A creative journey that began in the jewellery workshops of City of Glasgow College has led designer Militsa Milenkova to the international stage, as the former student designed the medals presented to the winning athletes at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“Moving to Glasgow to study Jewellery Design was the beginning of my journey within Scotland’s creative community.”
“The course gave me a strong technical foundation and introduced me to a wide range of materials, processes and approaches to making. It helped me develop my skills, build confidence and start understanding my own creative voice.”
The freedom to experiment, combined with the encouragement of staff, allowed Militsa to develop her own creative identity while learning traditional silversmith techniques. The course encouraged students to think beyond jewellery as simply an object and instead explore the stories, emotions and meanings that materials can carry.
“As someone who had recently moved to a new country, it gave me a creative community where I could meet like-minded people and feel a sense of belonging. Looking back, it was an important step that gave me the confidence and foundation to continue my journey through Glasgow School of Art and eventually create work such as the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games medals.”
After graduating, Militsa continued her creative journey at Glasgow School of Art before becoming an Artist in Residence and establishing her own independent practice. Throughout each stage of her career, the technical skills and confidence developed throughout her education, have remained at the heart of her work.
“The course helped me develop the confidence to experiment, take risks and think more deeply about the stories and ideas behind the objects I create. The support and creative environment helped me understand that making can be a career and gave me the skills and confidence to pursue opportunities beyond education.”
Designing the Glasgow 2026 medals has become one of the defining moments of Militsa’s career, bringing together her skills as a maker with the city she now calls home.
“I never imagined I would one day design a symbol that would represent the city and be experienced by athletes and audiences from around the world. Glasgow has become my home, and my journey here has been shaped by the people, education and creative communities I have found along the way. Being able to bring together my skills as a maker with elements that represent the city’s history, architecture, industry and identity has been an incredibly meaningful experience.”
For Militsa, the medals represent more than sporting success.
“I feel proud that a journey which began as a jewellery student at City of Glasgow College has led to creating something that celebrates the city and the athletes who will carry it forward. The medal represents not only Glasgow’s story, but also my own connection and belonging to the place that has helped me grow as an artist and maker.”
Militsa hopes her story encourages today’s students to embrace every opportunity, stay curious and trust their own creative journey.
“Make the most of the opportunities available to you at the College, learn from your tutors and technicians, collaborate with your peers and be open to trying new things. When I first came to Glasgow to study jewellery design, I could not have imagined the opportunities that would come my way. Keep making, keep learning and be open to unexpected paths, because every experience can contribute to your development as a maker.”