Gifted artists and designers have put their talents on show at the opening night of the annual degree show at Cleveland College of Art and Design (CCAD) and are now taking up opportunities for careers in the creative industry.
Students exhibited works from ten degree courses as part of the ‘Northern View’ exhibition at the northern art school’s university-level campus in Hartlepool, including fashion, fine art, illustration and creative film.
The work from the talented creatives is now on display at the 1 Church Street until Saturday 16 June. As part of the exhibition, which is now a popular regional event, visitors can experience a huge array of works, including costumes, wallpapers, clothing, prints, films and illustrations.
Production Design for Stage and Screen degree student Zoe Widdowfield was inspired to create an interactive aquarium-themed sensory set, and received support from Stockton-based children’s’ autistic charity, Daisy Chain for her final major project.
The 21-year-old student from Linthorpe in Middlesbrough will also be displaying her work in a special sensory room at the charity’s base in Stockton. Zoe said: “The concept of the set was to educate audiences on the need for sensory equipment and aims to teach in areas such as Sensory Processing Disorder to show how sensory equipment is vital aids for individuals with SPD. I have also handmade items inside my set, such as the flooring, tactile wall canvases and tactile toys to show that parents can make their own DIY sensory equipment without having to spend a lot of money.
“The build up to the degree show has involved a lot of hard work and late nights, but I have enjoyed my project very much. I’m very passionate about the concept behind my work so I have really enjoyed putting it all together. I’ve had a lot of support and positive comments towards my work which has made the process very enjoyable. I’ve carried out lots of experimentation and exploration in terms of material choices, which has been challenging but enjoyable.”
Zoe also worked with a variety of specialist sensory companies for the set, with Rompa, Southpaw and SpaceKraft loaning equipment that will feature in her set at the degree show.
After graduation, Zoe is looking forward to continuing her studies. “My career goal is to become an art psychotherapist and I will be completing my Foundation qualification in Art Therapy in July and working over the next year to gain more experience and skills. I hope to apply for my Masters degree in Art Psychotherapy in the next two years. As a volunteer with a few different companies, I will also be continuing my voluntary work.
37-year-old Jo Bulmer from Eaglescliffe also studied for a BA (Hons) Production Design for Stage and Screen degree and is now preparing to launch her business as a freelance retail display artist.
During her final year studies Jo worked with Hartlepool-based wallcoverings retailer, I Love Wallpaper, on a variety of live briefs, with her work featured as part of their festive display window and which she hopes to continue through her new business.
She said: “Having already designed and installed a Christmas display for I Love Wallpaper I was in constant contact, liaising with the owner and the staff from the Hartlepool shop, and could collect any samples of wallpaper I wanted to use.
“My final major project showcases a series of elaborate dresses and masquerade masks inspired by a trip to the Venice Carnival and includes a wedding-style dress created with I Love Wallpaper’s exclusive Versace range of wallpaper.
“The project and degree show has been a very exciting journey for me, meeting new people and making new contacts as well as the experience of Venice Carnival. It has been a tough journey too and at times quite stressful, with me having a young family at home to look after as a single mum, but I know it will be worth it in the end and my children have been really good with adjusting to university life with me in the last three years.
“I was so excited to showcase my dress for the company as they had not seen the finished work, so degree show opening was as exciting for them as it was me!”
Jamie Tyerman, 21 from Eaglescliffe is a BA (Hons) Photography student who has already developed a successful career as a commercial editorial and fashion photographer, and is now looking forward to a stellar career in the industry.
During his studies, Jamie undertook a photography internship with Ted Baker where he assisted the head photographer in the studio, photographed accessories, bags and model castings and assisted the team on the A/W 2017 campaign shoot. He was also a sports photographer for Sports Image, photographing premier league and championship level football, wiring images to national newspapers and working as one of Sheffield United club photographers.
While at CCAD he also began working with designer menswear retailer, END Clothing, and is experienced in conducting product and editorial shoots, working as lead photographer on location and studio shoots with a team of stylists and assistants and within a creative team on major campaign shoots.
Jamie also recently won the chance to have his portfolio reviewed by some of the leading industry professionals after submitting a series of images from his final major project based on street style photography to the Association for Photography in Higher Education (APHE) Photo Meet Bursary.