Studying Abroad & Building a Creative Career

From high school’s high-pressure halls to the vibrant world of creative education, Holly Gascoigne has been on a journey of passion, perseverance, and pushing her own boundaries. In this episode, Holly opens up about navigating academic expectations, making the leap to university, and embracing the opportunities—and challenges—of studying abroad.

We talk about what it really takes to pursue a creative career, from finding your “why” to funding your studies, building industry connections, and getting invaluable hands-on experience. Holly shares what she’s learned from halls of residence chaos, a design course full of autonomy, a transformative stint in Madrid, and creating her own book The Queen and the Bee.

Whether you’re a student, aspiring creative, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of the creative industries, this conversation is packed with insights on following your passion, managing the financial realities of education, and carving your own path in a competitive field.

💡 Takeaways:

Passion drives persistence (and career success).

Creative education opens diverse doors.

Studying abroad is a game-changer for personal and professional growth.

Your network is your net worth in creative industries.

Financial management is just as important as creative skills.

Real-world experience beats theory alone.

Growth happens when you push past your comfort zone.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Navigating High School Pressures

04:17 The Journey to Creative Education

09:16 Transitioning to University Life

11:49 Experiences in Halls of Residence

17:54 Funding Education and Managing Finances

20:33 Exploring the Creative Design Course

29:30 Studying Abroad: The Madrid Experience

37:06 Creating The Queen and the Bee Book

43:09 Career Path and Future Aspirations