Macau toy designer / Zandra Rhodes / Scholarships / Soldier turned artist / CV advice
creative / May 10
update
University for the Creative Arts Alumni Magazine
Issue 03.
Ian Dury / Reunions / Careers / Graphic Design / Taxidermy
Welcome
Welcome to the third edition of Creative Update the magazine of the UCA Alumni Association
Welcome to this special edition of Creative Update which coincides with the installation of Zandra Rhodes as the very first Chancellor of UCA. Zandra Rhodes is herself one of UCA’s alumni, having studied at one of our founder institutions, the Medway School of Design. In an interview for this magazine, she tells us how her early creative education shaped her career and ultimately led to her status as a world-renowned designer whose work is worn by royalty and rock stars alike. As Chancellor of UCA, Zandra will be lending her powerful voice to our campaign to ensure the value of a creative education is acknowledged. With further funding cuts to universities imminent, this is extremely timely. Even in the current tough economic climate, the creative industries continue to show growth, and students are demonstrating awareness of this trend by signing up to creative courses in record numbers. With Zandra’s help we will continue to work to ensure that the next generation are able to receive the creative education they want, and that society needs them to have. Professor Elaine Thomas Vice-Chancellor
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Professor Elaine Thomas | Vice-Chancellor’s welcome | Creative Update
Cover image ‘The Grand Monkey Room 3’ courtesy of Karen Knorr
welcome p2 news p3 features p8 advice P19 profiles p24 reunions p38 obituary p41 information p42
News
Soldier turned artist publishes new book Glenn Fitzpatrick, a former soldier who left the armed forces to forge a career as an artist, has published a graphic novel detailing his journey from the battlefield to the art gallery. Originally from Gravesend in Kent, Glenn served in the army for three years and fought in the1991 Gulf War. He left the army with the idea to pursue a career as an artist. He completed his training with a BA and MA degree at the Kent Institute for Art and Design in Canterbury. Glenn said: “My years at Canterbury were the best years of my life. I met some amazing people.” Scene from ‘Arts and Mines’
His book, ‘Arts and Mines’, was released in March this year. The story is about a man in the services who goes off to the Gulf War and afterwards tries to make a better life for himself. He goes into education and comes out with a Masters in Art and continues on with life.
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Being a witness to mass destruction helped to steer my life in the right direction
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Glenn said: “Being a witness to mass destruction helped to steer my life in the right direction. Also, the skills I obtained were highly useful and selfdisciplining towards the arts.” His book which he describes as a “labour of love” took him five years and is the culmination of a long journey and one that he says signals that things are starting to fall into place for him as an artist. Glenn added: “The journey towards making the book was hard but very rewarding; it really put my life into perspective and gave me a greater sense of direction. I think it has also really strengthened my subject matter and art practise.”
news
Glenn Fitzpatrick’s website is: www.fitzy593.co.uk
Glenn Fitzpatrick | Book launch | Creative Update
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News
Joanna launches new natural knickers range Printed Textiles graduate Joanna Ketterer will soon be launching a range of underwear made from seaweed and wood pulp. These natural ingredients, when blended together, create a soft material called seacell which is perfect for the handmade knickers Joanna has built her career around. Joanna graduated from The Surrey Institute of Art and Design in 2004. She said: “My course gave me a great opportunity to be really experimental with textiles and developed my passion for colour. I spent a whole summer with dyed blue hands! “I returned last year when I needed some advice from a technician about dying lace for a wholesale order. It was great that UCA was willing to help and support me with my business project.”
In 2006 she expanded her collection to include bras and bikinis which she sold at summer festivals and markets. She later secured an order from ASOS which dramatically increased production, meaning every spare inch in her house was occupied by underwear. Her feminine and floaty garments are all named after flowers, and ensuring the material is ethically sourced is important to Joanna. Each garment is made by hand and she is currently working on a large order for a buyer in Italy. She added: “I always wanted to have a creative job and that is what drives me to be successful. I think, unless you are really lucky, being recognised takes a lot of hard work, dedication and not giving up.” For more information on Joanna’s handmade garments, visit: www.luvahuva.co.uk
Joanna’s inspiration came after finding a fabric at a market in Cambridge. Enlisting some help from her mother, she turned it into a pair of knickers and her company Luva Huva was born.
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Being recognised takes a lot of hard work, dedication and not giving up
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Joanna Ketterer | Luva Huva | Creative Update
Luva Huva lingerie
News
Carne Griffiths exhibits new graduate talent Illustration alumnus Carne Griffiths has created 100SQFT, an innovative exhibition showcasing the talents of recent graduates. Carne, who graduated from UCA Maidstone in 1995, recently gave up his day job as a creative director to focus on his university dream of creating a space for artists to exhibit their work. He said: “I remember the frustration of leaving college and needing an outlet for drawing and painting. It seemed like a slog to try and get work seen and there was always the dilemma of selling out to earn a living. “The concept behind 100SQFT is simple - each artist is given one square foot in which to show their work. The finished grid celebrates the diversity of artists’ work and the whole layout of the show is basically left in their hands. We have no selection process and I am yet to turn away an artist’s submission.” The exhibition, being held at the Cholmeley Boys Club in London, in May will feature an eclectic mix of colour and monochrome, two and three dimensional works, photographic and fine art pieces. Carne is planning to hold the exhibition once every quarter throughout the year. With finances often tight for artists, he is hoping 100SQFT will create a buzz within the industry as a way to gain exposure for both new and established artists. For further information visit www.100sqft.co.uk
Carne’s 100SQFT exhibition
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The finished grid celebrates the diversity of artists work and the whole layout of the show is basically left in their hands
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Carne Griffiths | 100SQFT exhibition | Creative Update
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News
Padgham and Putland win mace design competition Two silversmith alumni from the Medway College of Design, one of UCA’s founder colleges, recently won a competition to design a mace for Imperial College London. Carl Padgham and Andrew Putland, who graduated in 1984, established their design company in Aylesford soon after graduating. Padgham and Putland moved to their own workshop in Pluckley, Kent, in 1990. The mace they created will remain at Imperial College permanently. Carl said: “The project was good old fashioned silversmithing and being able to make such a piece these days is rare. The highlight was to see the mace in action at The Royal Albert Hall.” Other prestigious projects Padgham and Putland have worked on include the production of 40 pieces of church plate for Italian jewellers, Bvlgari. Carl said: “We have worked with Bvlgari for 20 years and are in weekly contact most of the time. When we were asked to produce silverware for a church we had no idea who it was for. “As the designs progressed we were given more information, and learned that they were in fact for a new church, the Dio Padre Misericordioso in Rome for the Vatican.”
