Creative Update - Issue 5

James Barnor / Wimbledon Fashion Week / The Cucumber / Prix de la Photographie

creative / May 11

update

University for the Creative Arts Alumni Magazine

Issue 05.

Nike designer / EastEnders / Postcard from Bulgaria / Harry Potter

photo by James Barnor Selina Opong, Policewoman #10 Ever Young Studio, Accra, c.1954

Welcome

© James Barnor/Autograph ABP

Welcome to the fifth edition of Creative Update, the magazine of the UCA Alumni Association

contents welcome p2 news p3 features

p7

contributors UCA alumni team

Nikitas Almpanis, Chloe Rodham, Poss Kondeatis plus News in brief stories Andy Joule, Martin Phipps, Shengyuan Hsu, Round Table, Richard Yeomans, Sean Pankhurst, Jeremy Sampson, Assen Tzekin, Sally King

profiles

p24

Russell Owen, Mark McGough Teodosi Nikolov, James Barnor

advice

p34

Naomi Hiscoe, Neil Bottle

obituaries

p40

Les Fawcett, Sophie Hannon

events

p42

Donors and scholars

We hope you enjoy issue five of Creative Update - we can’t believe the magazine is in its third year. For this edition we’ve crammed in a whole host of features and profiles. We have a postcard from a graphic design alumnus in Bulgaria; a noted 1960s photographer who documented his country’s rise to freedom; and a Nike designer who kits out footballers from the Premiership and Champion’s League.

We held two reunions recently.

The first, for our Graphic Design alumni, was at the Jerwood Space and the second was an Art and Design reunion at The Whitechapel Gallery. We were delighted with how many alumni came along. The discussions we had with the graphic designers prompted us to arrange the round table discussion on page 12. Let us know your thoughts and if you would like to get some of your former cohort together we would be happy to host you.

We love hearing from our alumni. If you would like to feature in the next magazine, do let us know.

The Alumni Team alumni@ucreative.ac.uk

UCA reunions

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University for the Creative Arts | Contents | Creative Update

News

Rochester graduate scoops prestigious prize

‘It could be YOU next!’

‘Who am I?’

MA graduate Nikitas Almpanis has won a top award at the Prix de la Photographie in Paris 2010 for his image entitled ‘It could be YOU next!’

Nikitas, originally from Heraklion, Greece, created the image as part of his MA Photography course at UCA Rochester. His work stems from his research within the field of personality and working conditions. His research in Greece highlighted that a number of people felt exploited and that their personality was limited when confronted by ideological structures in the corporate world.

news

His award-winning body of work includes photography, video and installation. Nikitas, who graduated in 2010, said: “The theme of my image, simply put, is uniformity in the workplace, which gradually leads to the crushing of individualism and the deterioration of character. The elements of the pictures are carefully placed as they hold a certain reading, which helps further the narrative.”

The Prix de la Photographie is a prestigious international award that promotes the appreciation of photography and discovers emerging talents.

The jury panel contains world-renowned photographers and magazine editors who select the winners from thousands of entries from over 85 countries.

Nikitas said: “It feels so good to win this award at such a renowned contest where you are up against the best photographers in the world. It will provide me with some great exposure and publicity.

Still from ‘What’s next’ video

“However, the challenge is to keep on finding the motivation and the resources in order to create high-calibre work now and in the future.”

Nikitas has been awarded numerous international awards including the Al-Thani award for photography in 2008. His work is published in magazines, newspapers and websites. He was also a member of the organising team for the 2nd International photo meeting of FIAP (International Federation of Art Photography).

In 2008 he made his film debut directing and script-writing the film ‘One Out of Three’ which is about unemployment.

His winning photo was shown at the “Espace Dupon” gallery in Paris and published in a full-colour annual book.

Nikitas Almpanis | Photography prize | Creative Update

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News

Animation graduate creates music video

A recent Animation graduate has attracted a global audience for her work after being selected to work on an official music video for Denver-based band DeVotchKa. Chloe Rodham, 21, who graduated from UCA Farnham in 2010, contacted the band while she was still at university working on her graduation film.

She said: “I hoped they would give me permission to use their music within my film as it seemed perfectly suited to the style and mood I was trying to create. I was pleasantly surprised that they got straight back in touch! They said they were very impressed with my work and wanted to commission me for an official video.”

Chloe’s film is a simple narrative about a woman who sets her bird collection free, which reflects the romantic and yet bittersweet theme of the song, titled ‘100 Other Lovers’.

She said: “It was a brilliant song to work on – I find DeVotchKa’s music truly inspirational. I wanted the design and technique of the video to reflect the quirky style of the music which encompasses a wide range of styles including Romany, Polka and Mariachi.

“I used a mixture of stop motion and 2D computer animation. I made the birds in the video from old-fashioned paper scraps – I wanted them to look as though they had been torn straight from a love letter. I also referenced the rose symbol which frequently appears in the band’s merchandise.

“The bright, mixed-media birds add an upbeat vibe and energy to the dream-like ambience, which also parallels the musical characteristics. The faded grandeur of ornate birdcages suggests a darker edge to the otherwise whimsical visuals another attempt to represent the combination of both dark and joyous themes in the song.”

Chloe with her handmade birdcage

Chloe, who is based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, is currently working as a freelance animator on a range of commissions. www.chloerodham.co.uk

“

Still from the DeVotchKa video

The bright, mixed-media birds add an upbeat vibe and energy to the dream-like ambience, which also parallels the musical characteristics

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Chloe Rodham | DeVotchKa video | Creative Update

”

News

And the winner is…

It’s been a busy award season for our talented film alumni. Graphic design graduate, Poss Kondeatis, got UCA off to a winning start by picking up a BAFTA Award in February.

‘Until the River Runs Red,’ which he produced, won Best Short Film at the glittering awards ceremony which celebrates the best of British film.

Poss, who graduated from UCA Epsom in 2004, said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the whole experience and it feels like a dream: I needed to pinch myself when Paul McCartney came over and shook my hand for five minutes saying how much he loved the film – even JK Rowling gave me a wink.”

Poss (left) and Paul with their awards

Meanwhile, UCA Farnham alumnus, Davide Cinzi, swapped rainy London for the sunshine of Los Angeles and the Oscars. The former Film Production student strutted up the red carpet alongside some of the most famous people on the planet after the film he worked on was nominated for an Academy Award. ‘The Confession,’ which he was the cinematographer on, failed to win Best Short Film on the night but it did not dampen his Hollywood adventure.

Oscar-winning Canterbury alumnus Arnold Schwartzman made certain that UCA’s international alumni network was in full swing by extending an invitation to Davide for the Oscar nominees reception hosted by the British Consul-General.

“

I got to meet some great people on my trip and the kind of exposure that surrounds the Academy Awards can open many doors

”

RTS UCA award winners - photo by Howard Lucas

“You never expect your film to be nominated for an Oscar, but at the same time you always dream that one day it will,” explained Davide. “I got to meet some great people on my trip and the kind of exposure that surrounds the Academy Awards can open many doors.”

More recently, UCA celebrated a double success at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Southern Awards. ‘Love Inc’ directed, by Alex Battershall and Anthony Woodley, was named Best Student Drama, while ‘Britain’s Young Soldiers’ by Joseph Martin won Best Student Factual Film. Both films have now been nominated for National RTS Student Awards which will take place at the end of May.

