Emily Smith - Graduate Success

Many congratulations to Emily Smith, Visual Communication graduate who has won the Coregeo Fresh Produce Award at New Designers 2020. Her brand design and packaging, 'It’s Melon’ aims to be fun and exciting. Emily uses hand-rendered type for the word ‘on’ creating a new way of reading the brand whilst giving a sense of readiness indicating that products are fresh and ready to eat. The characters and smile icon give a joyful feel to the brand. 

The judges commented that: 

"Emily’s work showed a level of creativity, diligence, fun and strategic insight that elevated her presentation from others. The evolution of her branded designs across different mediums wowed us."

Emily's prize includes £1,000 to support the development of her graphic design career, alongside the opportunity to be on the Coregeo® agency and graphic design roster for 2021. This provides further design opportunities for existing Coregeo® brands, such as Pink Lady® apples and Tenderstem® broccoli, as well as new brands in the development pipeline.

 Well done Emily

Artsfest webinar - Beatrice Warde, Books Across the Sea

Graphic design lecturer Jessica Glaser has hosted a recent public webinar on Beatrice Warde, discussing her war time anglo-American Book exchange, Books Across the Sea. Known as the publicity manager of the Monotype Corporation, and as the ‘First Lady of Typography’ during World War Two Warde became an anti-Fascist campaigner, founding ‘Books Across the Sea’ to support cultural understanding and in so doing counter Nazi efforts to divide. 

Jessica's previous webinar on Beatrice Warde's VE Day diary can be seen here

Looking back to a Legun Workshop

It's great to look back via the University Youtube channel to a one day, studio based drawing workshop led by Robert Rubbish and Steph Von Reiswitz from Legun - www.legun.co.uk

Ben Hulme - Graduate Success

During his studies, Ben Hulme, Graphics graduate, enjoyed work experience with Eighty3 Design Ltd. Many congratulations must now go to Ben who is working for the company as a freelance Graphics Designer.

New Designers 2020

Presenting the work of 3,000 hand-picked graduates, New Designers showcases ambitious ideas and fresh approaches. 

Wolverhampton Visual Communication students are proud to be amongst the 2020 cohort of those exhibiting at New Designers. To see the full range of graphics and Illustration work on display by Wolverhampton students visit here.

Alissa Murillo

Alissa Murillo

Beth Pickford

Cal Westbrook

Hannah Burrows

Ramesh Ranger

Wolverhampton Artsfest Webinar - Reading Beatrice Warde's VE Day diary

Graphic design lecturer Jessica Glaser has hosted a  public webinar reading the VE day diary of Beatrice Warde who was best known as the publicity manager of the Monotype Corporation, and as the ‘First Lady of Typography’. During World War Two Warde became an anti-Fascist campaigner, founding of the Anglo-American book exchange, ‘Books Across the Sea’ with the intent of fostering cultural understanding through books and in so doing countering complacent attitudes towards the Nazi threat. As a diarist, she captured accounts of life in wartime Britain, which she addressed to her mother, the powerful, New York based journalist, May Lamberton Becker.

Telford Priory School visit Wolverhampton School of Art

Telford Priory School [TPS] have come to Wolverhampton School of Art as part of a day sampling life at the University of Wolverhampton. 

"Our students had a valuable experience at Wolverhampton School of Art which highlighted the high employability of Wolverhampton graduates and the wonderful facilities and staff expertise in the School." said Jade Stevens, head of Art at TPS.

Many thanks to staff and students from TPS for sharing some of their photographs of the day.

Ormiston SWB Academy enjoy image making workshops at Wolverhampton School of Art

Students from Ormiston SWB Academy have recently visited Wolverhampton School of Art.

Visitors met Maggie Ayliffe Head of Wolverhampton School and learnt about the heritage of arts education in Wolverhampton and importance of Wolverhampton Alumni to the creative sector.

