Note from the editors
Welcome to the first issue of our artistic journey! We are students from the postgraduate programmes in Graphic Design and Design Innovation & Brand Management at University for the Creative Arts, Epsom. The aim of this magazine is to invent a global platform for us to be seen and heard. With a composite multicultural identity comprising creative individuals from all over the world, Better Future magazine aims at translating design issues into cutting edge design solutions. We have a dedicated focus on constructing a collaborative environment using our international bonds. The framework of ‘journey’ fits in perfectly with this issue. Beautiful imagery has been sketched out based on the personal thoughts and ideas of our team members. We used the narrative theme of journey to explore our roots, traditions, cultures and artistic influences, which we then transformed into a series of creative collages. Our course team and tutors have played an immense role in refining each concept and making the tiniest spark of an idea reach fruition. Drawing influence from our international origins, the creative team left no stone unturned and went above and beyond to produce an enduring magazine concept that we are very proud of. As we set forth on an adventurous journey towards our own better futures with this first issue, we are excited about designing forthcoming issues of Better Future. In the second issue we will explore our identities as creative individuals and in the third issue create a platform to launch ourselves as creative professionals. We hope you will continue to support us and help the magazine to grow. The next two issues will be printed and available to purchase. Please check our website details on page 56.
Contents
5-6
23-24
7-8
25-26
Origins Map Nana Aoki
9-10
Anderson Chen
11-12
Cindy Shen
13-14
Fabby Hsiao
15-16
Phyllis Tai
17-18
Raven Fu
19-20
Zukka Cheng
21-22
Allison Zou
Bobo Luo Choicy Zhou
27-28
Guan Yu-Xuan
29-30
Sharely Xia
31-32
Faii
Rutpongsopit
33-34
Farm Nuchanart
35-36
Jaa Suwansumrit
37-38
Mai Bhumiwat
39-40
Patt Sukmongkol
41-42
Pong Soontorn -tumrong
43-44
Gagan Kattaya 45-46
Priyamvada Singh
47-48
Vidhi Suneja
49-50
Line Stabel
51-52
Angel Lugo
53-54
Mafalda Volz Oliveira
55-56
Malcishia Outerbridge
57-58
Credits
57-58
Contact
UK Angel May
NORWAY Line
PORTUGAL Mafalda
BERMUDA Malcishia
5
JAPAN Nana
TAIWAN Anderson Cindy Fabby
Phyllis Raven Zukka
CHINA Allison Bobo Choicy
THAILAND Faii Mai Farm Patt Jaa Pong
INDIA Gagan Priyamvada Vidhi
Guan Sharely
JAPAN
NaNa Aoki MAGD
H
ello! I’m a ballroom dancer from Tokyo, Japan, which
UCA. Since quite a long time I desired to come
is one of the busiest cities in the world. Although
and live in UK to improve my English. Hence, after
sometimes life could be little bit complicated here
graduating from my BA, UCA appeared to be the
because of the business led environment, still it’s
best choice to learn creativity and English both.
thrilling to live in a city with sophisticated cultures
This course was the perfect opportunity to figure
and pleasant seasons.
out what media I would like to use and how to visualize my idea. While practicing animation as
When I was in Japan, I studied politics, especially
a tool for the final major project, I realized that an
the power of media and its affects on the politics.
interactive art with motion graphics could be the
I chose politics as my major, because I wanted to
most appropriate media for me to work with.
contribute in making my country become a better place to live for people who have different perspectives.
In MA Graphic Design, I’m challenging myself to
However, while studying politics I just realized that
develop my practical art and idea generation skills.
this is not my field of interest. Though I still have the
By researching Japanese huge social issues such as
passion to help my country become a bit cheerier,
depression and suicide, I’m seeking a way to accept
but it was not important for me to think about how
my own weaknesses, overcome self-denial and love
economy and election systems can be improved.
myself. My final goal is to create a work, which can
I started to rethink what I would like to achieve
make audience a bit happier and optimistic about
in my life.
their life.
While studying politics in University, I also began
Black box what is inside?
to learn ballroom dancing and practiced very hard as a competitor. It was an insightful and wonderful opportunity as I realized that I wish to be a creator and love to express my feelings through dance. With this experience I started discovering the best possible way to become a creator. Before proceeding to the MA course, I completed my Graduate Diploma from
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I TAIWAN
Anderson Chen
W
hy I decided to go abroad and study at UCA?
I started working in an Advertising agency since my graduation from University. I generally used to communicate with clients to know what image they
perceived of their brand, what we could do to boost their brand’s image to increase revenue and become an ideal brand for a consumer. Therefore, I started comprehending how to design a long-term and effective strategy for brands. I hope to use these ideas for my future business and companies that I would work with. Without doubt, this is the age of globalization. No matter you are an employee or are self-employed, need of the hour is to produce a unique idea which is suitable for this globalized market. As time passed by, I decide to see what the external world looks like especially western countries. I wanted to compare western countries with eastern countries so as to find out what I can learn that I can carry with me in my career ahead. That is the reason why I decided to study in the UK. It seems to me that UK is full of diverse people who
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come from various countries. In this multiple society,
I am certain that something is constantly happening here to enhance and boom this country’s culture. Irrespective of the fact that I am going back to my country or not, I am happy to build my confidence at UCA and be prepared to face different challenges in terms of my career and family. Thus in my mind, I am not scared whether I can overcome what I am going to face or not. Instead I believe that I will go beyond myself. I expect myself to make things simple, fun, and true. Moreover, I will adhere to carry out my manifesto in the future. Play your role; Play your show; Play your ideas; Play with passion; Play with Joy.