Poss Kondeatis | Awards | Creative Update

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News

News in brief Christmas bow Foundation alumna Kitty Laity brought some creative Christmas cheer to the village of Haslemere by designing a 36-metre ribbon made from laminated plastic bags to highlight the historic Town Hall.

Kitty said: “It was a fantastic way to encourage recycling within the community, we lit the ribbon with lights and it made it look like a giant Christmas present.”

Hannah’s pop up shop Recent jewellery graduate Hannah Goodall has opened a shop in Barnes selling her handmade items. She will be selling pieces from her ‘zig zag’ jewels range, wrist watches and her collection inspired by Carl Fabergé eggs. She is keen to create a relaxed shopping experience with records playing and coffee shop atmosphere. Hannah’s shop opened in March and can be found at 66 High Street, Barnes.

Textile art book Cas Holmes, who graduated in Fine Art from UCA Maidstone in 1983, has recently published a book which taps into one of the most popular textile trends today. ‘The found object in textile art’ is richly illustrated with the best textile art from around the world. For further information visit: www.casholmestextiles.co.uk

Lisa said: “I was delighted when chosen to become the artist-in-residence. The gallery is a gem and the owners should be congratulated for bringing the international artists and artworks to Farnham, whilst supporting local artists and the art community.”

Historic Dockyard UCA Rochester alumnus Daniel Nash recently exhibited a sculpture at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard. He said: “The sculpture reflects the industrial setting using forms and materials I have seen in the dockyard. The piece I have created consists of a series of sections. It reflects the many structures in the dockyard.”

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Alumni round up | News in brief | Creative Update

Artist-in-residence Farnham Fine Art graduate Lisa Andrews has been made artist in residence at ‘LIFE – The Gallery’ in Farnham.

‘Object of Identity’ MA Video and Photography graduate Rebecca Andrews recently held an exhibition ‘Object of Identity’ at the Broadcast Gallery in Dublin. A photographer and film maker Rebecca is also a bodybuilder and her collection documents female bodybuilders at competitions.

Takifuji win Printed Textiles graduate Peta Jacobs has scooped the 2010 Takifuji Art Award with a selection of pieces made in her final year at UCA Farnham.

The three pieces were ‘Virtually Virtual Quilt’, a sublimation-printed fabric pleated to create 3D effects, ‘Prism’ a large hanging textile screenprinted with a devoré chemical, and ‘Prismatic Screen’ a maquette for an etched metallic screen.

Peta, who is now studying for an MA Textiles at UCA, said: “I was absolutely delighted to receive international validation for my work.”

From handmade to

Feature

Senior Lecturer in Animation Andy Joule explains the emergence of digital media in stop motion animation Whether you believe that the first stop motion film was Arthur Melbourne-Cooper’s ‘Matches Appeal’ or the combined efforts of Albert Smith and Stuart Blackton with ‘The Humpty Dumpty Circus’, what is not in doubt is that the process has been around for as long as cinema itself.

”

All you needed was a puppet, a set, some lights and a camera. Even when I started on my adventures with stop motion in 1987, there wasn’t the remotest hint of any digital assistance. The best that technology could offer was the EOS video assist, which compiled work a frame at a time, capturing images onto video tape. But that was a luxury few studios could afford and I remember watching the late Paul Berry (‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’) animating at Cosgrove Hall Films with nothing more than an engineer’s surface gauge.

EOS made way for Animate in the 1990s.

Images could now be compiled a frame at a time onto a hard drive. This saw mainstream animation captured digitally for the first time.

The development of Animate (an offshoot of a real time rendering programme for live action broadcast) was carried out by DPS, Aardman Animation and London Studios. I was fortunate to be one of the key evaluators in this system. With Animate, the animator could finally put away the surface gauge, worry less about remembering where and how much to move things and focus on each individual frame.

The set of ‘Coraline’

Since then there have been many similar systems but all follow the same basic steps whereby images are appended a frame at a time with a real time playback facility. Children’s animation in the UK was unwittingly spearheading a huge change through the 1990s and the early 2000s. The beginning of the end for film in stop motion started with ‘The Koala Brothers’. In 2002 producer David Johnson saw an opportunity to dispense with film entirely and to capture straight to memory cards using digital stills cameras linked to the Animate programme. As ‘The Corpse Bride’ was in pre-production, Warner Brothers asked the series’ camera technician Matt Day for advice on setting up their studio. They followed where ‘The Koala Brothers’ left off and used the system Day recommended. Stop motion animation had finally become truly digital.

Andy Joule | Digital media | Creative Update

features

This was the animator’s key tool as it allowed you to record a point in space where the puppet was.

You then moved the puppet to the next position and the gauge allowed you to measure how far, and in which direction you had moved it. And that was it.

The rest was down to remembering all the moves that you had made before, and anticipating those you were yet to make. This was called shooting blind. You were never sure of the results until the rushes returned the next day or even at the end of the week!

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Feature

1957

1961

1966

“

I remember my time there with great

affection – old man Dealy’s café opposite the college, the smell of oil paint in the studios and smoke from the kilns firing

My top tips: If you lose the creative ‘buzz’ it’s time to get out Never lose the ability to draw Continually invest in the best equipment for the job

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Martin Phipps | Decades in design | Creative Update

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Feature

1977

2003

decades in design:

A graphic account

By Martin Phipps, Farnham School of Art 1957 – 1961 In 1957, aged 14, I gained a place at the old Farnham School of Art, studying with inspiring tutors such as Will Evans, Ben Franklin, Henry Hammond and Paul Barron. To be treated like an adult in that intimate atmosphere was fantastic.

I learnt sculpture, pottery, weaving, bookbinding, silk screen printing, painting and, most importantly, the ability to draw well. I remember my time there with great affection – old man Dealy’s café opposite the college, the smell of oil paint in the studios and smoke from the kilns firing – happy days.

In 1961 I got a job with London advertising agency BBDO. Plunged straight into the high-pressure world of press and copy deadlines, you had to learn fast to keep your job ahead of the other juniors.

Our studio was the ‘bull pen’, as we charged around supporting all the senior creatives. All design and artwork was produced by hand with pencils, pastels, ink or paint - felt-tip pens, Rotring pens and Letraset came in later. The adrenalin surge when the whole agency worked together on a pitch for a new ‘blue-chip’ account designing press and TV campaigns was amazing.

Brush lettering last-minute presentation boards with no room for mistakes was scary stuff.

I turned down the chance to go and work for two years in the Chicago Agency in 1963 as I was having the time of my life in swinging ‘60s London, working with the most talented, creative and funny people I have ever met.

In 1966 I joined the Guildford advertising agency Griggs Bartlett as Creative Director.

With my London experience I was assigned my own portfolio of clients handling everything from client consultation, design and finished artwork work through to media and print buying. Four years later, I moved on to James Walker & Co in Woking as Studio Manager and Creative Director while building up freelance clients in my own time.

I opened my own studio, mpg design, in Guildford in 1977 and soon gained a reputation as the fastest complete design and finished artwork service in the area. Specialising in packaging design as well as servicing a broad range of commercial clients, the business was highly successful. After 15 profitable years I moved back to working from home, said goodbye to my trusty drawing board and invested in my first Apple Mac computer. With my thorough grounding in design and typography I soon got up to speed.

Teaming up with Fox Editorial, I moved into the world of academic publishing. With a baseline of regular journal and book clients, we built highly successful businesses. Using electronic communication for much of our work, we moved to Dorset in 1996 to live and work in a beautiful environment.

