First Class!

Over the past two weeks we have had two graduate students (both with a first class degree) from last year come in to talk to us about their time in third year and what they are up to now... 

Libby Scarlett

Libby had been in previously to talk to us at the start of third year and she came back to show us some of her work. Libby produces a lot of hand-made work which she puts a lot of time and effort into. It is all beautifully presented and you can tell she thoroughly enjoys what she does. Her work all has a deep meaning to it and you could tell there was a concept and reason behind everything she does. Her final piece for the degree show goes to show you can do anything you want. Libby said she spent a lot of her time towards the end in the wood workshop and looking at our course people may think that isn't 'what we do' but it just goes to show the real diversity and openness on our course and you really can do what you want. Although a very different style of work to mine it was great to see that hard work pays off in the end! 

One piece that really caught my eye was Libby's journal which was beautifully presented and just by looking at the quality and final execution you can tell was something she really enjoyed producing. Libby herself admitted that in hindsight she probably did spend too much time on her journal but I think I can relate to her in being a 'bit of a perfectionist.' The overall presentation and idea behind the journal was great, taking time to produce the indexed file and not just throw it into a file. I think it is this attention to detail that makes you stand out.

Nicola Rowlands

Nicola gave us a great talk on how she spent her time in third year, her work experience and what she's up to now. It was refreshing to hear an honest talk from both girls but also slightly panicky in the amount they fit into the year. Nicola talked us through her 'top tips' for getting through the year and afterwards looking into industry and how to 'get in there.' ("Make lots of tea" was one of her tips which gave me an idea for my essay primary research.) Her work is very illustrative hand-drawn work again. She showed us a wide range of work from her time on the course, work experience work and stuff she's doing now. Nicola did a lot of work placements during her time at uni and I don't know how she fit it all in! The pieces below are one's that really stood out to me and show the connection between the hand drawn and the computer.

This powerpoint slide produced for the BBC. It really reminds me of the branding for Code, although quite a different style the simple graphic illustrations are quite similar to their style of branding with the empty tv to hold text and images and their Andrew Rae illustrations.

One of her most current pieces of work for 'Don't Panic' packs distributed throughout September.

I love this identity Nicola created for an interior designer....it is a great identity giving the feel of fabrics and also friendliness with the hand-drawn elements which will really attract people.

It was great to hear from people who have been in the exact place we are all in now and refreshing to be given honest advice. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me!!!