Best New Creatives — 2020 Graduate Showcase — Part 3
Read Part 1 here.
Read Part 2 here.
For the second year, these four articles will feature a selection of what I view to be the most talented and multidisciplinary graduates from the top educational institutions in the UK. As with 2019, selections are based on an individuals' total body of work so far — 20 diversely gifted creatives, many of whom are already award-winning and have demonstrated their practice professionally.
Acknowledgment has to be made to what is a distinctly punishing year for graduates. As if the challenge wasn't substantial already. The efforts of universities to amend curriculums, teaching and grading methods, alongside organisations such as D&AD and The Dots to provide new platforms for talent, have been nothing short of heroic. If the problem of visibility for graduates during the pandemic has been mitigated, the problem of opportunity is ours still to solve. Now is not the time to turn our backs on new talent. For those of us in holding-company agencies, the smart move is for new talent to be high on the agenda when blanket policies on hiring thaw. Pressure should be placed to accelerate that process. Independent studios with an active client roster today hold a clear advantage in that regard.
Despite the circumstances of 2020, by my measure it has in no way suppressed the quality of thought or craft from this year's graduates. Perhaps the opposite is more true. There is inspiring and important work among these individuals. I hope you're as excited about them as I am.
11. Bartek Marzec
Graduate of University of Loughborough: "I specialise and have experience in the design of Digital Products. I’d like to think that my work contains clear themes of entrepreneurial and creative thinking, while also exhibiting engaging art direction and design skills."
Ambition: "To position myself in an inspiring mix of people, in hopes of continuing growing and learning. There are plenty of great industry experts out there, I’m most defiantly looking forward to meeting and learning from others, as well as building new and existing relations for the future!"
Hopes for the industry: "I hope that the creative industry will emphasise the importance of teaching young creatives business skills. Essential factors like: understanding the business impact of design; the necessary vocabulary and developing a business perspective when navigating throughout the corporate world. I believe this would help creatives see their potential and connect the dots on how they can utilise their skills to their advantage and become a driving force in any organisation. I think creatives with a business acumen are powerful."
the-dots.com/users/bartek-marzec-782723
12. Hannah Gurney
Graduate of University of Central Lancashire: "A Northern Irish Graphic design graduate from The University of Central Lancashire with placement experience in both London & Manchester. D&AD New Blood 2020 Graphite Pencil Winner. I believe in strong ideas with an honest approach. I’ve always been passionate about storytelling, engaging with audiences on a personal level and using my abilities to raise awareness on issues that really do matter."
Ambition: "To become part of a studio or collective that will push me to become the best version of myself, I’m eager to work alongside inspiring designers that will help me grow as a person and a creative. My current base camp is Manchester but I would love to get back down to London eventually and I’m always interested in going further afield if the opportunity arises."
Hopes for the industry: "I think we all realise and have seen over the past few months the effects that our industry can have on the world, I only hope the part we play as visual communicators will continue to shine through as a positive impact and not add to the world’s list of problems."
hlzg.co.uk
13. Alice Stone
Graduate of Nottingham Trent University: "I’m a recent Graphic Design graduate from Nottingham Trent University. I say I’m not an illustrator, but I illustrate in almost everything I do! I’m really interested in branding campaigns and working collaboratively to bring an idea to life. I enjoy fun and copy led projects which are strongly concept driven. My favourite project to work on has been NTU's Graphic Design Degree Show."
Ambition: "My short-term ambition is to carry on creating and gain as much experience of working within the creative industry as possible. I’m obsessed with the clever, snappy ideas that come from creative agencies and would love to be a part of creating these great concepts! My ambition is to create something that makes people go 'wow.'"
Hopes for the industry: "I hope the industry carries on creating work that inspires people to be creative. Some of the most amazing projects have come from tackling important topics to encourage a positive change. I hope the industry continues to show that the people can use their creativity for a good cause."
alicestone.co.uk
14. Tamesha Blackwood
Graduate of Nottingham Trent University: "D&AD ‘One to Watch’ and Shine Awards 2020 Finalist. I’m a graphic designer from Essex with a love for branding, 3D and motion design. I always aim to engage audiences through refreshing and memorable responses."
Ambition: "I’m eager to dive straight into the design industry to deepen and develop my knowledge and ability, collaborate with other creatives and take exciting new directions."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope to see more diversity within the design industry and I aspire to be part of that change through my own ambitions and goals to ultimately make a difference in and out of the workplace."
tamesha.myportfolio.com
15. Martin Hicks
Graduate of Arts University Bournemouth: "I'm a new graduate specialising in digital, branding and motion graphics. I have a huge passion for storytelling, whether that's through a branding or motion. I always look to the future, envisioning the next big thing and what that could look like."
Ambition: "In the coming months, my goal is to move to London from Kent, to live and breathe within the fast-moving creative capital. Working in branding or/and motion design to grow my knowledge and skills to help me achieve my life's ambitions."
Hopes for the industry: "To me storytelling should be at the forefront of all design, much like a film. I wish to create pieces of work that inspire, provoke thought and create dreams, in the hope to unite people and change lives."
Designer at Red Dot Studio
4 年Thanks for the shoutout! ??
Thank you for the mention!