I will go beyond myself. Play the right role at the right place
Cindy Shen TAIWAN
W oohoo!
I’m Shen Yi Hua, you gotta call me Cindy Shen so that I can feel we are already friends! Ummm…I am quite spaced out while writing this because I’m just wondering how to introduce myself to you in the easiest possible way. All right! To begin with, I come from Taiwan. Now you can flip the globe to the location 25°02’N 121°38’E to see the tiny part of the northern piece. You gotcha! And it’s too small to be clearly seen, yeah! Taipei is an incredible capital city full of cold shoulder citizens but naive and passionate youth as well. The collision of these two types of personalities of the natives brings up a cohesive cultural spark with sprinkling colorful experiences, which makes them passionate to the core. Don’t tell me that for you Taiwan is only 101 Building and steamed dumplings. This image is not enough for the first impression of Taiwan. I have a better representation! Taiwan is a beautiful, delicious, friendly and a 24/7 happy island. Once you’ve been there, you’ll miss it for the rest of your life and you
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have my word for it. (Fist punch).
Where am I?...Oh! I graduated from Law School of
with a positive attitude instead of shitty vibes. I am
Soochow Uniersity. I had always planned to be a
a creative person who abides by these principles.
prosecutor and had made a mind to serve the national
(Smiley face!)
court for all my life. Unfortunately, I changed my mind as I finished the second year. I figured out that the
I love heavy metal, rock band, 70s stuff, tough style,
judicial system followed by the government since
fluorescent color, and I always talk straight. Don’t
ages cannot be reformed as the inner reality of these
get hurt when we become familiar because this
systems was nothing like the textbooks or cases we
characteristic of my personality might be the only
had studied. I knew that if I really wanted to make
reason you like me.
a difference, I might have to fight for countless years all by myself. I felt frustrated and dissatisfied with the current situation of society, although I still want to take an initiative to change my world. Therefore, I decided to change my profession to another field after I graduated from 5 years of law school. Gosh! I felt like it almost took me a lifetime before I finally applied to UCA for MA Graphic Design, which is my major’s subject. Design is my new faith through which I believe I can practically achieve my ambition of building my country a better place in a peaceful way; solve real issues of people’s life with effective methods. Design can help me to achieve my goal
I believe that the more you stay aggressive and curious about your work, the less you get tired of life
Fabby Hsiao TAIWAN
G
reetings from Taiwan, Ni hao (it means Hello in Chinese). I am Fabby. I am Fabby. I am Fabby. This is extremely important, so I am repeating it thrice. My Chinese name is Ching Fang and my family name is Hsiao. Today I am sharing with you my journey from Taiwan to UK.
I had been a product designer for two years after I graduated from University. After two years I switched to sales because I wanted to learn how to sell a brand’s concept to clients and underpin a brand name rather than just selling designer products. Before I came to UK, I was a Sales Manager with a successful track record of having worked with many companies in China and Taiwan. As a Sales Manager, I was more than capable of operating effectively within the tightest labor and financial constraints and conquer several difficulties faced by a new business. At work, I became a trusted advisor to company’s management boards. I was in charge of retail, human resources, merchandise management,
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store operations and planning strategies to drive
sales growth and achieve the sales target. With my
was working with a British Brand, Aquascutum, the
substantial work experiences, I have grown to have
British brand management influenced me to quite an
diverse and valuable expertise.
extent. Probably, this is the reason why I wanted to study in UK.
Although I have worked in brand management for 6 years, I am still enthusiastic about this sector and have an immense desire to gain deeper knowledge of it. Considering the fact that whatever I learnt in brand management was self taught and gained through having hands on experience, I eventually started fearing what if I am not updated and cannot accept new ideas? Therefore I enrolled in UCA with a hope that studying academic theory will bring me a new approach and extensive thinking. It would help me to understand key factors on brand development so that I could sketch out various strategies to lead a brand. I am eager to adopt a wider vision and learn branding from a specific brand management course and might contemplate over becoming a brand consultant. With the proficiency gained in branding blended with my prior operational experience, I could get strategic choices in multiple directions to shape my future career. I would like to add that when I
Sell a brand’s concept to clients and underpin that brand
Phyllis Tai TAIWAN
B
efore coming to UK I was learning English Language and Culture in my Bachelor’s degree, which has no relevance to brand management. There were two different directions that I was considering to choose after graduating from university. First option was to get the job that I dreamt of since childhood. Besides, I could earn money to pay the tuition fee for my further studies abroad. Unfortunately, I was not recruited. Therefore I immediately decided to go with the second option of doing Master’s after graduation so as not to waste any time in life, which is the core reason that brought me here. Moreover, the major that I chose is helpful to build the career direction that I intend to have for my future. I am very much interested in fashion industry. To get started with a career in this industry I had to analyse what steps should be taken by someone like me, who has no background in fashion at all. After a series of contemplation, I decided to choose the course of Design, Innovation and Brand Management at UCA, which can also be linked to fashion industry.
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I regard myself as a hesitant person and believe that I lack professional knowledge. Furthermore, I always panic if I am uncertain of my next move and even sometimes of my whereabouts. Because of these reasons I decided to change myself throughout this journey and become a person who not only has a clear vision of her responsibilities, but also helps others to achieve their goals. Hence, my goal after graduating from UCA is to attain success in future by becoming a bridge between people and different parts of an organisation.
