Pavlina Azova

Aiming high

Pavlina wanted to be a model maker and visited Herts for an open day. She says, ‘I was impressed by the students' work, and this was a deciding factor for me. I could see myself achieving what they were able to do at Herts. The environment really drove ambition.

‘I also liked the campus and accommodation; it seemed like a great place to get the full university experience.’

Some of her favourite memories from Herts were working overnight in the sculpting studio, spending time with friends and listening to music, and nights out on campus.

Pavlina won the Peter Brownhill Prize for academic achievement in her final year. She says, ‘Winning the Peter Brownhill Prize is something I’m immensely proud of and I’m grateful to the Brownhill family for offering it to students studying model design.’

Working at Warner Bros. and Pinewood Studios

Pavlina is now a Trainee Sculptor, who has worked at the world-famous Warner Bros. and Pinewood Studios. She says, ‘My first job after university was at a puppet-making studio in London. I really wanted to work in film, so I reached out to some of the contacts I met at the University’s School of Creative Arts’ Graduate Degree Show. I then managed to get a job at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in their poly-sculpting department, where I am now.’

Pavlina also spends time working on personal modelling projects, which she is hoping to develop into a small business.

Her advice

Her advice to future Herts students and graduates is, ‘Don’t take your time at Herts for granted. Your final year is your chance to create whatever you want, so push yourself and achieve your best. A strong portfolio will set you apart from others when you start looking for a job.’