In February 2000 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and carried on working until I had to retire in 2003. I had 42 years of creativity and fun working in the graphics world and have many stories to tell. With my right-handed tremor I now have new challenges for my creative ‘buzz’ with wildlife photography and learning to paint lefthanded.

Would I have done anything differently? I don’t think so.

What would have happened if I’d gone to Chicago or to the Royal College of Art as Ben Franklin advised me on the day I left Farnham – who knows?

Martin Phipps | Decades in design | Creative Update

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Made it in

Taiwan

Feature

10

Ray (right) with the Mayor

UCA Rochester graduate Shengyuan Hsu has landed on his feet after flying home to Taiwan.

The 28-year-old, who completed an MA in Photography in 2008, has worked for several high-profile clients in his native country and says it is all down to his education at UCA. Ray, as he likes to be known, spent the last four months of 2010 photographing the Mayor of Taipei on the campaign trail. The candid, behind-the-scenes photographs ensured it was a successful re-election campaign. When Creative Update caught up with Ray on a wet yet balmy Sunday evening in the modern, bustling city of Taipei, he was bursting to share that he had just been snapped up to become a photographer for GQ Taiwan.

Shengyuan Hsu | Photographic success | Creative Update

“I found UCA to be a very inspiring place,” said Ray. “There aren’t any photography courses in Taiwan – the nearest I could find was visual design – so UCA was a great place to learn my craft.

“The course didn’t just help me technically as a photographer, it also gave me confidence about myself in so many ways. I wrote a full dissertation in a language that I could hardly speak a few years ago of which I am really proud. Now, I try not to fear anything and just trust in myself and my abilities.

“MA Photography also taught me how to become a photographic artist – something that I hadn’t even considered before I flew to England but is now my greatest passion.”

Feature

“

I hope to follow in the footsteps of my idol Annie Leibovitz and try to combine quality commercial photography with fine art works

”

That passion was displayed through Ray’s self-published book ‘Strangers’, which won third prize in the Prix de la Photographie Paris in 2008 and also earned him a book deal and notoriety back home in Taiwan.

While ‘Strangers’ focuses on happiness, his follow-up ‘Crying Girls’, which he is currently working on, will feature 100 women who are all in tears. “It’s a fun project because I’m not just taking pictures of strangers who I see crying in the streets but also using friends and trying to find ways to make them cry,” said Ray. “Before I went to UCA I just wanted to be a commercial photographer but now look at me.”

Ray still enjoys his commercial work and got a rare glimpse into the world of politics while documenting the

Taipei’s Mayor on the campaign trail

mayor’s re-election. “It was a real adventure,” he said. “I got to attend events and meet people who I never thought I would ever see; I toured around the capital city for the first time - coming from Tainan 200 miles away, that was really good. I also got to know one of Taiwan’s most famous men really well, which I hope comes across in the photos.”

His photos caught the eye of GQ Taiwan before the election was over and Ray was promptly asked to shoot for the men’s magazine. “I’m really looking forward to it – we’re just trying to work out dates that suit us both,” he said. “GQ is one of the biggest magazines in the world so working with them will be amazing.

Now, I hope to follow in the footsteps of my idol Annie Leibovitz and try to combine quality commercial photography with fine art works.”

You can see more of Ray’s work at: www.shengyuanhsu.com

The Mayor at Church

Shengyuan Hsu | Photographic success | Creative Update

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Feature

Round Table:

Today’s design industry At our recent Graphic Design alumni reunion we heard lots of different views on the design industry, so, we invited a range of creative professionals to have a discussion.

Gemma Garner

Scott Evans

Tom Briggs

Co-founder, designer

Co-founder, web developer

Highly motivated and

and crafter at toggle.

and designer at toggle.

talented freelance designer,

When not at her desk,

He was awarded student

Tom has a wonderful

you’ll find her making

of year in D&AD’s 2007

interest in combining

handmade gadget cases.

student awards.

modern typography with beautiful imagery across print and digital.

Arps Patel

Rich Bargus

Philip Ely

As Managing Director of

As Creative Director of

Associate Dean and Head

Preface Studios Arps helps

Preface Studios, Rich

of the UCA Business &

clients build and maintain

makes clients happy by

Community School at

meaningful relationships

ensuring all design output

Epsom and Farnham,

with the people that

is delivered to the highest

where he leads support

matter most to them.

possible standards.

for graduate employability and entrepreneurship.

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Cross Topics | Round table | Creative Update

We were joined by Arps Patel and Rich Bargus from Preface Studios, Gemma Garner and Scott Evans from Toggle, Tom Brigg, freelance graphic designer and Philip Ely, Associate Dean at UCA. Job prospects after university _Arps: I wished I had focused more on getting work placements.

Most of the people in our 2004 cohort went into design. We were able to go straight into work at that time. The best showcase of my work was at a graduate event called ‘New Blood’. I was able to show my student work and this opened a lot of doors for me. _Philip: I think the key success of UCA is the relationships we build. The university has worked hard to engage businesses and the local community so students can plug into the opportunities available.

Feature

The discussion in full swing

_Scott: Although we all went to London after graduating, I think there are lots of opportunities emerging in towns like Guildford. We all thought the best place to go was London, it was great to get experience, but so many people have now moved out to start up their own companies.

Cross-media vs specialism _Gemma: I like variety, so I have never narrowed myself to one area. _Scott: It depends what you specialise in, generalists will never be out of work as long as you keep updating your skills. _Philip: There is a statistic that it takes 10,000 hours training to become a specialist and there are about 2,000 hours training within an undergraduate degree.

_Scott: Creative people are more curious and this can lead to them developing specialisms.

A number of roles now are looking for such specific experience that it will be hard for a generalist to apply. _Arps: At Preface we are getting calls from other agencies – especially PR firms - who want to partner with us to provide a design service. They want to be able to offer web design and social networking advice to clients and instead of taking on a specialist, they are turning to agencies. _Tom: I think it is good to specialise but not to the detriment of limiting your work.

I have picked up specialisms along the way. I originally wanted to work exclusively in print, but have learnt web too as I cannot afford to turn down work.

_Gemma: Many designers now feel the need to learn to code websites due to the increasing demand for this service - even if it’s not their main area of expertise.

Web vs print _Rich: I think having a background in print is great - it is what everyone wants to move into, everything is moving towards digital. _Tom: New businesses are evolving in the digital age.

The majority of new companies have a good website and social media presence, and well established companies have to catch up. _Philip: The growth in social media means companies need a fresh approach to communication and to use the most up to date tools to keep up with competitors. >

Cross Topics | Round table | Creative Update

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Feature

_Rich: I would be nervous of specialising in something niche like Facebook as it could be dead in a year like Myspace. _Tom: When I was at uni everyone kept saying print is dead. But I view it like a record collection, I have all my music on my Ipod which is great, but I prefer getting my vinyl out and playing that. It’s a different experience. _Scott: A cutting edge company website needs to have some strong print work to back up its portfolio. I like collecting good bits of printed design, it gives me inspiration and there will always be a market for good print design. _Gemma: With the decline in print, it is adding more value to the pieces that are printed. _Philip: The bonus of digital is that you can customise what you want to read, you have everything on a touch screen.