Be a bridge between people and different parts of organisation
Raven Fu TAIWAN
C
oming from Taiwan, I grew up in the Taipei city. I have had a strong interest in art since I was a child and I enjoy making handicrafts to share with my friends. As a result, I realized at an early age that becoming a designer is my only option in terms of my future career. My interest in photography developed as a member of the photography club in senior high school. After graduating, I studied Visual Communication design in Kun Shan University, where Photography and Poster Design were my favorite courses. I was the teacher’s assistant in the photography course, which focused on photography skills, digital photography, and creativity. Studying in this course was an amazing experience, which made me feel as though photography can make anything possible. In the Poster Design course, we covered some very interesting topics such as different cultures and emotions. I came up with many creative ideas and experimented with different materials to create posters. At the end of the course, we had the
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opportunity to hold an exhibition on campus, which was a very memorable experience. After graduating from university, I gained four years of work experience as a designer in an international cosmetics company. At this position, I was in charge of designing brochures, photographing products and packaging, planning schedules, controlling budgets and communication with print factories. This valuable experience sparked my interest in graphic design and gave me a determination to become a professional graphic designer. Hence I took the big decision of quitting my job and made plans to study MA Graphic design at UCA. It was an apt decision to come abroad for studying as I am not only gaining more knowledge about design ideas and marketing skills but I also get to understand different cultures. My short term objective is to complete my graduate studies while my long-term goal is to become a professional designer. I will try my best to adapt the different culture.
Be brave and do what you love
Zukka Cheng TAIWAN
T
ainan, which is a southern city of Taiwan is my hometown. This is my ‘Gap year’ after working for 3 years and trying to redefine my values. I used to work with a kid’s brand and my job was to source manufactures overseas in order to get ‘low-cost’ but ‘high quality’ products. After sometime I became proficient in making profitable deals for both clients and manufacturers. But I was still curious about the deeper scope, the real value of a brand. Sometimes I feel people all over the world are unique because of their individual personalities and so are brands.If the products could have their own personality then maybe a time would come when companies can get rid of only competing for ‘cheapest products’. While working with brands I realized that good communication and organization are not enough. The most important factor is “value”. How to create your company’s value and even for yourself is the goal that I am aiming to pursue. So I came to UK for my MA in Design, Innovation and Brand management to study more in this field and experience life overseas.
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I majored in international business in undergraduate
degree. We were taught fundamental theories of
life. I wish to see the world outside Taiwan and know
marketing, accounting, economics etc. to broaden
how businesses and brands are operated worldwide.
our commercial knowledge. Business is a quite serious
As of now my story is ongoing and the life in the UK
subject and it enabled me to think in logical ways. I
will be a memorable part of my journey.
love natural things because in today’s modern era simplicity and purity are rare values. I love photography as well. For me it is a way to see the world directly and in its purest form. Through my lens I like to seize every moment that is meaningful and memorable to me. I believe the photographs that I take represent a part of my existence and me as an individual. “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer to find each other and to feel, that is the purpose of life”- these lines are from one of my favorite movies - ‘The secret life of Walter Mitty’. When I was contemplating whether I should give myself a year to study aboard or not, I was encouraged by this movie to find ‘the purpose of my life’. This journey of leaving my comfort zone and pursuing my ambitions overseas has a significant meaning for my
This journey of leaving my comfort zone and pursuing my ambitions overseas has a significant meaning for my life
CHINA
Allison Zou MADIBM
Z
ou is my family name and Xing in Chinese means
Coming here to live and learn in the UK has made
happiness. I was born in Ningguo, Anhui Province and
me come in contact with different cultures and have
studied graphic design in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.
friends from different backgrounds. Although we
Way before choosing this major, I have always been
come from different countries, I can still feel the
in love with drawing since my early childhood days.
warmth of goodwill between us. I believe it is
However I was completely oblivious of ‘design’
essential to learn how to listen to other’s opinions
until I studied art in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
and have respect for one another.
Hangzhou is an attractive tourist city and often holds numerous design exhibitions. This was the
In addition, if China catches your attention, you
period when I began having an interest in design and
should definitely travel to China. The charm that
especially graphic design.
could be felt personally can never be described just in words. My personal recommendation would
During my graduation days, I had a very strict tutor.
be Yunnan Province; it has an essence of the national
He was quite opposite to the other instructors. He
culture, which makes it a magical place. In near
always had an opinion that students should not just
future I hope to visit more places, gain more
focus on making beautiful designs, but learn how
diversified knowledge, broaden my horizons
to make it commercial by understanding needs of the
and inspire myself to my fullest potential.
customers. And this is the communication aspect that should be well thought out and built with customers. This communication aspect was the driving force that made me come to the UK and learn something different from my previous studies. For me, an unfamiliar environment, unfamiliar language and unfamiliar learning modes are new challenges, which I love to embrace. I still look forward to learn things differently from what I already know and have unique experiences than my previous learning.
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Be cheerful, strive to be happy
CHINA
Bobo Luo MADIBM
B
orn and raised in Guangzhou, China, I, Tianxiang
about Chinese society. However today it is possible
Luo was surrounded with inspirational and creative
to see numerous aspects of Chinese culture introduced
people who guided me to the path that I have
worldwide, such as silhouettes in apparels, Mandarin,
chosen, of doing my MA in Design, Innovation and
Chinese art and films and other Chinese commodities.
Brand Management. When still in China, I had also
Alterations in fashion and perception of the masses
considered going to Macau where I pursued my BA
towards Chinese culture is leading to the emergence
in Product Design. I remember spending a significant
of a new breed of Chinese designers, who capitalize
part of my childhood getting inspired to create and
on the increasing demands for goods and services
design different things. My architect father always
that originated in China. Ruston explains that the
let me accompany him when invited to various
romantic modern creations of Ms Minn that one can
architectural exhibitions and design conferences.
find at Lane Crawford, along with the extravagant Chictopia prints and the minimal Helen Lee works
Weaving my way through these visual design adventures,
“are not copyists or derivative”.