The Imperial College Mace
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Meeting the Pope was one of those experiences where you wish you could do it again afterwards
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Padgham and Putland | Mace design | Creative Update
When the designs were complete, Andrew and Carl were invited to present their work to Pope John Paul II. Carl said: “Meeting the Pope was one of those experiences where you wish you could do it again afterwards. It was very moving to speak to someone who millions of people look to.” Padgham and Putland are currently working on a new range of silver jewellery and smaller lines of silverware. For more information visit: www.padghamandputland.com
News
UCA honorary Hans Reichert takes giant leap in design (left) Hans Dieter Reichert
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I was delighted to receive the signed book and Arnold
Honorary alumnus, Hans Dieter Reichert has been involved in the book design for ‘NASA: The Complete Illustrated History’ and was lucky enough to get the book signed by famous astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The book, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the moon landings, has many connections to UCA. Hans is the Director of HDR Visual Communications, his company was approached by NASA to create a design concept for the book. Hans said: “After some initial concept work was approved, we were awarded the project. I was responsible for overseeing the design side, with assistance from Paul Spencer, a gifted and enthusiastic UCA Graphic Design graduate.” The book, written by Michael H Gorn, covers all NASA lunar landings: from the Apollo missions, through to the international space station. It includes over 500 images, documenting landmarks in lunar history.
It was a chance discussion that led to the book being signed. Hans said: “I publish and produce the international graphic magazine, ‘Baseline’ (www.baselinemagazine.com). We work with a number of contributors including a distinguished designer, and Governor of UCA Arnold Schwartzman.
told me Buzz was very complimentary about the design
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“He is our editorial advisor in Los Angeles. When he saw the book in my office he offered to get it signed by his neighbour Buzz Aldrin, I was amazed. Buzz has been busy touring the world, so I never thought this would be possible. I was delighted to receive the signed book and Arnold told me Buzz was very complimentary about the design.” Hans has come back to earth with his next project and is working on a book concept documenting Clint Eastwood’s recent films including ‘Invictus’ and ‘Gran Torino’. For more information visit: www.baselinemagazine.com
The signed copy
Hans Reichert | Moon landings book | Creative Update
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features
Feature
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Zandra Rhodes | UCA Chancellor | Creative Update
Feature
fashion royalty takes UCA throne Instantly recognisable with her distinctive pink hair and blue eye shadow, Zandra Rhodes has achieved worldwide fame with her textile designs which are worn by rock stars and royalty alike. Now she has taken on a new role, as Chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts. The appointment was made official at a ceremony held at Banqueting House, London in early May. In this new role, she will act as a figurehead for the University, and has the power to award degrees. Zandra grew up in the vicinity of UCA’s Rochester campus, then known as the Medway College of Design. Her mother – a former fitter for a Paris fashion house – taught at the campus, and Zandra attended the neighbouring Fort Pitt School.
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I used to get up at 5am and spend time working on my prints before going to teach
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Zandra remembers being very enthusiastic about art as a child, partly due to her mother’s encouragement, and imagined herself becoming an art teacher when she grew up. After school she enrolled in the foundation programme at Medway College of Design, skipping the first year because her art skills were so advanced. Her abiding memories of that time are of hard work. Zandra said: “Studying on the foundation programme instilled a solid work ethic which has stood me in good stead ever since. I was influenced by a very exotic teacher Barbara Brown, who helped me develop a passion for printed textiles.” After completing her foundation course, Zandra then went on to take a National Diploma of Design for two years before winning a place to study at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, where she specialised in printed textile design. On her graduation she took a part-time teaching post at Ravensbourne College, but had ambitions for her own designs. She said: “I used to get up at 5am and work on my prints before going to teach. There are no secrets to making it as a designer – it all comes down to good, solid hard work and lots of perseverance.”
Zandra at London Fashion Week - credit Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images
Zandra Rhodes | UCA Chancellor | Creative Update
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Feature
Zandra Rhodes in 1971
She continued in this way for several years, opening a shop to sell her designs whilst continuing to teach. It was a £200 bequest from her mother in 1969 that allowed her to take a collection to America, where it was featured in American Vogue. From that point onwards, she gained the recognition that led her to design for some of the biggest named stars of the age. She said: “Things happened so quickly – all of a sudden I was in a different world. I was dressing people like Britt Ekland and Lauren Bacall – half the time I didn’t realise who these celebrities were.” The success of her designs, created an increasing social side to the job, with Zandra expected to turn out for events and fraternise with the people she designed for. She said: “During this time I never lost sight of the fact that it was hard work that got me to where I was, and that to maintain this success I’d have to keep putting in the hours at my studio. I made it a rule not to do lunch – and to only head out for the evening when the day’s work was done.” Zandra’s eclectic mix of clients included Diana, Princess of Wales; Jackie Onassis; Elizabeth Taylor and Freddie Mercury of Queen. Her garments, featuring unusual textile prints, were sold in boutiques across the world.
Zandra being received at Buckingham Palace - credit Getty Images
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Lauren Zandra Dyer Rhodes | Recruitment | UCA Chancellor Freeze | | Creative CreativeUpdate Update
Feature
Zandra’s Mexican collection
In 1997 Zandra was awarded the CBE by the Queen – a moment she remembers as a high point in her career. She said: “I was so proud. I have a lot of respect for the royal family and achieving recognition in this way made it a really special moment.”
Now approaching 70, Zandra still works the same long hours she put in when she was starting out. Recently she teamed up with Marks & Spencer, for whom she has created several clothing ranges. She has also launched a range for Millets which includes a printed tepee and turquoise wellington boots.
In recent years, Zandra has begun to diversify her activities. In 2003 she opened the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, which showcases and celebrates the work of British designers from the 1950s to the current day. She has also worked with the San Diego Opera, designing sets and costumes. She continues to dress celebrities including Kylie Minogue, Sarah Jessica Parker and Paris Hilton.
Although the Chancellorship of UCA will add to her workload she has embraced the challenge. She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I got the letter – I was enormously honoured to be asked to be Chancellor of the University I studied at.
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“I think it is the duty of the older generation to help inspire and encourage new designers, so I am very much looking forward to getting more involved with the University.”
I think it is the duty of the older generation to help inspire and encourage new designers
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Zandra Rhodes | UCA Chancellor | Creative Update
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Feature
Sex & Drugs &
Rock’n’Roll One lecturer’s road to stardom To millions of people Ian Dury is known as the charismatic front man of The Blockheads, but to a group of Canterbury students in the 1970s he will always be remembered as their Fine Art tutor, Ian. Creative Update interviewed three people who knew Ian during his time teaching at Canterbury School of Art: Hamish Halls, who lectured alongside Ian; alumnus Mick Hill, who was tutored by Ian; and alumnus and artist Humphrey Ocean. We asked them to recall their memories of the well-liked but controversial tutor. Arriving in Canterbury in 1970 looking more like a student with curly unkempt hair, baggy cardigans and lurching gait, the more avant-garde students loved Ian’s approach to teaching. Humphrey Ocean said: “He taught by making things exciting. He taught that one good line described shape more than any amount of shading.”
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Hamish Halls, a tutor who taught alongside Ian, added: “Many students found him amusing especially when he was hollering into his cups - in a way this was a premonition of his singing style. Whilst interviewing a prospective student, Ian was asked by the Head if he had any questions, his reply was: Ian: Where you from? Student: St Albans Dury: Get much agro that way? Student: No Dury: Good. GOOD. GOOD. (Getting louder and higher each time). “The student left the interview very confused.” Mick Hill recalls Ian’s supportive teaching style: “I had illustrated some of his lyrics for my college brief in my final year. When he approved a piece of work he would say: ‘Good do ten more!’ When it was not so good he would say, ‘Difficult innit.’”