The future of communications _Philip: I like Twitter because it is short concise interesting information. _Scott: For a while I did think that social networking would take over from websites for delivering content, but companies will still need to control the release of certain information.

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Cross Topics | Round table | Creative Update

_Philip: When I have been in contact with someone in the industry I always look them up on Facebook and I would be suspicious if they were not on Facebook. Journalism students are now taught about the importance of Twitter, the BBC news broadcasters are now encouraged to tweet. _Scott: In America there is a University degree called “Internet Famous” based on social media reach. Students are graded on followers, views and status updates across a range of social media sites. _Arps: Apps are also a huge thing today. _Scott: Apps feel like a step backwards for me caused by poor data connections on smart phones. We have been here before with Windows and Mac software - the Internet/Cloud/ Web will overtake apps when the technology gets a little stronger.

How can agencies differentiate themselves? _Gemma: Size, experience and price. _Philip: Ability to pitch for business. _Rich: Portfolio. _Arps: The ability to just chat to people and the opportunities to do this.

_Philip: Honesty with your clients and sharing your knowledge. _Arps: On that point we have picked up a number of clients and interest from Twitter, it might seem a strange place to attract business, but people follow us and we share our expertise and they are impressed with our knowledge. _Tom: I use clients to promote my work. I have gained so many clients through word of mouth, you can showcase your work to all their contacts.

It was great to hear the opinions of our alumni on topics that relate to design and working within the creative industries.

If you have any creative issues you would like discussed, or would like to take part in a round table discussion, please email: alumni@ucreative.ac.uk

Feature

From UCA to Hogwarts Farnham alumnus Richard Yeomans has been involved in producing the amazing visual effects that bring JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series to life.

On location in Scotland

After graduating in Visual Communications in 2001, Richard took a position as a runner at a postproduction company. He said: “I had to start at the bottom delivering sandwiches to clients and taking tapes around Soho. I worked 10-hour days but it was worth it. At the time, one of the major clients was Chris Columbus who was working on the early Harry Potter films. I got to know the visual effects (VFX) department really well and felt part of the team. After the wrap of ‘Chamber of Secrets’ my persistence paid off and I was offered the job as VFX production assistant on the “Prisoner of Azkaban’.”

Richard worked on the rest of the Harry Potter films and worked hard to be promoted to the role of visual effects production supervisor. His role involves running the VFX office. He said: “My role is so varied, ranging from pre-production through to post-production. I organise everything to do with the shoot, from the VFX side of things including moco rigs to elements shoots. I attend the creative meetings and screening with directors and producers, and deal with FX companies worldwide who are working with us.”

The role is varied and sees Richard working with the team designing a range of effects from wands to mythical creatures. He said: “The work I am most proud of would be the Hippogriff in the third film. It was a significant character at that time.

“Dealing with everyday pressures, including tight deadlines and ever-changing schedules, is definitely worth it when you see your name on the credits. My advice to graduates who want to use VFX is to plan as much as you can for your FX shoots, including storyboards and animatics and, if you can, shoot elements for real.”

The visual effects in action

Richard Yeomans | From UCA to Hogwarts | Creative Update

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Feature

a quick peek into the life of designer Sean Pankhurst

Feature

Early start I like to have an early start to the day. When I get in I read all the blogs, both design and football-related ones. Believe it or not, there are blogs specifically about football shirts and their development. There are lots of anoraks who like to discuss developments in detail and I am proud to admit that I am one of them!

Elegant Revolutionaires - the French Team Kit

Research and development My role involves a lot of research. A lot of depth and detail that goes into designing a football kit.

The fans, players and everyone associated with the club are incredibly passionate and we try and connect with them as much as possible. Speaking to the people at the club and understanding what they want is vital. Every detail is considered as it is a reflection of the club’s personality. I have been lucky enough to travel to some amazing places in Mexico, South Korea and Thailand for development and research.

For the fans I am responsible for designing the ‘Express’ casual wear-off-the-pitch products, ranging from the famous ‘N98’ track jacket to graphic t-shirts as well as ‘Team Sports’, the playing kit that you can buy off the peg. It is a strange feeling knowing that thousands of people are wearing something you created, but I try not to think about it like that. I’ve wanted to design football kits since I was seven.

That was the reason I studied design, so I focus on the detail and the passion. I do get a tingle when I see the fans but I always look for elements I can do better. >

(Opposite) ‘The Away’ by Karl Lagerfeld

Sean Pankhurst | Nike designer | Creative Update

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For the footballers The main focus of my work is what we call ‘Game Day’, the uniforms that the players wear on the pitch for their clubs and federations. I have been so privileged to work on some amazing projects including the Barcelona kits of 2009/10. My biggest challenge was working on the French team’s kit as it was the first that Nike had designed for the federation. We wanted to create a kit that was uniquely France. We do this for most of our top assets but this one had to be extra special. It had to contain French DNA at its very core. This was an opportunity to create disruption in the market place and with so many groups of people to please, there was a lot of pressure but I think we created two kits that people will talk about for a while.

My client list I used to design for all the clubs and federations that Nike sponsor before the growth in my department. I now focus on the federations (national teams). Being involved in the World Cup has got to be a highlight for me. I designed for seven Nike teams that made it to the finals.

To see each team take to the pitch was a very proud moment. I have met a few well-known players through my work. My favourite was Claude Makelele who I interviewed when I was doing research for the France kit. I am a Chelsea fan, so this was a nice experience.

The future The most significant developments for design in recent years have been in the fabric. Our philosophy for the last World Cup was “faster, stronger, lighter” and we made the kits from recycled plastic bottles. I am just finishing work on the 2012 Olympic Games and European Championships 2012 kit and am looking forward to them being unveiled.

The best thing about my job is that I get to eat, sleep and breathe football - many guys’ dream!

‘The Away’

by Karl Lagerfeld

“

I’ve wanted to design football kits since I was seven. That was the reason I studied design

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Sean Pankhurst | Nike designer | Creative Update

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Feature

Winning the war on branding

For over 40 years, UCA alumnus Jeremy Sampson has been championing the importance of branding for companies. He recently won an award to mark his life-time crusade.

Jeremy studied Graphic Design and has fond memories of UCA Canterbury. He said: “As I recall, there were only 10 of us in the class.

We had fantastic quality time with all our lecturers.

Stan Hickson was head of department and with Messrs Hodgeson, Chambers and Johnson Walker, taught us to work hard and to think. We also had great visiting lecturers who helped us to communicate visually and through writing and speaking - invaluable skills I have used throughout my career.”

His visual achievements include the redesign of the rugby team ’Springboks’ logo and the South Africa Breweries rebrand. He said: “A wellnurtured brand is a valuable asset and creates a confidence among consumers. It gives me a warm feeling seeing my work on public display; to see myself quoted in business plans of top companies; to be called in to talk to serious captains of industry who might proudly claim to be antibranders and to act as a sort of spokesperson for the industry.”

Following graduation in 1966, Jeremy became a junior designer at The Observer magazine. He moved to South Africa in 1968 to join Unimark International where he has been based ever since, aside from a short stint back in the UK working with Rowan Atkinson in his first commercial for Eagle Star. He set up South Africa’s first strategic branding company and today is the Executive Chairman of the pan-African Interbrand Sampson group. He has lectured around the world and has been described as the face and voice of South African branding.

Jeremy still has a battle on his hands getting clients to see the importance of a strong brand.