I wished to freely explore my ideas and effectively stretch my artistic creativity. Much of my interest in
I want to create a platform where different pieces of
design also lies in other people’s interpretations of
artwork related to Chinese culture can be exhibited,
themselves, exchanging design ideas and drawing
advertised, and sold during my study period at UCA.
wisdom from intense discussions with my peers.
As a result, these events might increase awareness in
This is what excites me about studying with motivated
different audiences about the Chinese culture whilst
and creative students at an international platform.
preparing a solid ground for my career.
Apart from seeking mutual development through making friends, my chief interest lies in design management. To gain theoretical knowledge, I got myself enrolled in the course of design management. Renowned history scholar Dr Toynbee from England argued that exquisite fineness of the rich Chinese heritage would improve lives in the 21st century. Two decades ago relatively few people knew much
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Constant exposure to visual design expands creativity
CHINA
Choicy Zhou MAGD
I
am Choicy, a person hoping to possess clear
Fresh information and a fast paced life suit well to my
mind and free soul. Besides, I am a Gemini. It is
personality and are prerequisite to my future. Every
a constellation with two personalities making
time I see a beautiful design or a good exhibition, it
continuous, non-stop noises every day in our mind
makes me too excited to fall asleep.
and at the same time they also burst out with various fresh creations and strange ideas. I entered a boarding school at an early age of six
After UCA I want to enter my ideal school in another country and start another wonderful life with my free soul and clear mind.
and studied playing flute and piano, researched ceramics farmer painting, mastered in various sports, learnt to adapt in new environment and developed a sense of love for freshness. These attributes gave me an independent disposition, which reflects in my living attitude. My parents provide me good living environment and ensure that I travel around the globe to broaden my horizons. I love nature, various national cultures, as well as like to get indulged in all kinds of food in the foreign lands that I visit. I always record all of these moments with camera. Since my first interaction with photography, I can’t stop satisfying my strong desire for colors. Moreover, finding beauty in life and cherishing everyday is the gift endowed to me by my parents. I hope I could have a job that I love and can feel dedicated to it. Hence it must be related to creative design or fashion.
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Wonderful life with my free soul and clear mind
CHINA
Guan Yu-Xuan MAGD
H
uaibei is my hometown. I completed my BA Visual
In regards to my MA course, I aspire to focus on
Communication Design from University of Shanghai
three things: music, fonts and media technology.
in Science and Technology from Shanghai city. While
I would like to create something that involves all
studying BA Visual Communication in my university
these fields. I want to find someone who has similar
I realised this subject has quite a limited scope for
interests in these specific areas and it will be a
teamwork.
better way to study and produce interesting outcomes together.
Chinese education system believes in following individual work process for each course, so I did not get many chances to co-ordinate with other students in my previous study. I used to do the entire concept, for instance doing research and designing part by myself. This is an efficient and effective way of graphic design, but it also resists some ideas due to lack of co-operation and broad mindedness. As for the pre-sessional art and design course, I think it has been a great experience, which taught me beforehand how to approach the independent research and teamwork in my MA. Particularly the group assignments were quite difficult for me. In a group we decided together and assigned different task to everyone. The two final projects were really useful for me to exercise my cooperation abilities.
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Music, Fonts, Media Technology
CHINA
Sharely Xia MAGD
L
i Xia, my Chinese name stands for jasmine which
becoming a designer. Also the demand for graphic
grows in summer. I come from Anhui, which is
designers was increasing day by day leading to an
located in the southeast of China. I spent 13 years
increase in job opportunities. At that point I became
to study in this lovely city from kindergarten to high
determined to study abroad and gain fundamental
school. Afterwards I came to the United Kingdom
knowledge in design, which was not available to
to undertake my undergraduate and postgraduate
me previously.
degrees four years ago. As for the language, my mother tongue is Chinese. Studying abroad in this country came as a huge
I can speak fluent Mandarin and also have a good
challenge for me when I was 18 years old. Everything
understanding of Cantonese. Then, English is my
was new to me. It was my first experience travelling
second language.
to another country all alone, taking care of myself all by own, be friends with international students and
In respect to the prospects of studying in the UK, the
getting taught in English through all the subjects.
experience will provide me numerous opportunities
Nonetheless, I am enjoying the life and culture of
to work with different types of companies or agencies
England because of the dream that I had of becoming
in China. I aspire to work in a multi cultural Western
a graphic designer that I am still passionate about.
company, which has a mix of both Eastern and
Also, England has a vast graphic design background
Western culture.
and facinating culture. From a very young age I have always had a keen interest in all areas of art and design. At the age of 15 years, I got so deeply impressed by a Global Warming Issue poster that I decided my only aim is to become a graphic designer now. However, at that particular time I was an art student and design was a completely new subject, which I was more interested in. I could not get the relevant education to help me
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Sunshine always appears after storm
THAILAND
Faii
Rutpongsopit
B
rand management caught my interest back in undergraduate days while studying Decorative Arts in Interior Design at Silpakorn University. During my final design project in my last semester, I had to
carefully manage my data analysis which included user behavior, brand identity and business possibilities. I realized that not only aesthetics produce a great design but also the process must connect with management and creativity skills. This project provided me with
technical skills but did not directly improve my managerial skills. Later I realized that to be a successful entrepreneur in the future like many other famous design companies, I would need to enrich my knowledge of the effective strategic implementations of understanding of modern business. This would enable me to channel my strong conceptual skills in managing my own business. Therefore, this course will be a useful stepping-stone so that I can reach the heights I plan to achieve in my future career and look at the whole picture from a new perspective. After graduation, I had an opportunity to be employed 31
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as Junior Interior Designer at PIA Interior Company,
which is a one of leading interior design companies in Thailand. I found the skills that I learned from my study, academic and social activities had helped me greatly to handle all tasks assigned. I gathered practical experience in the real working environment from the design department in this company and learned how to work efficiently with my team members. I had learned practices, adopted and integrated the knowledge from my classes and internship, experienced design effectively and learned time management. I would like to utilize my knowledge from my master’s degree to combine with my creative background and work at a leadership position in a prominent design company right after postgraduation. I also intend to set up my own company and introduce creative products that facilitate people’s lives in developing countries like my own. Finally I strongly believe that this is a great opportunity to build my management and creativity skills in which I can thrive in my career ahead.
