Manuela Gandara began her journey at the Brit School in 2013, studying interactive digital design. Initially, she considered a more traditional vocation in biology but was encouraged by her older sister, Natalie – who took the economics route – to follow her creative instincts and apply to the school in south London.
“It was a school that I heard a lot about growing up, but I assumed it was a private art school, not something I could pursue myself,” says Gandara. “I’m a first-gen immigrant from a working-class background. I lived and was raised in a council estate in south London.”
When her sister became the first person in her family to go to university, Gandara felt inspired to pursue her ambitions of working in a creative profession. “My sister is my biggest cheerleader, I always look up to her and when I found out the Brit School was free, she encouraged me to apply. It opened the doors to people like me who would otherwise not be able to pursue a creative career.”
Currently a senior brand lead at Raylo, a company specialising in the circular economy for tech devices, Gandara has also worked on creative projects for YouTube and Microsoft, across web design, animation, digital experiences and influencer marketing. She credits her career trajectory in graphic design to the practical skills and industry insights she gained at the Brit School.
Industry insight is something that remains a hot topic for the school’s current crop of creative talent – and students had the good fortune to see doors opening for them in the run up to this year’s Brit Awards.
Mastercard, the event’s headline sponsor for 27 years, teamed up with companies making the 2025 awards happen and was able to offer on-the-job work experience to the school’s young artists. It’s giving them unprecedented insight into what it takes to get a showcase event like this live, from the music and make-up to production and lighting. The move is all part of Mastercard’s ongoing support for the Brit School – and a way of helping the next generation break into a hugely competitive world.
Almost 10 years into her professional journey, Gandara is also keen to share her experiences with the young people following in her footsteps. She regularly returns to the Brit School to mentor students, and finds that she benefits as well. “The main thing I always get back from the students is the confidence they have in their vision. I’m always blown away by how talented they are – the work they produce gets better every year. Often as you progress in your career, there are moments that you doubt yourself and your creative process. Seeing everyone so excited is inspiring and it reminds you why you do what you do.”
As a young design student, hearing first-hand from professionals in the creative industries helped to build the foundations of Gandara’s future career. “I think there are two things that you get out of Brit School – the freedom to explore and collaborate with other students, and an insight to what it’s like to work in the creative industry. I remember a few designers who came into our class to tell us about their experiences, some were Brit alumni too, so coming out of school, I felt fully prepared. One designer I stayed in touch with has mentored me ever since, so I had a professional network to connect with after I left school.”
Confidence is a thread that runs through the fabric of the Brit School. Not something that Gandara necessarily began her journey with, but a trait that she built with the support of teachers, fellow students and mentors. “I was very nervous taking the leap to apply, and wondered if I should have a safety net if it all went wrong. Not everyone comes out of the Brit School and into a creative role, but at least they’re able to experiment and see whether or not they want to be creative. You don’t have to find your niche right away – most subjects are broad so you can explore all options. It’s a safe space for people of all backgrounds to see what you can do and see what you can build.”
Returning to the school with the benefit of hindsight and a wealth of professional experience allows Gandara to pass her knowledge on to the next generation of creatives. “Everyone in that class, everyone in that school, deserves to take up space in the creative industry, so I always tell students to be unafraid, to try everything and remain confident in what you do. Get yourself out of your comfort zone, whether it’s creatively within your career or any other aspect of your life – that’s where you come up with the best ideas.”
Reflecting on a decade of career growth, what might Gandara say now to her apprehensive teenage self on the precipice of beginning her Brit School journey? “Oh, definitely to worry less! And to enjoy the process. Because of my background I was afraid that it wasn’t going to work out and I’d have to start all over again, or that I wasn’t going to fit in with the other students. Maybe if I had worried less, I would have taken even more opportunities. But the gamble paid off in every way. I’m very happy in my career, I’m still enjoying design and learning all the time. That’s all down to coming from an environment where I felt I could really flourish.”
Mastercard is proud to sponsor The BRIT Awards and support The BRIT School. Discover more at mastercard.co.uk/BRITs