Ian Dury | Sex & Drugs & Rock’n’Roll | Creative Update
At the time, Canterbury was a quite an isolated place to live and tutors tried to bring in exciting guest lecturers for the students. Teaching in 1970 was very different to today, it was more relaxed and informal. The relationship between tutors and students included extensive socialising and drinking together in the local pub. It was Ian’s affinity with the students that led to his first dalliances with Rock & Roll. The first band Ian formed was called Kilburn & The Highroads, with Humphrey Ocean on bass. Humphrey tells us how the collaboration was formed. “It was a mix of some us playing instruments and having time on our hands,” he said. “It was beginning to dawn on Ian that he was better at words and entertaining people than being a painter. The social secretary at college heard about the band and we were asked to play the Christmas party in 1971.
left to right: Keith Lucas, Ian Dury, Humphrey Ocean, Chris Lucas
We were not bad enough for the whole thing to fold, so tentatively established, Kilburn & The High Roads began to evolve.” With the band going from strength to strength, they needed a roadie and photographer so Ian enlisted the help of Graphic Design student, Mick Hill. Money was tight and to keep costs down the band lived in a big vicarage with Ian, his wife and two children. Mick said: “We were so poor we made our own muesli from porridge oats and raisins. After playing a gig we would only have enough money for sausage and chips on the way home!”
The early gigs were raucous and slightly out of tune, but this was tightened up after a few months and they gained a loyal following. Although music was now Ian’s first love he ensured his students still gained their education. In 1972, he fired Humphrey from the band, so he could complete his course. Humphrey said: “That nine months, I painted and drew more than I ever had before. The following summer, as I was leaving, he re-hired me to play the bass. ‘It’s no fun without you,’ he irresistibly said and I came up to London as a professional Kilburn. As a group we earned £8 a week each.” >
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When things on the road became tough and we were a bit nervous I would advise him to give it up and become a writer and painter
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Ian Dury | Sex & Drugs & Rock’n’Roll | Creative Update
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Advice Feature
Kilburn & The High Roads at Wingrave, early 1972
During the following six months Kilburn & The High Roads made its mark on the music scene. Touring the clubs and pubs of London, they gained tributes from Madness, and Sex Pistol John Lydon was often in the audience. Humphrey said: “By Christmas 1973 I realised that I was utterly miscast as a musician, hopeless at teamwork. I am a painter. It finally came to me, while we were supporting The Who on their English Christmas tour, and I resigned after that.
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“The Who were at an interesting point, no longer ‘My Generation’. They liked us sufficiently to ask us out, but we were young pretenders and had to pretend not to notice too much. We were quite scared, playing big venues like Manchester Belle Vue and The Lyceum.”
chappy. I didn’t realise he would become so influential in the music business – if I did I would have taken more photos of our early days touring! When things on the road became tough and we were a bit nervous I would advise him to give it up and become a writer and painter.”
From Kilburn & The High Roads, Ian’s music career progressed and he became recognised as the leader of the new wave movement. Mick said: “I remember Ian as a cheeky
Ian died from liver cancer on 27 March 2000. The recent release of the film, ‘Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll’, marks the 10th anniversary of his death.
Ian Dury | Sex & Drugs & Rock’n’Roll | Creative Update
Feature
(below) Russell Hardy, David Rohoman, Keith Lucas, Humphrey Ocean, Ian Dury, Ian Payne
(above) left to right: Paul Tonkin, Chis Lucas, Humphrey Ocean, Keith Lucas. Ian Dury, Russell Hardy, Charlie Hart
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Many students found him amusing especially when he was hollering into his cups - in a way this was a premonition of his singing style
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Ian Dury
(right) Jemima Dury and Humprey Ocean view degree show
All Black and white images courtesy of Mick Hill Ian Dury | Sex & Drugs & Rock’n’Roll | Creative Update
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Feature
The future of
digital is
OFFLINE Luke Wicker, Advertising and Brand Communication alumnus, explains why students have never had a better opportunity to make an impact in the communications industry if they look to the future. It turns out that we have something that past students have lacked: we are digital natives. We’ve grown up with the exhausting coverage of reality TV and shared our lives online through Instant Messenger, Facebook and MySpace. We have a different understanding of communications. Mine personally changed the moment I explored the globe with Lara Croft on my games console. It’s become second nature for many of us to use laptops or phones while watching television, or to even play online games and talk to strangers around the world. It’s changed the way we interact with others, and brands are learning this all too well. In the past, the consumer was faced with a barrier of print or television advertising that enforced the brand’s image. Now we can use the Internet to find out what really stands behind that wall in an instant.
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Luke Wicker | The future of digital is offline | Creative Update
Technology has forced brands to re-think how they are perceived and act accordingly with smarter, adaptive and considered communications emerging. The best examples of these are Whopper Sacrifice, the Facebook application, Nike+ – the running tool that uses iPods to motivate the user and monitor their performance – or Fiat eco: Drive which allows drivers to use data analysis to understand how they can reduce their damage to the environment. These are compelling, long-term ideas that create publicity through their innovative and useful nature. It’s a reflection of the development in the industry that these ideas blur the lines between product design and advertising. Ideas now run along multiple narratives at once, with consumers interacting in real time across media, gaining an extra understanding of the brand in each medium.
(right) Luke Wicker
Feature
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To put it bluntly, marketers are no longer in control of their brand, the people are
We are skilled in this very understanding through years of gaming, watching television, surfing the internet and reading. This is what forward-thinking agencies are looking for: an ability to create ideas that work in real and online worlds, but, most importantly, merges them together. It’s a mindset that many of our generation display, yet fail to harness. And the way to do this is best summed up by Samuel Beckett “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better”. Yes, we should experiment with what we know, learn as we go, and adopt techniques as we have new technology. To do this, we need to learn the skills and software required. Learning how to code or to capture film is more important than ever. It’s this DIY attitude that will provide experience, understanding and sharpen our ideas for the current climate.
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What’s more, through building sites, hacking technology and creating content, you could become essential to agencies looking to identify with modern consumers. Just remember: it started with playing games, watching films or reading, and it’s important to keep that sense of fun every time you experiment. Luke Wicker works as a copywriter at TAG Worldwide and freelances with his creative partner. Most of what is in this article has been said more coherently by many others including, Kevin Kelly, Helge Tenno, Henry Jenkins, Neil Perkin and Darren Savage. You can find out more on these people through a simple search and the same can be done if you’d like to read more of Luke’s thoughts by searching ‘Luke & Wilf’.