King Church of England School Visit Wolverhampton School of Art

Sixth form students from Kings Church of England School have visited Wolverhampton School of Art. 
The group participated in image making workshops using the Schools print making facilities as well as enjoying an ideas stimulation class for fashion design. Students from Kings School also heard Head of Wolverhampton Art School, Maggie Ayliffe talk about the history of art education in Wolverhampton and how alumni from the Art School are forging rewarding careers in the creating sector.

Sheaffer donates collection of books to University library

A collection of inspirational books has been donated to the University of Wolverhampton by Cross Sheaffer Pen & Art Supply Company.

Cross Sheaffer is a designer and manufacturer of writing instruments and creative tools. It has sponsored Faculty of Arts Visual Communication students over the past five years, helping to support them with research projects and materials.

The books, which have all been shortlisted for the ‘Cross Sports Book of the Year Award’ are all written by key sports figures, personalities and celebrities covering a range of disciplines including rugby, football, cricket, ice-skating and athletics. Some are signed by the authors.

Jessica Glaser, Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design at the University, said: “Sheaffer has worked with the Wolverhampton School of Art for several years, supporting students and offering prize awards for our graduates.

“The messages in the books are both aspirational and inspirational, detailing personal journeys covering success and ambition which will be of interest, in particular, to our students.

“We hope that the collection will be enjoyed by everyone who visits the Harrison Library at City Campus in Wolverhampton.”

Maggie Ayliffe, Head of the University of Wolverhampton School of Art, said: “We work with a number of businesses and employers to offer students additional support, whether that be through graduation prizes or through work placements, live projects or visiting lectures.

“Cross Sheaffer has been a valued supporter of the School of Art for a number of years and this very kind book donation is very much appreciated.”

The donated books include the autobiography, ‘Proud’ by British Lions rugby player, Gareth Thomas which tells his story as the world’s most prominent athlete to come out as a gay man. The collection also includes Fear Less – the amazing underdog story of Leicester City by Jonathan Northcroft.

Norton Canes School Visits University of Wolverhampton School of Art

Students from Norton Canes School have made a return visit to Wolverhampton School Of Art.

"The visit has certainly given students food for thought and has made them realise a little more, the possibilities in Arts based education in the future. Hopefully planting the seed for aspiration" said Alexina Evans, Head of Art at Norton Canes. "My students really enjoyed the day" she continued "and have told me that it was 'It was the best trip ever,' 'this has been an amazing day,' 'I think I could come here, as I really loved what we did.'

Sandwell College Students Image Making in the School of Art

Students from Sandwell College have visited the University of Wolverhampton School of Art to work with academics on image making projects.

"The visit has shown students what great study options in the creative industries are available on their doorsteps, in the Midlands" said Terry Baker, Tutor from Sandwell College. "The day also provided invaluable insights into careers they could go into by introducing them to case studies of School of Art Alumni now working in the creative industries" he continued.

Heath Park School - a Taste of University Life

Sixth form students from Heath Park School have visited the University of Wolverhampton to experience a taste of life in Wolverhampton School of Art.

"We are keen to support our students interests and ambition in art and design and bringing a group to sample the facilities and atmosphere of the University and the Art School is really beneficial" said Jessica Kendrick, Art Teacher at Heath Park School. "Our students really enjoyed image making through print making, fashion design and photographic portraiture" she continued.

Moseley Park School - image making workshops at Wolverhampton School Art

Staff and students from Moseley Park School have made a return visit to Wolverhampton School of Art for image making workshops.

"The more Moseley Park students can experience university, the more informed choices they can make about studying art and design at degree level" said Emma Chalstrey, Head of Art at Moseley Park School. "It gives them confidence that they could apply to university as a way to rewarding careers in the arts. After our visit last year, a number of our students applied to Wolverhampton School of Art and are now enjoying their studies at the University."

Image making with students from Halesowen College

Students from Halesowen College have been working in the print rooms of Wolverhampton School of Art. With the support of Andy Roberts and John Clementson the group produced a range of 3 colour screen prints on the theme of jazz. Working with Simon Harris, students had their first experience of making single colour, intaglio prints using the impressive heritage presses dating from the original Wolverhampton School of Art.