He said: “The most valuable asset a company owns is its brand. Gone are the days of the board controlling the brand; with the growth of the internet and social networking in recent years, brands are at the mercy of the consumer. There is nowhere to hide and market perception is so important. We live in a world where everything is transparent and everyone has a voice.”

Jeremy is well respected amongst his peers and has written over 1,500 articles on branding and won more than 100 awards. In his career he has given strategic advice to countless businesses.

In 2010 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Financial Mail’s Ad Focus and is the first person who works outside mainstream advertising to receive the award.

Looking back on his long career, Jeremy still has a passion for marketing and his role within the industry. He said: “I believe that if your job is your passion and your hobby then you will always enjoy it, always stay relevant, always keep learning.

My advice would be: travel, work with colleagues you can respect, learn from other cultures, always be positive, find clients who will respect and listen to you.”

Jeremy Sampson | Brand identity | Creative Update

19

Feature

Postcard from

Bulgaria

20

Assen Tzekin | Postcard from Bulgaria | Creative Update

Feature

Assen Tzekin graduated from UCA Farnham in 2005 with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication.

He moved back to his native Bulgaria and took a position with software firm Telerik as a Senior Graphic Designer. In the five years he has worked for the company, he has seen it grow from 20 employees to over 400.

“

A few people thought I was nuts going back to Bulgaria, but it just felt right. I went through what felt like thousands of interviews before landing the role at Telerik - a high-tech start up company.

Sofia, the city I work in, has a unique atmosphere which you will either love or hate. In my role, I work with people all over the world and the biggest lesson I have learned is that there is a big cultural difference between clients, so I often have to check things a number of times and never assume anything.

“

Most rewarding are the constant challenges, some related purely to creating a design that everyone will like, others include the logistics of the international aspects of my job.

A few people thought I was nuts going back to Bulgaria, but it just felt right

Planning my day can sometimes be difficult as I will spend the morning designing a flyer and have to wait until the end of the day to speak with the printing house in America to finalise the artwork and then make any amendments before going home. The work I cover is really varied, including funky corporate brochures, advertisements and videos. I also organise premier events all over the world. The rapid growth rate gave me the option to work on a myriad of different projects including event management. You wouldn’t always get the chance to do this as a designer in some companies.

”

Sofia is such a great place to live. It is such a big city so I never get bored. The night ski run is only 30 minutes up the mountain, there are loads of bars and theatres to visit too. I enjoy motorcycling so I often visit the racetrack in Greece. My favourite time of year is summer as the beach is so close it is a great way to unwind from work on a Friday evening.

”

Assen Tzekin | Postcard from Bulgaria | Creative Update

21

Feature

“

The cast are as much involved in the making of the show as all the crew, which makes EastEnders a hugely enjoyable series to be working on

�

Sally outside the Queen Vic 22

Sally King | EastEnders | Creative Update

Feature

from Maidstone to the

East End Since graduating in Illustration in 2009, alumna Sally King has had plenty of drama in her life. She tells Creative Update about her own doof doof moments as the Assistant Art Director of Britain’s favourite soap, EastEnders.

S

ally became interested in film production design while studying illustration and enjoyed work experience on a variety of productions, designing and building sets for short films including a music video shot at UCA Maidstone.

After graduating, she did work experience at Elstree Studios.

Sally said: “I worked on a web series called ‘Girl Number 9’ by one of the writers of Doctor Who. I got on well with the two directors and they asked me to come back post-production to create the promotional artwork for the series. This was a great opportunity for me – it’s amazing to think that my artwork is now on DVD in hundreds of homes.”

Several work placements and short-term positions followed before Sally heard about a vacancy as the Assistant Art Director on EastEnders. “One of the designers on the EastEnders team had seen my portfolio and he passed my name on.

Following that, I was invited for an interview. I went through the usual interview process and was offered the job soon after.

The role I have is great as I get to be creative on a daily basis,” she said.

“Alongside doing usual office jobs like refilling the photocopier, making tea and fixing the printer, I create a number of the basic props we use in the show. This can be anything from a handwritten note to a phone bill, making

birthday cards from the younger characters and graphic design for product packaging, as well as making set dressing like decorations and wall-art.

“I photograph the sets once they are dressed for continuity and archive purposes. I also have to fetch different props from either the studios or the Albert Square part of the set. It’s great that the role I have is varied as it’s nice to have the opportunity to use both practical and Photoshop skills on a day-to-day basis. I also get to put my technical drawing skills to the test every now and then which is very useful for the designers when they need some work to be done.”

Sally gets to meet all the cast and hear about exclusive plot lines. “Everybody who works on EastEnders - from the runners to the cast to the Executive Producer - all work in the same environment every day. The cast are as much involved in the making of the show as all the crew, which makes EastEnders a hugely enjoyable series to be working on,” she said.

Sally King | EastEnders | Creative Update

23

Profile

“

The experience was daunting and the work endless, but I loved every minute of it

”

ESTABLISHING

A CAREER

IN FILM profiles

By Russell Owen Kent Institute of Art and Design, BA (Hons) Illustration, 2004

24

My first and foremost passion has always been film but my strength was as a set builder so my aim was to go into the industry as a storyboard and concept artist. This was no easy task as I had to learn everything there is to know about directing, staging and camera lenses.

I was lucky enough to land my first job three days before I graduated from Maidstone. It was working as an assistant at a small film company about to go into production on a new thriller set 200 years ago in the southern states of America.

Russell Owen | Film career | Creative Update

The next six months took me to film on the multimillion pound Hollywood film in Transylvania and Romania, starring Donald Sutherland, Sissy Spacek and Rachel Hurd-wood. It was released two years later as ‘An American Haunting’. The experience was daunting and the work endless, but I loved every minute of it.

A year later I landed a job at Nickelodeon as an illustrator and back-drop designer for their live shows and a location art director. Those shows took me round the country for a year before I landed the same job on a freelance basis with ITV

doing art work, props and painting for ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’, ‘This Morning’, and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ to name just a few.

Great as it was, my first passion was still film and inbetween I was storyboarding and art directing shorts and low-budget features to gain experience.

Since my first year at art college I had wanted to write screenplays and took an excellent two week course at UCA working on ‘story’ with the subject’s title being ‘A sense of place’. I wrote a story called ‘Shepherd’ which has since been written into a feature-length script.

In 2008 I set up my own film production company, Castle Valley Films Ltd. The aim was to raise finance and make not only my own films but others too. I started by raising some money and selling my car to make a rather expensive 35mm short.

It’s a great experience to see something you’ve written come to life with sets, SFX, VFX and of course actors reading out lines and becoming characters you’ve imagined through costume and make-up.

The film ‘Anglesey Road’ (named after the street I was born on in Wales) went on the international film circuit winning three awards in America and becoming the official selection at more than 15 festivals around the world.

After that I began producing ‘The Guardian Angel’, a short film by Belgian director Marc Ellegaard about a small-time thief. The film’s amazing cast includes Charles Dance, Martin Compston, Bill Patterson and Claire Higgins.

(top) Still from ‘Fatherly Love’ (bottom) Scene from ‘Welcome to the Majority’

Short films never make money - they’re just show cards to the industry, to show how you work.

I currently work freelance to make ends meet, in the art department at ITV and as writer for the photographer Rankin.