Design must be easy to understand, tangible and close to people’s lives
THAILAND
Farm Nuchanart
B
orn in a huge family with dad, mom and grandparents, art is one thing that I always excelled in. I used to draw in my school’s books and owe my Dad who taught me a lot about DIY. I am used to satisfy my needs for various things by crafting them myself. I have an immense interest in interior design and thus for my undergraduate degree, I studied Architecture and majored in Interior Design at Thammasat University. After graduation, I worked in Gable Architect Company at the position of Interior designer. This is a small company with an organizational structure of ten designers. Therefore, a designer’s job role became much wider than just design. This ultimately helped me to gain a lot of experience in various aspects. Furthermore, I switched my career to become a Props designer because I love creating atmosphere and space. Simultaneously, at the weekends I used to teach Interior Styling at Design International Institute. A props designer’s job demands to choose curtain, lining fabric, wallpaper, furniture selection
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including selection and placement of all the props.
Props design has a very short life span. It requires time management skills to order materials, grade things, combine materials and finally create a good composition. Hence multitasking is a prerequisite for a designer. I know that good design also requires upright management to be successful in an innovative business. Management is increasingly becoming more important up to an extent that it has become an essential skill to develop perfect design. Learning management at UCA is helping me to develop my abilities, have a streamlined thought process, gain insights on human-centered design thinking and improvise methods to solve organizational problems which require competent management and strategic planning.
Make it simple but significant
THAILAND
Jaa
Suwansumrit
C
oming from the tropical city of Thailand named Bangkok, my hometown is completely opposite to the UK. Everyday life in Bangkok was equivalent to getting baked in the oven while UK is more or less like walking in the fridge! I used to work as a graphic designer but graduated with BFA in Product Design degree. I spent 4 years learning about 3D art and ergonomics in design and 2 years working on combining all my skills required to boost my career before coming to the UK. I fell in love with interactive media and design that connects people to the virtual world. For me graphics is more than just a 2D world. It is supposed to intensify an individual’s feelings, which is why sometimes it is known to be communication art. I’m quite a geeky person. I enjoy technology and gadgets but I’m definitely not obsessed with them. I find science interesting and exciting. Even though it’s a bit boring but inventions sound
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so cool to me. Most of all, I love music pretty much
beyond everything in my life. I dedicate most of my time in attending concerts, music events and listening to music. Other than media and application design, I would like to join music industry some day. My life used to be somewhat boring before coming here. I hope UK would give me adventurous memories that would be well preserved by me all my life, and also an extraordinary experience that would brighten up my world forever.
Work hard to live fancy and travel the unknown
THAILAND
Mai Bhumiwat
H
ello, I’m Mai, a graphic designer and illustrator from Thailand. I like to try different kind of design work. At first I liked character design, paper craft and illustration but after completing graduation from University I got a job as web graphic designer, which I knew nothing about. But I thought to myself, “I should give it a try, maybe I can learn new things” and I did. I found it quite interesting and also improved my design skill. I want to try and learn more in field of design. After 3 years of work experience I just ‘signed out’ and pursued an opportunity to come and study in the UK. Why did I ‘sign out’? Well, I got bored and I wanted to try to do something exciting and jump out of my comfort zone. Why UK? I came to study in UK for summer school before and I liked it here. Since always I desired to study abroad. I also studied in US as an exchange student in my high school and I believe that to be able to live and study in another country is one of the greatest opportunities in my life.
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I like to know what people living on the other sides
of the world think, see their culture, exchange ideas with them and use that knowledge to improve my work and experience. So I’m here...
I should give it a try, maybe I can learn new things
THAILAND
Patt
Sukmongkol
M
any people think that the capital city of Thailand is Koh Pa-Ngan. But no, “Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit” is the real capital city of Thailand which we call in short as “Bangkok”. So, my name is Patt, and I come from Thailand. Two years ago, I had a chance to visit London for a few days. I immediately fell in love with this city. For me, London holds some similarities with Bangkok, not in the context of longest name but for being a multicultural society. I had thought to myself back in those days that if I ever wanted to study my MA, I would be here in London. It could become the place that wouldn’t make me miss my home too much and would fit perfectly with my lifestyle. As for my educational background, I studied my BA in Psychology. Some people might believe that we learn to study other individuals and can read
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people’s minds but I think I have learnt to answer
some craziness of myself. So I would like to give a
After working for a while, I decided to continue my
piece of advice to folks out there ‘Don’t be afraid of
MA at UCA. Now I live in London as I had always
people who study Psychology. They are as confused
wished, the city that encourages my passion for
in their lives as you are in yours.’ After graduation, I
creativity. I feel like this is my year of exploring and
started my career in human resources development.
expanding my knowledge, which I could surely use in
Within my work tenure of two years I got convinced
my near future.
that it wasn’t the right job for me. I quit and switched to magazine industry, which I have always been
Well, as you can already see that not only the Bangkok
interested in since I was a kid. It was a big jump out
City’s name is lengthy but my story as well. So, my
of my comfort zone with no assurance of future
name is Patt and I come from Thailand.
career path. It was worth the risks though. I might sound cheezy but it completely changed my life. Three years went by so fast. Working on various editorial roles in publishing industry and e-commerce business introduced me to a new world and developed my skill set. It was my work that attracted me towards branding and image communication. I have a parttime hobby with my friend related to design and film works. We usually chuckle and tell each other that “This should be fun!” and have named our small venture as ‘gone to dinner’ with a background of two funny-looking creatures.