Luke Wicker | The future of digital is offline | Creative Update
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Feature
No more SEASONS by Ross Jenkins BA (Hons) Fashion, 2006
Climate, and its threat to the traditional seasonal collections that have formed the backbone to the fashion industry, has been hot gossip in the business for the last few years. Everyone is talking about season-less clothes or clothing for all climates, like it’s a bad thing! As a designer that has always been trans-seasonal, I for one will welcome a much-needed change to the fashion system. There is nothing more annoying than going into a retailer in February, as London is experiencing its worst snowfall for 20 years, and all you can find is gladiator sandals and sheer jersey vests; and likewise, in July, all you can find is wool coats. Isn’t it about time that everybody woke up to the reality that there is no strong difference between summer and winter anymore? Retailers and designers need to understand that the fashion seasons and the weather seasons are seriously off-kilter. Maybe we need to redress the balance? I am not saying that collections should lack diversity and reproduce the same fabrics season after season, but there is no diversity in offering a collection of limited styles when the climate has changed. No-one loves variety more than I do and being creative with styling, mixing-up layers and encouraging people to wear my garments in a multitude of ways is my thing! I love wearing all things warm and woolly just as much as I love wearing all things cool and cropped. Why can’t we be offered it all year round?
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There is nothing more annoying than going into a retailer in February, as London is experiencing its worst snowfall for 20 years, and all you can find is gladiator sandals and sheer jersey vests
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Ross Jenkins | No more seasons | Creative Update
As the seasons blur, maybe it is not only retailers and designers that have to adapt. With the economic climate also in crisis and everyone spending less on fashion, perhaps consumers also need a wake-up call. Surely buying less and investing in good design and quality has more seasonal life-span than anything the ‘fast-fashion’ retailers have to offer. So, for the love of fashion, let the impending devastation of the industry commence! www.rossjenkins.com
Advice
How to profit
from placements After graduation moving into your chosen industry can sometimes feel daunting, and with competition for jobs high, it can be difficult to set yourself apart from other applicants. A great way to stand out is to gain experience through an internship programme. Internships give graduates the opportunity to dramatically enhance their CV and build up a network of industry contacts that can lead to a paid job. They also provide insight into the industry and enhance commercial awareness - something future employers are looking for. UCA is participating in a new government-funded internship programme running until September 2010 for unemployed graduates. We are looking for 75 recent graduates to take part in 10-week paid internships in businesses across the South East. Aside from the experience you will gain, this scheme includes: mentoring throughout the placement; business and innovation training; plus, UCA will carry out a matching service on your behalf to ensure you are matched to the best placement available. For further information on this scheme email: ucainternships@ucreative.ac.uk
Calling employers The careers centre at UCA is always keen hear from employers who may have placements for graduates. If you are an established professional in a creative industry, you may be able to help those looking to enhance their employability by offering a placement. An online form for posting job and placement opportunities on the UCA Careers web pages can be found at www.ucreative.ac.uk/careers-jobvacancies
Careers | Internships | Creative Update
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Advice
Making your mark
Getting started in Graphic Design
About the author Chris Booth works as Art Director for LEGO and has been working in Graphic Design for 10 years. He lives in Bicester with his wife and kids, creating Maya 3D animations and drawing graphic novels.
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Chris Booth | Making your Mark | Creative Update
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Make sure you can talk about each project and explain your inspiration, ideas and work processes
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Advice
Unless you leave University with a rich uncle who owns a London design agency, you are probably going to experience sitting in front of your portfolio saying to yourself: so what do I do now? So, how do you get your portfolio through the door of the design studio?
CV - Keep it simple Two sides of A4 listing your design skills and relevant jobs/ awards/exhibitions. Studio managers do not want to know about the two months you worked in the Tesco warehouse. Add some design flair but do not overcrowd the details: this is an information document; your samples should show off your design skills. Portfolio Hopefully your three years of drinking has been interspersed with some hard work! Many employers will want to see samples of your work before they even consider an interview. Choose three of your strongest projects and have these available in PDF and printed form – include a brief explanation of the project if it supports the work. Once you reach interview stage, have 12-15 A3 portfolio leaves of work. Start with your strongest piece and end with your second strongest – you want them to remember you. Make sure the print quality is good and spend time mounting the work properly. Make sure you can talk about each project and explain your inspiration, ideas and work processes. PC or Mac Almost every current design role requires some computer knowledge. You don’t have to be an Adobe CS4 expert but it helps knowing the basics of Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign. Flash knowledge and web experience is always advantageous, as is knowing some technical stuff. In one interview I watched a girl fail to turn the computer on – don’t be that person.
Know your job Make sure you know what your potential job role entails; what the company does (who is their biggest client?); and, what their recent work is. Check out their website and impress them with knowledge of the firm - if they do a lot of work for medical clients then why not theme a project in your portfolio on that? Don’t try and redesign their existing work - show them your enthusiasm and insight by creating something new that a potential client could use. Share your enthusiasm You might lack experience, but a lack of enthusiasm is a much bigger problem for your future employer. Show the interviewers that you are the best person for this job and that you have excitement and passion. Love design and keep up-todate with current trends. Do projects for friends, offer your services free to local bands and film-makers to build up a portfolio of real world designs. Keep working and keep trying If you haven’t picked up a pencil or opened Photoshop for two months since you graduated, your chances of impressing an employer are shrinking. Keep producing work, keep a sketchbook and make sure your portfolio is showing the best of your current design work. You will probably send out a lot of CVs and a lot of samples. There will be rejections - most of the time you won’t even get a reply – but the sooner you get used to this, the easier it will be. Stay motivated and passionate and your hard work will pay off.
Chris Booth | Making your Mark | Creative Update
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Advice
Running a design agency An interview with James Towning, Director of overthrow|Uk
A UCA alumnus is getting used to working alongside rappers, hypnotists, lawyers and Hollywood stars in his latest promotion projects. James Towning graduated from UCA Farnham in 2002 with a degree in Graphic Design. Five years ago he started up his own design agency and today he is working on a wide range of creative briefs including a live action puppeteering feature film. Creative Update asked James about his experience of setting up his own agency and found out that there can be strings attached to owning your own business.
The core team includes my business partner Bryan Hayward, myself and three other UCA Farnham alumni: Jeet Thakrar, Jonas Stockfleth and Paul Davis. We also regularly work with other graduates from UCA Farnham such as Greg Hall, Graphic Designer William Burroughs, Head of Animation for CSC Media, Kevin Francis and super Creative Assistant Sam Francis. Our combined experience has helped us diversify the agency and offer a specialist service to our clients.
Can you tell us about the company?
We are working on a campaign for a feature film called ‘Jackboots on Whitehall’. It is a live action puppeteering film set in the Second World War. It features an all-star cast of British actors and has a great plot. We love working on campaigns for film as you get such great imagery and creative scope.
I set up overthrow|UK five years ago. We started small and have been slowly expanding ever since. We are a dynamic and creative agency offering full design and advertising services as well as film and sound production all under one roof. We operate slightly differently to most agencies. We are a small team of creative directors with a great network of talented, creative and technically savvy friends or partners to call on for assistance on all types of projects. This approach allows us to have a wider range of styles, skills and knowledge at our disposal, to keep overheads low and be very efficient with time. It is very much a communitybased approach which embraces what I enjoyed most from my days in Farnham - a rich tapestry of skills, minds and opinions that help build an idea and see it through to completion.
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James Towning | overthrow|Uk | Creative Update
Can you tell us about recent projects?
