her confidence and helping to grow her business.
Sarah said:
“I’ve always had a passion for art, and I knew this was the right course for me because I wanted to expand my knowledge and develop my skills further.
“Over the last two years, I have gained experience across different creative platforms, including Adobe software, and developed an understanding of how the industry operates in the real world.
“Throughout the challenges, projects and group work, my tutors guided and encouraged me every step of the way. Their support gave me the confidence to take the next step and study Graphic Design at Ulster University this September, something I never thought possible.”
Sarah also balanced the demands of completing her studies alongside major personal milestones.
“At the same time as starting my book, I was also planning my wedding, so there was a lot of pressure balancing deadlines and responsibilities, but SWC supported me and helped me realise my dreams.
“My book was inspired by my love of dogs and my grandfather Brian, who is also an artist. For my final assignment, I wanted to push myself creatively and create something meaningful that would represent my time at SWC and prove to myself that I could achieve it.”
Since the book’s publication in April 2026, Sarah has received strong sales, positive attention and overwhelming encouragement from readers, inspiring her to begin work on a second publication.
Sarah said: “The support has been amazing throughout this journey, and I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
Sarah’s work can be found on Instagram and Facebook via Sarah Wills Illustration.
To progress your creative career, apply for a course at SWC, visit www.swc.ac.uk and search ‘Art and Design.’