I’m not afraid to be absurd or even ridiculous. The more genuine and honest, the better
THAILAND
Pong Soontorn -tumrong
W
hen it comes to a traveller’s appeal, Thailand has everything: perfect beaches, dense jungles, exotic islands, golden monasteries, captivating coral reefs, laid-back locals, fast and furious cities, cascading rice terraces, tranquil Buddhist backwoods, steamy tropical weather, blistering cuisine, five-star extravagance
and indulgence on a shoestring. Despite the occasional revolution, people constantly keep coming back to this place. This is just a short definition that I can give you of the country that I come from. First of all, my name is Thitiphong Soontorntumrong, but you can call me Pong. My hobby is travelling to difference places to reach a secret summit or turn my back completely on the civilization. Meanwhile I also enjoy my life by talking to people, learning other cultures, their languages and their ways of leading life. I have been living in Bangkok, Thailand since I was born. It’s quite hard to find me at home because the wanderlust bug has bitten me. This made some
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of my friends believe that I am a fulltime traveler.
Bangkok is quite similar to other capital cities in the
I gain immense pleasure while working on my small
world, its crowded and people always call it- ‘the city
venture because I believe I can make money from my
that never sleeps’. We have twenty-four hours street
own idea.
food available everyday. The famous tourist street, Khao San Road, is a good place to begin with its
Once I was able to discover myself and figure out my
cheap shopping, dining and nightlife.
passion, I decided to come to UK and study Master’s in Design, Innovation and Brand Management to
I spent four years to graduate with a bachelor’s
sharpen my skills and develop my creative aptitude
degree in brand communication from Bangkok
towards business in future. Meanwhile I am also
University, Thailand. Furthermore, I started working
exploring interesting places in and around UK and
as a Creative Planner in an advertising agency for
Europe to get more inspired.
two years. The job role included developing communication campaigns, TV commercials and branding communication, which is originally known as IMC (Integrated marketing communication). After work I would always go to a pub or a cocktail bar to observe various beverages and enjoyed tasting every alcoholic drink. This is how I became an entrepreneur and started my first own brand called “Liquid Design”, bar and beverage service. I started to investigate and studied a lot about alcohol on how to make and mix ingredients to create the new taste of cocktails that no one has ever made before.
The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask
INDIA
Gagan
Kattaya MAGD
W
ith my left hand being dominant, the right side of
While doing my graduation I was working as
my brain is dominant, which concludes to me being
a freelance graphic designer, which ended up
a creative person and thus working in a creative
as my career. Then I took up a full time job as a
industry. Although, that’s a fact but that’s not why I
graphic designer at Digital Horizons. During my
am really here. Since childhood, I have always been
work experience, I realized having lack of knowledge
a curious kid and loved to explore the real world with
in graphic design. Thus after working in the industry
my own imaginary sense. Because my mother was
for two years I have come to UK to hone my skills
a trained artist, she discovered my creative bent and
in graphic design. Although it’s quite surprising to
got me into drawing and painting. Nope, she did not
me as never-ever in my life I had thought I’d be doing
make me do the ‘beautiful scenic landscapes’ type of
two master degrees since I didn’t really enjoy studying.
paintings, but my own way of crazy and fun kind of drawings and paintings. I enjoy clicking pictures and love automobiles. I love riding motorcycle so much that most of my works in my MA visual arts was about the experience of riding a motorcycle. Well, let me tell you how I got into graphic design. While pursuing my high school (note-I was not great at studying nor did I enjoy going to school), the animation industry kind of started up at a big scale and since I enjoyed drawing, I got into it without giving a second thought. As I completed my animation course along with my school, I took up visual arts for my under graduation. Later I pursued my post graduation in the same subject.
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Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
INDIA
Priyamvada
Singh
MADIBM
T
ick, Tock, Tick-Tock-Tick
Beep, Beep, Beep-Beep-Screeechhh
The clock runs hastily to compete the unknown,
The propeller struggled to fly me through seven seas,
And I hope to borrow few more seconds on loan.
A look outside the window weakened my knees.
Gwuf, Gwuf, Gwuf-Gwuf-Gwuf
I closed my eyes and wished to memorize cheerful faces, But deep down I could feel their agony in traces.
Childhood sprinted away playing peek-a-boo, I am still the same little girl, though I never knew.
Plip, Plip, Plip-Plip-Ploop
Jabberwocky used to tell me stories at night,
Joyous spring dribbles became gusty winter showers,
Plunging into imagination was my source of delight.
And long sunny days turned to odd cold wee hours. Fickle optimism knocks my door every morning,
Click, Click, Click-Click-Clunk
Quest for an unseen future is my beloved stargazing.
Camera flashed on my face and caught my gaze, Spell-bounded eyes were stunned like always.
Tick, Tock, Tick-Tock-Tick
Meticulousness, I knew I always had,
The clock runs hastily to compete the unknown,
Glamour and paparazzi lured the innocent nomad.
And I hope to borrow few more seconds on loan.