We also launched our own product and brand, Art for Kunst, selling limited edition street art box sets. It has been a real success and we recently featured in ‘Computer Arts’ top products of the month section. We often discussed creating our own product and thought it would be good to practice what we preach. It gave us a first hand understanding of being the client and gave us insight into fine tuning our campaigns. It is often small language or image changes that make a difference to sales, being this close to the product and customer you get a feel for that.
Advice
Art for Kunst T-shirts
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We love working on campaigns for film as you get such great imagery and creative scope
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How do your commissions come about? We’ve done a small amount of advertising but generally we are lucky enough to get most of our work from recommendations. We have a wide mix of clients, ranging from street hypnotists, hackers, rappers, street artists and, film-makers to international diplomatic lawyers, charities, retailers and farmers. Building this client list means we have developed a well accomplished portfolio. This year we are looking to expose our brand to a wider audience through a targeted advertising and PR campaign.
Art for Kunst box set
Do you have any advice for alumni who are thinking about setting up their own design agency? Yes, think long, think hard and plan in detail. Also try to save a decent chunk of money for your start-up phase and make sure you have a really good group of friends to help. A clear focus, irrepressible drive and a degree of self-confidence are also essential. You need to want to understand business as well as design. If the business side does not appeal and you just want to be creative then you might want to consider a position in an already established agency. That is not to say business skills are without creativity either - good strategic development requires foresight, planning and imagination which are key to the creative process. The same is true for marketing your company and creating your own brand.
James Towning | overthrow|Uk | Creative Update
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Profile
(below) Ross (behind camera) filming ‘Heathen’
Worldwide distribution for profiles
SIAD alumnus
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Low budget film put together on weekends hits the High Street
Ross Shepherd | Global film distribution | Creative Update
Profile
Film-maker Ross Shepherd recently achieved a worldwide distribution deal for his film ‘Heathen’ which tells the story of a man who starts receiving a series of cryptic messages about his brother’s disappearance. After graduating in Film & Video in 2005 from the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, Ross began working full time as a video editor. Heathen was filmed in snatched weekends and evenings, with no real budget. Creative Update spoke to Ross about the process of filming ‘Heathen’ and his subsequent success. Can you give us an overview of your film ‘Heathen’ and the process of producing it? I spent two years making short films after I graduated from SIAD. I had wanted more than anything to make a feature film, but it took me a few years to pluck up the courage. It seemed the logical thing to do was to keep trying to make short films and achieve festival acclaim, or capture the attention of an agent or someone with budget for a feature. I soon discovered that there are millions of other film-makers doing exactly the same thing and the competition is very fierce.
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Getting the release has led to a lot of good press and exposure about both me and the film, which will be invaluable when it comes to approaching new projects and collaborators
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It took a while but I soon realised that the best thing to do would be to just start concentrating on making my own feature, and not to let all the usual reasons get in my way. I teamed up with a good friend of mine who had acted in several of my short films, Tom Rudd. We worked on a story together, setting the film in locations we knew we already had easy access to. I stopped thinking about the things you’re ‘supposed’ to have for a film to be good, things like a large crew, expensive camera equipment etc, and focused on just trying to tell the story. We kept the cast small with three main characters and two supporting, and I had one other crew member operating the sound. That was our whole team. All of us had day jobs and the usual commitments of life, so we all just worked around these things. It took us around nine months before I was able to really get stuck in with the editing. Once I had a finished cut I searched hard for a sound designer to complete the post-production with me.
(above) ‘Heathen’ is now available on DVD
I felt it was important to set a deadline for the film to be finished, as I knew that otherwise there would always be something I wanted to keep working on! >
Ross Shepherd | Global film distribution | Creative Update
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Profile
How did it feel when the film was picked up by the distributor BritFilms? When I got the call from BritFilms about the distribution it was a fantastic feeling! I had been working hard approaching distributors and film festivals for four months or so, and in all honesty I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was writing to anyone I could find, there was no real strategy to it. I had sent out so many screeners of the film and sent hundreds of emails by that time, and you don’t hear anything from 90% of the people you’re contacting, so when I started talking with BritFilms it felt great. They were brilliant and so supportive of the film, they took it under their wing and packaged it up so professionally, they’ve done an amazing job with everything. What other projects has this lead to? It’s still early days in terms of new projects, as Heathen was only released on DVD just over a month ago. Getting the release has led to a lot of good press and exposure about both me and the film, which will be invaluable when it comes to approaching new projects and collaborators. I have been working on a new feature script with my good friend Jamie Tighe who co-produced and recorded the sound for ‘Heathen’.
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The hardest thing about doing this was having the belief, energy and determination to keep going
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Ross Shepherd | Global film distribution | Creative Update
Scene from ‘Heathen’
What would you say the hardest part of breaking into the industry is? I wouldn’t really say I had broken into the industry yet, although I have managed to find distribution for my debut feature and have picked up some good recognition along the way, which has been fantastic. The hardest thing about doing this was having the belief, energy and determination to keep going and not giving up while trying to complete a large project around a full time job. There were also many times when I would face obstacles which I would just have to work around. It could be technical things, like setting up a sensible workflow for the 40+ hours of footage, render times, video codecs and sound files all being handled on what is essentially a home computer. Likewise, there were difficulties with scheduling the actors’ time, working against the elements of location shooting, dealing with the public and begging for permission to film in certain places. These things all provide constant hurdles and nothing can ever be taken for granted as a certainty. Some would say that’s what makes film-making so exciting and in many ways I agree.
Profile
What would be your advice to other graduates? We are lucky enough to be making films in a digital age, my advice would be to embrace it and use it to your advantage. Film is a beautiful format which I hope to return to very soon, but it costs and if the only way for you to make your film is to pick up a digital camcorder, then don’t let that stop you. I spent most of my time at SIAD directing films working with someone else operating the camera for me, in hindsight this was a mistake. If I hadn’t learnt how to use a camera myself after graduating, I never would have been able to make ‘Heathen’. Likewise with the editing, I didn’t focus on it when I was studying as much as I should have done, not only has it ended up being how I earn a living, but I just wouldn’t have been able to make the film without learning how to do these things by myself and in my own time. Of course, collaboration is still probably the most important part of making films, I’m not saying anyone can make a film entirely by themselves, but never underestimate how much can be achieved without the big budget, without the large crew and without the fancy equipment. Those things are luxuries, and they don’t make your story any better, after all it’s the story that really counts.