Capturing the Life of the Art School

One of our final year Illustration students has embarked on a reportage project, documenting the School of Art throughout the academic year.
Nicholas Sims creates large scale drawings on site, capturing the essence of everyday activity at the School of Art. This body of work will be exhibited at the Degree show and Artsfest in June 2019.

Dudley College students visit Wolverhampton School of Art

"Studying at Wolverhampton School of Art is aspirational" 

said Gillian Townsend, tutor from Dudley College, after her students visited the The University of Wolverhampton and experienced workshops focussing on  different types of image making through screen printing, drawing, photography and via working in three dimensions on designs for fashion.

"Being able to experience the potential of so many art and design disciplines, in a purpose built art school, in the heart of the Midlands, is an opportunity not to be missed" she continued.

Within their introduction to life at the University of Wolverhampton, Dudley College students also listened to head of School, Maggie Ayliffe speak about the heritage of the Art School and visited the School of Art's new 'Gallery Cafe.'

Bournville College students visit Wolverhampton School of Art

The first visiting college group to come to Wolverhampton School of Art this term were staff and students from Bournville College, who enjoyed an experience day on October 3. 

The day began with a presentation showcasing the history and facilities of the Art School, followed by discussions on the employment achievements of Wolverhampton Art School graduates. Bournville students went on to lunch in the University refectory as well as an afternoon of creative workshops.

2018 Graduation

The 2018 graduation ceremony celebrating the achievements of Visual Communication students took place on Monday 17th September. Graduates, friends and family members gathered at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton for an emotional ceremony marking the culmination of three years achievement and hard work.

Congratulations to all graduates

During the ceremony Howard Jacobson, 2010 winner of the Man Booker Prize, received an Honorary Doctor Arts from the University of Wolverhampton

The award was presented in recognition of his contribution to the literary world over a number of years and in particular his success in winning the Man Booker Prize.

The author and broadcaster, who worked at Wolverhampton Polytechnic in the 1970s, received the award during a graduation ceremony on Monday, 17 September 2018.

He said: “I am both delighted and touched by this award. I co-wrote and published my first work of non-fiction while I was teaching at Wolverhampton (then a Polytechnic) and wrote my first novel here. So I feel I have come back to where it all started.”

Howard Jacobson is a novelist, critic, columnist and broadcaster. Born in Manchester in 1942, he studied English under FR Leavis at Downing College, Cambridge before going on to lecture in English Literature at Sydney University. Returning to England, he taught at Selwyn College, Cambridge. From 1974 to 1981 he was Senior Lecturer at Wolverhampton Polytechnic.

For more information on Howard Jacobson visit here

WLVGRAD: SAM CHAMBERS HAS DESIGNS ON GRAPHIC CAREER

“My experience at the University of Wolverhampton was honestly life changing… it has completely transformed me into someone who is ambitious and driven.”

Sam Chambers graduated with a First Class degree in Graphic Design and is also the recipient of The Sheaffer Prize for Use of Language in Graphic Projects. He is now drawing up plans for a career in the industry.

Sam was always interested in art and wanted to study graphics because of the variety of fields on offer and the opportunity to explore different avenues of creativity.

He said: “The variety on offer under one roof at the University was appealing and the lecturers were clearly passionate about what they do. They gave outstanding support and guidance, making the process a lot easier.

“I really enjoyed working on live projects during my time at the University, getting the opportunity to practice projection design – projecting graphics on buildings in Wolverhampton. I also took part in an organ donation competition where I met the Mayor of Wolverhampton.”

Sam’s aim is to expand into the world of media, focusing on motion graphics and graphics for TV shows, films, conferences and digital media.

He added: “Overall, my experience at the University was honestly life changing. I came in as an unsure, relatively unconfident individual and it has completely transformed me into someone who is ambitious and driven.

“Mainly by gently pushing me outside of my comfort zone and giving me constant support and advice, my lecturers were amazing. And that would be my advice to graduates – you’ll learn so much and gain so many new skills if you put in the time and the rewards are worth it.”

Sam is now working as a Junior Live Graphic Designer and Operator at DRP Group.