I’ve written four feature-length scripts; the first I am now halfway through filming as writer, director and producer. It’s titled ‘Welcome to the Majority’ and is about eight individuals who believe they are the last person left alive on earth after an unexplained catastrophic event. After that I begin work on my next film, ‘Hector & Himself’ starring Sean Biggerstaff of Harry Potter fame.

I’m finally at the stage I’ve always dreamt I’d be at but it’s been nearly seven years’ extremely hard work, most of it for free, so my financial situation has always been dreadful. But I’ve pushed on with my passion for film and managed to get over each hurdle. There’s so much to learn but it’s all completely worth it when you finally see your name on the big screen.”

Russell Owen | Film career | Creative Update

25

Profile

Mark McGough

WIMBLEDON

FASHION

WEEK

A Graphic Design graduate who developed an enthusiasm for fashion while studying at UCA Epsom is the driving force behind an exciting event aimed at promoting new fashion designers.

Mark McGough, who graduated in 2006, works as the designer for ‘Darling’, a local women’s magazine serving the Wimbledon area. He founded Wimbledon Fashion Week in 2008.

Mark said: “A lot of my friends at Epsom were fashion students and I used to walk past the fashion studios every day. That’s how my passion started - it became a goal to get involved in this exciting and glamorous world.”

Wimbledon Fashion Week coincides with the tennis each year and provides a valuable marketing platform for up-and-coming designers seeking exposure for their work. It has attracted a range of celebrities including Quincy Jones and Beverley Knight.

As the organiser, Mark is responsible for securing the venue, putting together a team to look after aspects such as hair, make-up and choreography, finding the designers and marketing the show.

“For me, the biggest challenges were finding the designers, models and make-up artists without any sort of network. Securing an audience has always been a crucial part of the organisation and is something we work closely with the designers on.”

Last year’s show was held in the basement of Cento, a trendy Italian restaurant, and featured six designers from all over the world.

Mark said: “I was particularly proud of Mi Kyoung Kim and Arnaub Sengupta’s shows. In terms of sheer excitement and intimacy, those shows beat London Fashion Week hands down.”

For this year’s show Mark is looking to increase the number of professional models and replace volunteers with paid workers. He continues to design for ‘Darling’ and also freelances as a graphic designer. www.wimbledonfashionweek.com www.facebook.com/mark.mcgough

He said: “I was hooked after my very first show – it’s always a lot of fun and a great way of making contacts.

Clothing design by Keturah Grumble & Arnab Sengupta 26

Mark McGough | Wimbledon Fashion Week | Creative Update

“

In terms of sheer excitement and intimacy, those shows beat London Fashion Week hands down

”

Profile

UCA graduate helps design new London landmark

“

It’s one thing seeing it on paper and another seeing it built – we all want to see our ideas come to life

28

”

Teodosi Nikolov | Merchant Square | Creative Update

Profile

A

lumnus Teodosi Nikolov is transforming London’s skyline through his work on the exciting multimillion pound Merchant Square development in Paddington.

It is a project which has seen the architectural assistant work on ‘The Cucumber’, a 41-storey residential tower set to rival The Gherkin for distinctiveness.

Teodosi works for Robin Partington Architects, a practice which he joined soon after start up. He has seen it grow to 40 employees. He said: “My learning curve has rocketed and I really feel I have played an important role in the Merchant Square project.

Watching the whole masterplan come together and the buildings complete will be an exceptional experience.”

Working closely with the lead Architect, Teodosi developed a number of aspects for the buildings forming Merchant Square, including the massing, façade articulation, unit layouts, services strategy and basement configurations.

Artist’s view of Merchant Square at night by Miller Hare

He credits his time at UCA with developing the creativity required for his role. He completed a BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture at UCA Rochester, then KIAD, in 2003. This was followed by an MA in 3D Design, also at Rochester, and a Diploma in Architecture at UCA Canterbury. >

Teodosi Nikolov | Merchant Square | Creative Update

29

Profile

“

Notable tutors I shall

Bloid - an image from Teodosi’s UCA portfolio

always remember are Allan Atlee, John Bell, Chris Seaber and Simon Bliss

”

He said: “UCA gave me confidence and allowed me to explore ideas and thoughts with structured guidance. Being surrounded by a range of disciplines such as fashion, ceramics, fine art and photography triggered different ways of seeing things and tutors always encouraged me to experiment in these different areas.

“Notable tutors I shall always remember are Allan Atlee, John Bell, Chris Seaber and Simon Bliss – they guided me and opened my eyes to concepts I never thought would become reality.”

After completing his Diploma, Teodosi was optimistic about the future as he had a job with BFLS and was gaining responsibility. However, the recession struck just after a month of graduating and, along with half the workforce, he was made redundant.

Bloid - an image created during Teodosi’s time at UCA

Profile

“

C60, one of Teodosi’s Saudi Arabian projects

UCA gave me confidence and allowed me to explore ideas and thoughts with structured guidance

”

Far from being bitter about the experience, Teodosi credits the recession with being one of the best things that has happened to his career. While freelancing he was offered the opportunity to work as a design consultant for Harasani Architects and work on some prestigious projects in Saudi Arabia.

He said: “I was put in charge of producing concept designs for a multimillion pound 60storey residential tower on the Red Sea cornice to designing a 5-star hotel in the King Abdullah Financial District. This really challenged my ability as a designer. It was that self-belief and innovative drive from my time at UCA that pushed me along to deliver some well-received proposals.”

After a year in the Middle East he came back to the UK and took a position with Robin Partington Architects in February 2010. He said: “Robin Partington is a great inspiration and I have learned a great deal from talking to him about design ideas.

“I like to challenge convention and improve on things that are already good. This has always kept the design methodology fresh and exciting. It is the subtle differences that are infused within the overall strategy and the ability to zoom right into a design and then zoom right out.”

Teodosi is now working towards his Certificate in Professional Practice and management in Architecture and hopes to become a fully fledged architect next year. He is also looking forward to seeing Merchant Square take shape. “It’s one thing seeing it on paper and another seeing it built – we all want to see our ideas come to life,” he said.

Teodosi Nikolov | Merchant Square | Creative Update

31

LIFE THROUGH A LENS

Famed Ghanaian photographer and former Medway College of Design student and tutor, James Barnor, is to have his work preserved in a new archive collection for culturally diverse photography.

“

It was not easy being the only black student, but I made many friends

”

James started his photographic career in his own makeshift studio in Jamestown. Before commencing his studies at the Medway College of Design he captured Ghana’s Independence Celebrations on film.

He said: “One of the proudest moments of my career was when I was commissioned by The Black Star Photo Agency in London to cover Ghana’s Independence in March 1957. Among the press, I was the only Ghanaian photographer covering the celebrations for an overseas agency.

“Compared with the world press, I was quite small fry. It was a fast-paced environment, well organised, so everyone could get the shots they wanted. All the international journalists were able to wire their photographs back home but I had to develop them by hand.”

When James came to the UK to study in the 1960s he found the culture very different to his native Ghana. He said: “It was not easy being the only black student, but I made many friends.

I also had the assistance and guidance of Norman Tudgay, the Head of Photography, through my time studying. We studied graphic design, art and liberal studies alongside practical and theoretical photography.”

After graduating, he began again working as a London correspondent for Ghanaian magazine ‘The Drum’. He recalls one memorable shoot: “I got a call to visit a gym in London. When I arrived I was faced with Muhammad Ali who was preparing for his fight with Brian London. I unfortunately did not get to go to the fight but I went to his West End hotel after he won. It was really exciting for me as I was the only photographer there.