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Collaboration is still probably the most important part of making films
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(above) The filming of ‘Heathen’ (images courtesy of Charlotte Mead)
Ross Shepherd | Global film distribution | Creative Update
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Profile
Sarah-Jane Adams Sarah-Jane Adams graduated from UCA Rochester in 2008 with a BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion She is now a successful journalist and budding entrepreneur, contributing to publications such as the ‘Daily Express’ and ‘Daily Sport’ as well as establishing her own web design and marketing agency Creative Vanity. Sarah-Jane talks to Creative Update about her time at UCA, her career so far and plans for the future. Sarah-Jane can you give us a summary of your career so far? Upon graduating from UCA, I founded a teen-oriented fashion magazine, which quickly established itself as a popular brand with thousands of global readers. From this success, I was offered roles at other publications and moved into freelance journalism. With my name becoming established in this area, I launched a range of services under the umbrella of Creative Vanity, which explores my interest in branding and marketing by offering promotional services to young creatives, such as web design, instructive eBooks and business mentoring. I’ve also returned to my love of digital publications with the free-to-read ‘Creative Vanity’ magazine. Full details on all of these projects can be found at www.sarahjaneadams.com >
(above) Jordan Pretty photographed for ‘Cause a Scene Magazine’ by Greg Kerpatrick
(right) Garrett Forbes photographed for ‘Cause a Scene Magazine’ by Kim Grisco 28
Sarah-Jane Adams | Alumni Profile | Creative Update
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Being featured by the ‘Daily Express’, and being entrusted with my own ‘Daily Sport’ column is immense; it’s so exciting to be associated with a national newspaper
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Profile
After completing your course at UCA how did you establish yourself in the world of journalism and PR? By creating my online magazine I was able to promote myself and my writing. The industry was crowded and work experience was hard to get, therefore if I could succeed with my own publication it would give me more kudos when offering my service to others. The success of the publication gave me access to some incredible talents and contacts and it has enabled me to become more of a brand in my own right. The internet is a great tool for self-publishing, but like everything it has two sides; it really became the vehicle for me to get my journalism noticed, but at the same time, there are so many poor quality writers online offering their services for free that it is hard work to find the best opportunities and get your skills recognised. How easy did you find setting up your own company? It was a learning curve; I had to teach myself a lot in a short space of time. My interest in the branding and promotional side of starting a business is what pulled me through, and now I have the opportunity to share some of the expertise I’ve gained in this area with other new companies, which I could never have done if I hadn’t been through the process of going it alone myself.
(above) Jordan Pretty photographed for ‘Cause a (below) Garrett Forbes photographed for ‘Cause a Scene Magazine’ by Kim Grisco
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It may seem disheartening to be left behind as you work tirelessly for little to no financial reward, but it is important to remember that you are building something sustainable for your future
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Sarah-Jane Adams | Alumni Profile | Creative Update
Scene Magazine’ by Greg Kerpatrick
(above)
What advice would you give to new graduates wanting to start up their own businesses?
Who was the most interesting person you have interviewed to date?
To go for it, but never underestimate how much time and money you’ll need to sacrifice in the initial stages. As your classmates are starting to find jobs within the industry it may seem disheartening to be left behind as you work tirelessly for little to no financial reward, but it’s important to remember that you’re building something sustainable for your future, and if you take it seriously, there’s no reason why you can’t make a living from your art. I think it’s also important for creative graduates to have, or learn, a really solid understanding of the business elements involved in running a brand, otherwise you’ll find it difficult to balance your talent with the sheer admin involved, and the marketing savvy needed to promote your work.
I recently worked with Radio One DJ, Ronnie Herel, which was a pleasure. He gave me some great insights into how young talents can get noticed by those in the creative industries, and he keeps in touch to see how I’m getting on. That was a favourite as I’m a big fan of urban music, Ronnie’s shows and Radio One. The knowledge someone who has been renowned in the industry for years brings to the table is very inspiring.
Jordan Pretty photographed for ‘Cause a Scene
What has been your career highlight so far? Working for the ‘Daily Sport’ has definitely been a thrill so early on in my career, alongside being featured by the ‘Daily Express’; being entrusted with my own column is immense, and it’s so exciting to be associated with a national newspaper. I try to never become complacent when it comes to striving for the next big achievement, so hopefully there are plenty more landmark moments to come!
Magazine’ by Greg Kerpatrick
What are your plans for the future? Right now I’m looking to add as many strings to my journalism bow as possible, and working hard to promote and grow ‘Creative Vanity’ and have my services seen by the right people. In the immediate future I’m launching my range of eBooks for young designers, models and musicians which offer effective business tips and interviews with industry leaders and celebrities, which are available at sarahjaneadams.com. Over the course of 2010, I’ll then be pitching a couple of novels, which feels like an exciting move, as fiction is a new step for my career. Long term, I’d love to be offering full PR representation and business consultation, and generally become the definition of an entrepreneur.
Sarah-Jane Adams | Alumni Profile | Creative Update
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Profile
Taxidermy brings life to gallery This spring Karen Knorr will bring together a collection of foxes, tortoises, hares and storks at the Carnavalet Museum in Paris for her photography exhibition ‘Fables’. Her images draw attention to animal behaviour and their relationship to human actions. She tells Creative Update what inspired her to bring this fascinating collection together. Karen has been senior lecturer at UCA since 2000. The inspiration for this exhibition came from wanting to create a new form of documentary photography. To do so, she places animals into unnatural and challenging positions for the viewer. Karen said: “’Fables’ evolved from my early work and how we looked at power and class in British society and how arts are used to legitimise power and status.”
She began using animals in the early 1990s and her fascination stemmed from when she was a child. Karen said “I grew up in Puerto Rico surrounded by animals. Many are now under threat and it is no surprise that some animals are more plentiful in zoos than in the wild. We forget that we are animals and how our survival is linked to the preservation of the environment - all animals are interdependent.” The collection will be the first time contemporary art is placed within the eighteenth century period rooms of the museum. An extra dimension will be added to the exhibition with taxidermy animals in the rooms of the gallery, echoing the original photographs. Setting up the shoots can be a challenge. Karen said: “It can sometimes take months to set up a shoot, I have to do several reconnaissance missions to check the lighting and reflections. I usually rent the animals for the shoot from Get Stuffed or borrow them from private and public collections and complete my work before the museum is open to the public.” >
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Karen Knorr | Fables | Creative Update
Profile
The Corridor, MusĂŠe Carnavalet
Karen Knorr | Fables | Creative Update
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Profile
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‘Fables’ evolved from my early work and how we looked at power and class in British society and how arts are used to legitimise power and status
The Battle Gallery, Château Chantilly
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Karen Knorr | Fables | Creative Update
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Profile
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I compare the digital space in a photograph to tapestry or needle point, the images are large in size so every detail has to be believable
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Karen uses a mix of digital and analogue technology to photograph both live and dead animals from museums, zoos and nature reserves. She said: “For the ‘Fables’ collection I have combined large format photography with digital. Post-production is lengthy and time consuming - it took me six months to complete one detailed image. I compare the digital space in a photograph to tapestry or needle point, the images are large in size so every detail has to be believable.” The collection, which has proved very popular with children, shows animals roaming freely around the furniture and artworks in museums and period properties. These include a giraffe sitting in the grand monkey room of Château Chantilly and a snowy owl sitting in the Tate Britain Gallery. For her next project, Karen will be working on a series of photographs taken in the rooms of Rajasthan palaces across northern India. She is then embarking on a collaborative project much closer to home with UCA Professor Magdalene Odundo. Karen said: “We will be using our specialist subjects, photography and ceramics together to explore place and identity in contemporary Britain focusing on the memory and archives of the British military.”