Boosh, Boosh, Boosh-boosh-Boosh The kindling fire of fondness for fashion, Started dwindling soon and looked ashen. Is this the world where I truly belonged? Why does this vicinity appear over thronged? Chirp, Chirp, Chirp-Chirp-tweet A sudden epiphany showed me a new dream, It’s time to chase a novel gem, shining thru a beam. Being a ‘Libra’ has its own pros and cons, Wanderers have a never-ending list of bygones.
45
Dreams are the hidden passage to reality.
INDIA
Vidhi Suneja MAGD
G
raphic Design fascinated me from an early age.
5 typefaces extensively and style them accordingly.
As I got more involved with it through my education
End product resulted in a set of 5 booklets and 5
and work experience and engaged with it more and
Final Posters. As a part of my research, I interned
more, this interest transformed into a passion. I then
at Cosmopolitan Magazine, India for 3 months as a
realized that I always possessed a liking towards
fashion styling intern, which helped me understand
the creative arts, which grew stronger when I took
the basics of styling. After which I proceeded working
up Science in High School. My family runs a paper
on my own. At this stage of my career, my personal
business, thanks to which I got exposed to good
and professional objectives are very closely linked
paper and the idea of print graphics from an early
to each other. Personally I want to be more confident
age. Even before I knew what graphic design meant,
in my area of knowledge and build more awareness
I knew I wanted to be one.
towards it and professionally, I want to be equipped enough to put my knowledge in a much more rational
Graphic design to me offers the opportunity to balance
and structural manner. Moreover, in the future, I hope
my aesthetic sensibilities while solving design problems,
to connect my passion of graphic design with my
one visiting card at a time! Until halfway through my
interest in fashion styling. This opportunity will provide
second year, I found myself torn between specializing
me with the exposure required for the former aim.
in graphic design or fashion styling. A moment of
Currently Europe is the design hub of the world.
clarity in that year led me to go with graphic design
Hence, it is a natural progression in my career graph
as my primary choice. Hence, I worked as a junior
to study design here. Moreover, London being a
graphic designer with ‘Happy Hands Foundation’,
global city has exposed me to new cultures, new
an NGO that focuses on the revival of traditional
people, and a new way of living, all of which will
arts and crafts. During my two month long tenure,
help me evolve my worldview, eventually helping
I worked on a branding project and collaterals for
me create better design. Ultimately, I hope to combine
Kaleidoscope, an exchange collaboration program
European work ethics with my Indian design sensibilities
undertaken by ‘Happy Hands Foundation’. My third
to solve design problems in both.
year brought with it an opportunity to intern with Percept/H, an advertising agency associated with the Sunburn Music Festival in Goa. While there, I worked on rebranding Assotech Realty Pvt. Ltd. In my 4th year for Grad project, I chose to work on a self-initiated project. Since it was a self-initiated project and graphic design being my strong suit, I though of trying my luck at fashion styling. Over the course of 4 months, my project required me to study
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Observations are more often like fleeting thoughts
NORWAY
Line Stabel
A
cross the pond I flew from the blinking fjords and snowy mountains of Norway to the multicultural and buzzing London. I was born and raised in the seaside city Larvik, located two hours south from Oslo. It is the city where legends like Colin Archer and Thor Heyerdahl come from, and it is the place where adventure begins. I got lost in the big forests, wandered up the highest tops and learned to sail the deepest shores. I’ve always been a travel-bug and decided to study “Experience-Based Tourism” at Lillehammer
University. Here I got interested in individual outdoor concepts, which led me to write my bachelor thesis about “Strategic development of a nature-based enterprise”, with the surf camp Unstad Arctic Surf as case. This is a beautiful concept located in the rough nature of the Lofoten Island, where everything is in contrast to what we associate with the warm beach culture. They’ve understood the importance of a good communication strategy and this was very 49
MAGD
important, not just in the tourism industry, but in
general as well. You need to visualize how the experience of the place will be through good information and pictures on webpages, brochures, social media and other platforms. Precise visual communication is very important so as to deliver right impression of the place that the customer is visiting. If the design gives a wrong impression of the place, the costumer might also have a bad experience at the place on his visit because his expectations were different. I have a huge interest in magazine design, posters, product design and good looking companies, cafes or stores. I can literally neither walk by a good poster without taking a picture of it and keeping it as an inspiration for myself, nor walk by a proper cafĂŠ without taking a sneak peek into their whole concept (colors, light, sound, smell, design, atmosphere etc.
I flew from the blinking fjords and snowy mountains of Norway
UNITED KINGDOM
Angel Lugo MAGD
B
orn in Venezuela and with a Spanish nationality
studying and achieving a 2:1. I gained a scholarship
I moved to England at the age of 5. From a young
to study on the MA course. I feel I have come a
age I was always interested in design and the
long way however there is still much I wish to learn
creative arts, enjoying illustration the most, even
and accomplish but not enough time. I plan to
though I did not grasp the concept of becoming
become an established freelance designer as well
a graphic designer until later on when I started
as diversifying my skills in the field of creativity,
college, where I undertook an A level in visual
be it music, video, image, product design or even
communication. I had the desire to do something
game design. One thought for the future would be
creative; choosing a career path which could
to not limit yourself to anything as I feel coming up
enable the development of my design skills and the
with new ideas, weather it be inventing, writing,
ability to develop my own visual language, I felt
drawing is something positive and beneficial in the
would benefit me the most.
development of society. The creative process is not something to be ignored.