(opposite) Abaah,

“All the important and interesting commissions I had in London were through ‘The Drum’. I was one of the first photographers to shoot black models, which at the time was quite controversial.

I would send my pictures and stories to Ghana showing London’s changing multi-cultural cosmopolitan feel which mirrored the changes happening in Ghana.”

(above) Muhammad

fashion model and hairdresser Medway College of Art, Rochester, 1960s (above) Mike Eghan at Piccadilly Circus London, 1967

Ali at Earls Court London, 1967

The archive of James Barnor’s photographs has been curated, catalogued and digitally preserved by the London-based arts charity Autograph ABP during a four-year project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as part of the development of their Archive and Research Centre for Culturally Diverse Photography. Autograph ABP’s archive will be publicly accessible at Rivington Place, Shoreditch, from late 2011.

A portfolio of James Barnor’s images is available at www.autograph-abp.co.uk

Images ©James Barnor/Autograph ABP James Barnor | Photography | Creative Update

33

Advice

......................................

.....................................

Establishing yourself

asBy Kitty aKwok, designer UCA Maidstone,1997 ..............................

.............................

Nothing ever prepares you for the real world of graphic design.

I graduated at a time when we still used floppy disks. I’d never heard of Illustrator and could barely use Photoshop.

advice

I

34

always thought that if I put in that little bit extra, I might stand out from the crowd, so I had self-confidence in my portfolio. The fact that I had some work experience behind me made me believe I could have a real crack at the design industry.

By the time I left in December 2008 I was managing eight graphic designers and had already taken over two dozen work placements to work with me. Three of them progressed to be full-time designers. I really believe that work placements are the key to getting your foot in the door.

After graduating I worked for 18 months in a small graphic design firm in Covent Garden. In 1999 I grasped an opportunity not to be missed and applied for an in-house Graphic Designer role for fashion brand Ted Baker. They were a growing company at the time with only 50 people in head office and lots of exciting projects.

I worked on everything: designing swing tickets, invitations, postcards; point of sale to packaging; and artworking for production. I became Senior Designer five years later designing store hoardings, window campaigns and graphics internationally.

After nine years at Ted Baker, I put myself back into freelancing while looking for my next role.

Last June, I joined British lifestyle brand Cath Kidston as a Senior Designer for packaging and graphics, managing a small team of designers.

My role is very similar to that at Ted Baker and I love what I do. I work with different departments in the company taking on briefs from marketing, product development and wholesale. I even have my own ‘surgery hours’ when people can brief work in to me. A typical day will vary from holding meetings to taking on design briefs, to directing the team as well as liaising with various print and packaging suppliers. Design briefs will come through to me and I will schedule these in to the team, depending on their workload.

When my boss went on maternity leave I had a great challenge acting as Head of Graphics.

I was determined to make the design team even more creative and introduce what I’d learnt from my previous knowledge at other agencies and from university. I wanted the team to have fun, brainstorm meetings to inspire each other and develop their learning and creative skills.

Kitty Kwok | Establishing yourself | Creative Update

One of my very first jobs was working on Vintage at Goodwood, where Cath created a sweetshop theme. I got to design new packaging for products, tags, vinyls, etc. It was great to be back designing again and to have a great working relationship with Cath herself.

Advice

Top tips for getting into the industry 1 Get a good feel and insight of the design industry at the earliest opportunity through work placements.

2

Be yourself and be honest – don’t pretend to be someone you’re not and always be honest about your work, where you’ve worked and your skills. There’s nothing more frustrating for an employer to employ someone who’s clearly blagged their way through.

3

It’s not personal - never be precious about your work or when you’ve not been employed for a particular role.

You’re just not right for the brand.

4

Have fun and enjoy every moment of it.

A sense of humour always helps.

5

Make tea - it’s always a good way to break the ice and see what people are working on. If you don’t do tea, biscuits are also a winner in any office!

Kitty Kwok | Establishing yourself | Creative Update

35

(left) TechnoCraft Collection - shaped pleated scarf red

Course Leader returns to student life Neil Bottle, Course Leader for Fashion and Textiles, has returned to the learning side of the classroom. He has gone back to student life to study an MA in Digital Design while continuing to teach his popular course at UCA Rochester.

Neil has over 20 years’ experience in experimental design dye and screen printing but the technologically changing workplace encouraged him to continue studying. He said: “Today the workplace demands cuttingedge skills and the ability to adapt to new techniques and technology.

In response to this need, I decided to update my skills and study part-time for my MA.” He is no stranger to the combination of working and studying. In 2005 he completed his PGCE while working full time. He said: “I really enjoyed being in a learning environment and spending time improving my creative as well as critical skills. With a busy academic workload I had to take a really disciplined approach to study.

I can relate to many of our students who juggle busy lives studying while working to earn money.

36

There is the added pressure of making and submitting work in a professional context. Some people might find this off-putting but I enjoy the positive feedback and the opportunity to challenge my creative skill.”

Research and inspiration for his MA collection was inspired by his travels to the Middle East, Egypt and India. The concept for the designs is indecipherable languages, hidden codes, embedded information, and signs and symbols from different cultures.

He created the collection using a mixture of cutting-edge digital print techniques with traditional Kantar stitchwork of West Bengal. He said: “I am experimenting with dye sublimination printing on synthetic fibre that is heat pleated or moulded

Neil Bottle | Return to student life | Creative Update

into three-dimensional shapes. The concept behind the project is hiding and revealing imagery, text and pattern.

I am really excited about the pleating experiments and the interaction between the physical movements.”

Neil’s MA work has expanded his creative ideas and pushed technical boundaries. He believes that textiles have lagged behind digital innovations for a number of years but recently things have changed.

He said: “Digital print in textiles has improved so much and is taken more seriously within the fashion industry. I am intrigued by the relationship between digital textiles, print and craft practices and how these seemingly opposite practices can co-exist. Students are interested and inspired if you research and your creative practices are up to date.

The MA has helped me re-think established working practices and break out of my comfort zone.”

Advice

(left) TechnoCraft Collection - shaped pleated scarf

“

The MA has helped me re-think established working practices and break out of my comfort zone

” TechnoCraft Collection silk scarf

Advice

How a work experience placement led to

Olympic Gold

Six of Naomi’s designs

38

Naomi Hiscoe | Olympic designs | Creative Update

Advice

A desire to travel led UCA Rochester graduate Naomi Hiscoe halfway round the world to pursue her career in fashion. Whilst studying for a BA (Hons) in European Fashion Design, Naomi moved to Australia and arranged to spend a year in industry gaining work experience. She built up her portfolio at different places from shoe designers to milliners. After graduating in 2004 she returned to Australia to start work full-time.

She said: “For the first part of my career I was designing the woven wear and tailoring alongside the Olympic project. I did all the fittings for the garments and travelled around Australia visiting the athletes and then went to Beijing to be on hand during the Games.

She said: “Just two and half weeks after graduating I was back on the plane and my life was floating across the Atlantic in a container.

Having Australian experience on my CV opened so many doors and gave me the opportunity to work for Sportscraft.”

Naomi is now turning her back on sportswear for a couture line called Sportscraft Signature.

Her new line will incorporate evening wear and is a complete change from the casual weekend wear she has designed. The skills she learnt during her extensive work experience have helped her transition to the new line.