Richmond Hill, Tate Britain
‘Fables’ can be seen at the Musèe Carnavalet, Paris until the end of May. www.karenknorr.com
The Grand Monkey Room 3, Château Chantilly
Karen Knorr | Fables | Creative Update
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Profile
Solo exhibition marks new beginning for Macau graphic designer The chance discovery of an online competition led to a complete change in direction for Visual Communication alumnus Américo Neves, which culminated in a highly successful solo exhibition in Macau. Américo was browsing the internet one day when he stumbled across a competition to design a series of toys for Coca-Cola. Although character design was not something he had any experience in, he was a life-long Coca-Cola collector and couldn’t resist entering the competition. He said: “I designed a simple, clean toy that used primary colours to attract the viewer. To make it more cohesive to the Coca-Cola theme I incorporated the Coca-Cola bottle shape and ring-pull. I was amazed when I learned that a panel of judges had selected my character as being in the top 100 among 4,000 entries.” Securing a place in the top 100 meant that Américo’s success would be determined by public votes. He immediately launched a campaign to garner support for his design, turning to old Kent Institute of Art and Design (KIAD) classmates and family and friends around the world. He was elated when he learnt that his design was one of the top 15 chosen by the public to be made into a real toy.
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He said: “That was an amazing experience and it made me re-think my career and consider what path to follow in the future.”
Creativity is infinite, there are no restrictions
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Américo Neves | Character exhibition | Creative Update
Prior to this success, Américo studied at KIAD’s Maidstone campus, completing a foundation, then a BA Visual Communication specialising in graphic design. After graduating in 2001 he worked as a graphic designer, first in Maidstone, then returning to Macau in 2003.
Profile
He said: “Studying at KIAD really opened my eyes; everything was new to me and a source of amazement: the studios at Maidstone, the field trips, traditional courses like life-drawing and print-making. I was able to mix with students from all over the world.” Américo’s tutor on his foundation course was Vicky Morley. “She took care of her students as if they were sons and daughters,” Américo said. Also influential was Ned West-Sherring. “He taught us some techniques on how to put together a portfolio which I am still using today when I help young designers.” After his success in the CocaCola competition Américo found himself compelled to continue experimenting with character design. “I started picking up my pencil and experimenting. It was almost as if my skill in designing characters was discovered by accident, but now I knew it was there I wanted to continue using it,” he said. “While I was working on a series of drawings I was approached by Creative Macau to hold a solo exhibition. They left the subject of the exhibition for me to choose and I decided, rather than showing traditional graphic design work, I would make an exhibition out of these little creatures!”
The exhibition brought Américo to the attention of the media in Macau and he has subsequently been invited to collaborate in several public exhibitions with well known artists. He said: “Attending my own exhibition was an amazing experience; it was very different from other exhibitions and I was excited about showing the community something different.
He said: “I want to make myself more diversified by not sticking only to what is nowadays called digital. The old days have to be remembered too.” For further information on Américo and his work, visit his blog: www.cornerchai.blogspot.com
“My designs felt modern and crazy at the same time – I suppose that comes from studying in the UK where the most important things I learned were ideas and concepts, and how to represent something creatively. “Several schools put on visits to the exhibition – I was so happy that my designs could give them inspiration and encourage them to think outside the box. Creativity is infinite, there are no restrictions.”
Américo’s winning toy
Since the exhibition’s conclusion, Américo says that he has continued to doodle in an attempt to discover his own style of drawing. He also hopes to build on his exhibition by starting to sculpt figurines and or by using traditional silk-screen printing techniques.
Américo Neves
Américo Neves | Character exhibition | Creative Update
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Reunion
Caroline Gilbey meets former students in the Big Apple On a recent trip to New York Caroline Gilbey, Course Leader for Fashion Management & Marketing at UCA Epsom, caught up with several ex-students working in the US. In a special report for Creative Update, she interviewed them about what they are doing now, and what advice they have for graduates just starting out in their careers.
Elizabeth Sharp, BA (Hons) Fashion, 2005
Gemma Rowlands, BA (Hons) Fashion, 2005
It was during Graduate Fashion Week that Elizabeth’s portfolio was spotted by Abercrombie recruitment agent Sarah Brennan. She and another Fashion graduate were asked to design a collection for Abercrombie & Fitch, and then flown out to Columbus, Ohio for an intensive three day interview. Elizabeth was offered a position straight away.
Gemma was definitely a student who stood out in her year group at UCA Epsom. Besides being an extremely talented and innovative designer, she worked incredibly hard and barely slept for the duration of her final year.
Elizabeth thrived on the pace of work at A&F using her CAD skills to good effect in producing detailed trim sheets. She spent a lot of time in the fabric testing laboratories where designers are able to experiment with different fabric processes and finishes.
After graduation, Gemma applied for a designer position with New York fashion forecasters ‘Here and There’ and was ecstatic when she was offered the position. She went out to New York and soon her career progressed as she took up a design post with menswear brand Rocawear. As a designer for this up and coming young brand, Gemma has become instrumental in its development and success. The experience of being with a brand during its early growth and development has given her a particular depth of understanding of the industry.
After two years, Elizabeth started to look for a new position. Securing the job at American Eagle was tough but she was offered the position as Associate Designer and has now been there for just over two years designing collections, producing trim sheets and supervising the BOM (Bill of Materials) for each line. She has her own assistant and comments that she would only ever employ someone who is “familiar with PDM”, a web based system that allows all certified users from designers to factory managers to access design specs, trim sheets and any other key information required to produce the garment. The system has effectively made sending emails and jpegs to individuals a thing of the past. Gemma Rowlands and Caroline Gilbey
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Fashion Management & Marketing | New York reunion | Creative Update
Reunion
Suzanna Wong, Caroline Gilbey, Elizabeth Sharp
Suzanna Wong, BA (Hons) Fashion, 2003 Following graduation, Suzanna was offered her first job with casual denim brand Chilli Pepper. This was followed by a period with ‘The Source’ before taking a position with Hollister the younger surf inspired brand from Abercrombie & Fitch. Later, she was offered a position at Polo Ralph Lauren, New York. When asked what advice she would give to current students, Suzanna claimed that work placements gave her the industry experience she needed to get her foot on the ladder. She said: “It was very much down to real self belief, determination and putting yourself in the right place at the right time.”
Jackie Cameron, BA (Hons) Fashion, 2004 Jackie recalls that a work placement at Richard Anderson of Saville Row helped get her noticed and gave instant credibility in New York. Her first paid position was with Ann Taylor, designing denim and casual wear. Jackie points out that in order to get work out there, you have to be extra keen and extra good as it costs US companies more to take on a non US citizen. Jackie’s next appointment was with Abercrombie and Fitch, working as a denim designer for the surf brand Hollister. She spent an immense amount of time in the laundry there experimenting with different denim washes and was also sent out to Guatemala to learn about different wash techniques. After two years with Hollister, Jackie was offered a position with vintage denim brand Madewell 1937 by J Crew. This brand sells in 17 stand alone stores across the states and is also stocked online.