I decided it would be a great idea to pursue a career in design. It appealed to me because I would be enjoying what I could potentially do for a living. However I initially wanted to go down the path of studying fine art but was unable to, because I had no art GCSE, this really frustrated me as I believed I was being stopped from doing something I could genuinely be good at! I didn’t let people doubting my ability stop me from choosing a creative path because it felt natural to pursue art or design as an area of study. From there I was able to complete my A level and apply for University where I started the BA Graphic Design course in Epsom, after three years of
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Enjoying what I could potentially do for a living
PORTUGAL
Mafalda Volz Oliveira
O
lá! My name is Mafalda Volz Oliveira and I’m the Portuguese equivalent to Dora the Explorer. No, I don’t talk to my backpack or my monkey friend, but I do love to travel, explore new places and also think that I’m able to teach languages. Actually I can’t, I just like to think I can! I was born in Porto, a beautiful city in the coast that is famous for its sweet wine. There I started to build my future. I did my BA in History of Arts and during my three years of study I joined as much activities as I could. For years, I’ve been active in the student council as the director in the creative department. I was also part of the University of Porto debating society. Here I was as the vice-president of marketing, leading a team of four people where I was responsible for development of the society’s positioning and brand concept. In 2014, I became general secretary, leading and managing a team of 25 college students passionate about debate, communication and education. I felt greatly fulfilled for being able to successfully manage all those people and promote
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the debate society throughout the world in all the
after a while. Go figure. Indecisive as always, I
competitions that we’ve entered and won.
entered college with two options; either I would be a restoration specialist and restore the crack between
As for my work experience, I was an English teacher
The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo in the Sistine
in a program of extracurricular activities at the local
chapel (I was very ambitious), or I would be a
network of elementary schools. Later, I worked
manager in the creative industries. Yes, nothing alike,
with a local designer - EugÊnia Cunha - in Porto’s
but I have an eclectic taste so it comes natural to me.
arts district, where I help with the management of the stores, marketing her fashion brand and
And here I am! My passion for brands, managing,
developing her social media. I was also a volunteer at
arts, communication, culture and design brought me
the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, where I
to this MA.
helped with the exhibits operations. With all these experiences I was able to meet lots of people from different parts of the world, practice my English and develop my knowledge and leadership skills. I was in the right path to discover who I wanted to be. But keep in mind that before I discovered I wanted to follow management and an arts directed course, I wanted to be a marine biologist (since I was 7 years old). After finding out that I could also draw, it seemed more fun and I decided to enter an arts school. It was hard and it stopped being fun
A little madness in the spring is wholesome even for the king
BERMUDA
Malcishia
Outerbridge MADIBM
H
ow did I get here? By plane! I’m a 25 year old from the
best I could in school. I’m a fighter, I pushed myself
beautiful island of Bermuda with an infectious smile and
and I passed. I did it! I had graduated with a B.A.
a bubbly personality. I’ve always had a love for art
(Hons) Degree in Graphic Design on June 25, 2014.
ever since
Then, I took a gap year out to clear my mind and start
the age of 5 but I didn’t get passionate about Graphic
fresh. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s Degree
Design until high school.
back at UCA and I’m enjoying my course. I’m in a better mindset and place and I’m feeling great!
On September 12, 2011 I left my gem, Bermuda in
My heart was broken but it is still undergoing a
the Atlantic Ocean to travel 6 ½ hours on the British
healing process. Losing my brother had a huge
Airways flight to further my education in the UK.
impact on me. I had reached the lowest point in
I had gotten accepted into the University for the
my life but I persevered with determination to finish
Creative Arts (UCA) in Epsom to pursue my Bachelor’s
what I came to do in the UK. Despite my circumstances
Degree in Graphic Design. The school year had started
I was not going to stop living my life.
and everything was starting off great but then the unthinkable happened. At the end of October mid-
I am extremely happy where I am all right now and
way through my studies my brother had passed
my heart feels whole. Once I’m done with my M.A,
away, which made my journey a whole lot harder.
I’ll be moving back home to Bermuda for good. I’m
looking forward to my next journey because this is
My brother was taken from my family & I very tragically
only the beginning.
and it was extremely hard. Has your mind ever been blank…like a white sheet of paper blank? Nothing on it! My heart was torn into pieces and I struggled to get through my Bachelor’s. Thinking period became a struggle, let alone thinking creatively. With my mind being so blank explaining how, why and what I was doing was impossible. I just did the work and most of the times I ended up doing the work without knowing it. Instead of giving up I pushed really hard to do the
55
The best is yet to come! It’s my time to shine!
Credits
Course Tutor:
Cover Design:
Brian Johnson
Mai Bhumiwat
Sue Perks
Malcishia Outerbridge
Mentor:
Content Page Design:
Hans Dieter Reichert
Cindy Shen Vidhi Suneja
Editor: May Katutondua
Map Design:
Priyamvada Singh
Angel Lugo
Design Director:
Marketing Team:
Cindy Shen
Anderson Chen Allison Zou
Proof Reader:
Fabby Hsiao
Priyamvada Singh
Faii Rutpongsopit Phyllis Tai
Branding:
Priyamvada Singh
Mai Bhumiwat
Zukka Cheng
Layout Design:
Production &
Sharely Xia
Photography Team:
Vidhi Suneja
Bobo Luo Farm Nuchinart
Collage Design:
Gagan Kattaya
Cindy Shen
Jaa Suwansumrit
Line Stabel
Mafalda Volz Oliveira
Raven Fu
Nana Aoki Patt Sukmongkol Pong Soontorntumrong
Contact
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/betterfuturemagazine/ Facebook http://www.facebook.com/betterfuturemagazine Twitter https://twitter.com/betterfutureuca Website http://ucabetterfuture.businesscatalyst.com/index.html Email address betterfuture.uca@gmail.com