Sportscraft is one of the largest sportswear producers in Australia. Now in her sixth year with the firm, Naomi’s most rewarding project to date is working on the Olympic uniforms. This role has enabled her to continue travelling.

“

“For the Winter Games I had the task of designing the clothing and fitting the athletes. I was working with a broad spectrum of body shapes.

Making them look perfect is very hard, but more rewarding.”

“The best piece of advice I could give new graduates would be to get lots of work experience.

It makes you so much more interesting and employable,” she added.

Having Australian experience on my CV opened so many doors

” Naomi Hiscoe | Olympic designs | Creative Update

39

Obituary

Les Fawcett 1924 - 2010 Popular tutor Les Fawcett, who influenced thousands of creative practitioners including world-renowned designer Zandra Rhodes, has died aged 86.

Les had worked at UCA Rochester, then known as Medway College of Design, for 35 years, prior to his retirement in 1987. He is remembered by generations of students for his sense of humour and empathy.

Born in 1924, Les gained a scholarship to Penistone Grammar School and then Huddersfield School of Art followed by the LCC Training College for technical teachers. After leaving school, he did an apprenticeship for an art and sign writing company, but continued his studies five nights a week at Huddersfield School of Art.

obituaries

The war put a temporary halt to his art training and he served in 27th Squadron Air Defence Cadet Corps where he rose to the rank of sergeant.

Towards the end of 1941 he was assigned to Squadron 170 and saw active service as a flight sergeant flying Lancaster bombers.

On his demobilisation, he completed his studies at Huddersfield School of Art and entered the British Institute of Interior Design. During his last two years of study he was employed as a part-time lecturer, leading evening classes on perspective and general drawing. He also produced and sold textile designs to agents in Manchester and spent his holidays working at an established Huddersfield company engaged in various interior design projects.

In 1952, Les was appointed full-time tutor at Medway College of Design where he taught textiles, dress, painting and decorating, fine art painting methods and aspects of architecture. Ten years later he became Head of Department for Three Dimensional Design. In 1973, he became Vice-Principal and, in the last term, Acting

Principal, a role he held until his retirement. His invaluable contribution to the institution was recognised by an honorary fellowship.

For many years Les was advisor to Lord Geoffrey Lloyd and Peter Wilson, directors of Sotheby’s.

As the principal trustees of Leeds Castle, they commissioned him to undertake several major interior design projects for the castle and its annexes with the chapel, which Les considered to be his most important and enduring commission.

Michael Poraj-Wilczynski, Associate Dean at UCA, said: “I had the privilege of knowing Les Fawcett for many years. He was a gentleman, inquisitive and intelligent. An often larger-than-life character, he had interests and views on many things. I remember how he taught me to see the world more clearly through ‘squinted’ eyes.

“As a designer and artist he was particularly interested in the relationship between material, texture, space, surface, form and the intensity of colour. I can see him now, deep in thought, looking long and hard to see, to make judgments.

“Les’s art and willingness to share inspired many students and has left its mark on his friends. There is something very special and essential about his memory. I often think about him.”

Les Fawcett died on 2 November 2010. He leaves his devoted wife, Velma, six children and six grandchildren.

Contributed by Kenneth Duvall

40

Les Fawcett | Obituary | Creative Update

Obituary

Sophie Hannon 1986 - 2010

Sophie Hannon, a Fine Art student at UCA Canterbury from 2005–2008, tragically died in an epilepsy-related accident in July 2010, aged just 23.

Her years in Canterbury were a time of great joy for Sophie. She embraced student life to the full, establishing strong friendships not just at UCA but also at Kent and Canterbury Christchurch Universities.

Projects of particular enjoyment for Sophie included the ‘Halfway House’ exhibition in Ramsgate in her second year and working on ‘The Little Onlooker’ animated film, which very poignantly illustrates the fact that “we have no control over time, we can only observe its rapid passing…”

Sophie found the help and support offered by Paul Heffenden, Matt Barton and Pete Goddard at UCA invaluable in helping her to reach her potential and realise her passion for Stop Motion Animation.

After graduating, Sophie moved to London where she had recently started working for Golden Square Post Production Company. She loved the work and wanted to use her creativity and talent to pursue a career in animation, building on the skills she acquired at UCA. Sophie was very aware of the fragility of life. She was a regular supporter of several charities as well as being an organ donor. It is of great comfort to Sophie’s family knowing that her ultimate gift of life has helped save the lives of four people. In Sophie’s memory and spirit of giving, her family and friends have established the Sophie Hannon Memorial Fund in support of Epilepsy Research UK. Search “Sophie Hannon memorial fund” on Facebook and YouTube”

Sophie Hannon | Obituary | Creative Update

41

Events

UCA holds donor event at House of Commons

events

In April donors, scholars, governors, alumni and guests assembled at the House of Commons to celebrate the success of the first year of UCA’s scholarship fundraising programme

42

House of Commons | Donor Event | Creative Update

Events

The reception, hosted by Rehman Chisti MP, was attended by supporters of UCA who had made either a donation to the scheme or a significant contribution to the alumni relations programme over the last year.

David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science, also attended the event. He said: “What your university does is excellent. I love its diversity, its mission for the creative arts and want you to know that we greatly appreciate the distinctive contribution that UCA makes to our Higher Education system.”

On behalf of UCA, Loyd Grossman, Chair of the Board of Governors, thanked all the donors to the programme as well as those who have helped to make the programme a success over the last year. Two of scholars Barabara Acan (MA Architecture) and Aaro Murphy (BA Fashion Promotion and Imaging) also expressed their thanks to donors and their pride in being one of the first UCA scholars.

Barbra said: “Winning the scholarship was extremely important to me. If I didn’t receive it, I simply would not have been able to continue higher education and fulfill my ambition of becoming an architect.”

The UCA fundraising programme was launched in September 2009. Thanks to the support of alumni and friends of UCA 17 new scholarships were awarded to students across our five campuses in September 2010. Over 20 further scholarships have been secured for students coming to join the UCA community in September this year.

Other donations have meant that UCA has been able to launch the UCA Creative Fund which will award £10,000 in grants to projects across the University later this year. These awards are aimed at projects that will benefit the most number of students.

If you would like more information on, or would like to support the fundraising programme please contact the Development and Alumni Relations Office: development@ucreative.ac.uk 01252 891464

House of Commons | Donor Event | Creative Update

43

Merchandise The alumni association has recently launched a new merchandise range. You can buy a selection of mementos from your time studying at UCA. The range is sold through a University clothing specialist and some of the items can be customised.

The range includes t-shirts, mugs, jumpers and graduation teddy-bears.

To view the full range visit: www.ucreative.ac.uk/alumni/merchandise

TechnoCraft Collection blue pleated scarf

Read it and Tweet

by Neil Bottle

We have a dedicated alumni Facebook and Twitter account posting University and alumni news.

Why not join us and tell us your thoughts on the latest edition of the magazine?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlumniUCA Twitter: www.twitter.com/AlumniUCA

Share your news Do you have any stories or news to share?

Please email alumni@ucreative.ac.uk or call 01252 892736 and you could feature in the next magazine.

Moving home?

Visit: www.ucreative.ac.uk/alumni/join-us to update your details or sign up to the association.

Designed by UCA alumni - Preface Studios Ltd www.prefacestudios.com / info@prefacestudios.com

Printed by Manor Creative using vegetable based inks on paper from well-managed sources.