Jackie Cameron
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It was very much down to real self belief, determination and putting yourself in the right place at the right time
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Fashion Management & Marketing | New York reunion | Creative Update
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Reunion
Fashion alumni reconnect at the Fashion and Textiles Museum February saw UCA’s first networking event with special guest, Jeff Banks. Fashion alumni from UCA’s previous guises enjoyed an evening to catch up with old friends and staff. The event, held at the Fashion and Textiles Museum, gave the 100 attending alumni the opportunity to listen to influential speaker Jeff Banks and have a private viewing of the Foale and Tuffin collection on show at the museum. The event also provided an excellent networking opportunity for former classmates to share experience working in the fashion industry and update lecturers with their projects and successes. Jeff Banks gave a rousing speech just hours after the death of Alexander McQueen was announced, in which he called on the next generation of designers to stay British and to challenge the international labels. In attendance at the event was Vanessa Denza, who with Jeff, established Graduate Fashion Week. She said: “I think it’s a very good idea to bring people together to reconnect at an event like this. It was also great for people to hear from Jeff who always speaks wonderfully well.” There are more alumni events planned for the forthcoming year, please visit our website or UCA’s Alumni Association Facebook page for details of the next event.
Kate Williamson, 2006 BA (Hons) Fashion at Epsom: “It is great to meet up with people you haven’t seen in a while, find out what others are doing and where they are working. Jeff was really interesting. It was great to hear his perspective as he’s been through it all.
Katie Bickerton, 1991 BTEC in Fashion Textiles at Canterbury: “It’s a very good idea, especially as I’ve never had an opportunity to go to something like this before. I’ve not been in touch with the University since I left. I think it’s good for the fashion industry to have an event like this, as it gives alumni the chance to network and share ideas.”
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Clare Wolfe, 2005 BA (Hons) Fashion Design at Rochester: “It is a really good idea; a great chance to see old friends and, network. It was great that Jeff Banks came along to speak to us - he was really interesting and got everyone thinking about the fashion industry from a different point of view.”
Fashion alumni | Networking event | Creative Update
Obituary
Leslie Worth 1923 – 2009
(below) Big White Cloud
Leslie Worth, a famed landscape artist who taught at UCA Epsom, has died aged 86. Born in Bideford in 1923, Leslie received his art training at Plymouth College of Art and the Royal College of Art where he met his wife, Jane. After leaving college he worked as a graphic designer for Jarrolds. He later took a position at the Epsom School of Art, where he remained for the next 30 years, finally holding the position of Head of Fine Art until his retirement in 1978. During this time he developed his interest in landscape, participating in a number of solo and group exhibitions. He was self-taught and commented: “I was my own master and pupil – on the whole we got on well together.”
Collectors of his work included The Queen Mother and Prince Charles. His watercolour ‘en plein air’ was gifted to President Mitterrand of France.
(above) Early Spring Morning, Burgh Heath Road
After he retired from teaching, Leslie focused solely on his art. In 1981 he won the DeLaszlo silver medal for painting and in 1992 he became president of the Royal Watercolour Society.
obituary
Although best known as a landscape artist, his collection of work included drawings, murals and collages. He cited his inspiration as literature, music and his environment; and his work featured diverse themes, such as Dante’s Inferno, New York Streets and the Canadian Rockies.
His paintings appear in the Royal Academy, Eton College and the Arts Club and his work can be enjoyed in public galleries across the UK. One of Leslie’s most interesting commissions was for the National Trust following the destruction caused by a fire to the seventeenth century mansion Uppark. He was asked to make drawings illustrating the restoration and was allowed to clamber over the partially constructed house to draw its revival over a seven year period. The subsequent collection has since been widely exhibited.
He passed away on 21 June 2009 and is survived by his wife and three children.
Leslie Worth | Obituary | Creative Update
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Information
UCA launches scholarship programme
UCA has recently launched a new Office of Development headed by Mathew Horton. Through the generosity of our alumni, UCA has already been able to announce almost 20 new academic scholarships which will support both undergraduate and postgraduate students from the UK and overseas. The fundraising programme has three priorities: scholarships, academic support and the learning environment. These support the UCA goals to improve the quality of the student experience and increase the number of students across our campuses. Obtaining philanthropic support from alumni has become increasingly important to UCA as it allows us to provide a wide range of improved facilities and support for students that would otherwise be beyond the scope of pressured budgets. The funds raised will not only provide the University with ‘nuts and bolts’ money but help give bursaries and scholarships to students. Over the coming year, UCA is looking forward to giving alumni and others the opportunity to become a part of the development and alumni programmes. Matthew said: “With opportunities for alumni to attend exclusive events and engage with UCA’s academic and student community, getting involved should prove to be a positive and mutually beneficial experience.” To find out more about opportunities, please contact the Office of Development: T: 01252 891464 E: mhorton@ucreative.ac.uk
information
Matthew
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Horton, Head of Development
Matthew Horton | Office of Development | Creative Update
Information
Fed up with the lack of creative facilities in her hometown, Applied Arts graduate Laura Brown decided to take things into her own hands.
Applied Arts graduate seeks to inspire the local community
Working with her partner, Kevan Middleton, she devised a creative venue that would comprise a gallery, artist’s studios and a coffee bar. The result was The Deaf Cat, named after the cat which sat on Charles Dickens’ desk and inspired him.
that we have plans for expansion in the very near future,” said Laura, who graduated from UCA Rochester in 2009.
The venue, in Rochester High Street, opened its doors for the first time in October 2009. The response was overwhelming. “We quickly filled up with gallery bookings from emerging artists, students, and those with more established careers, so much so
The Deaf Cat also has a lively events programme featuring craft fairs selling hand-crafted goods by local designer/makers, and workshops in oil painting and print making. For further information on the exhibitions and events taking place at The Deaf Cat, or how to get involved, visit www.thedeafcat.com
Calling all international Alumni
The Deaf Cat coffee bar
As you may know, UCA visits countries all over the world to talk to students who are interested in coming to study in the UK this might have been the way that you first met us. Speaking to UCA staff is useful for practical information about our courses, campuses and for portfolio advice. However, often what students really want is to talk to someone who has experienced life at UCA first-hand. As UCA alumni you have knowledge and information that can be invaluable to students who are making these huge decisions about their future. Speaking to students and parents at our recruitment events can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. We are always looking for alumni who are based in the countries we are visiting to help at our events, particularly in the following countries: India, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Please see the ‘UCA in your country’ pages at www.ucreative.ac.uk/international for our current international events schedule. We regularly update this with upcoming events. If you are interested in helping at any of events in the future please email international@ucreative.ac.uk
UCA international exhibition
The Deaf Cat | Small businesses | Creative Update
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Update your contact details Over the coming months we will be arranging a number of alumni reunion events. To ensure you receive your invitation, please visit www.ucreative.ac.uk/alumni to update your details if they have changed.
We want to hear from you We hope you enjoyed this edition of Creative Update. To send us story ideas, comments on the third edition, or to send us an update please email: alumni@ucreative.ac.uk or call 01252 892736.
Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter Until 30 June 2010 the Alumni Association is running a Twitter competition, £100 of Amazon vouchers as the main prize. We simply want you to tweet: ‘What was the best piece of advice you received at UCA?’ The tweet judged the best will win the vouchers. Tweet your answer to www.twitter.com/AlumniUCA Terms and conditions apply. If you are unable to access Twitter you can email your answer to alumni@ucreative.ac.uk or telephone 01252 892736
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