A series of talks on Graphic Design – organised by Forth Valley College Lecturer Kirsteen Wright – kicked off recently with a tasty speaker.
Graeme McGowan from Glasgow based ‘This is Jam Hot’, spread his knowledge to eager students on Wednesday 20 September. Graeme gave a talk to FVC students two years ago during the pandemic which had to be done online, so it was fantastic to have him come to campus and inspire the students.
It was a fast-paced talk to cram as much graphic design information into 25 minutes as possible, with Graeme showcasing all the creative design work that his studio has been involved in over the last 15 years. He spoke about his own journey into design and what creativity really means to him, leaving the students with lots to consider as they get started on their own projects.
The series of Design Talks for 2023/24 will bring industry professionals to the College to share their wisdom with the students alongside showcasing inspiring work from Scotland. These talks build on the skills learned in the classroom as students get to see how live projects are put together, following the same design process technique used at the College where students are encouraged to research, develop and produce.
Graphic Design Lecturer Kirsteen Wright organises these talks each year, alongside gathering contacts from anyone and everyone within the industry in order to benefit the students.
She said: “Each year I reach out to those in the industry in Scotland asking for design talks to bring inspiration to our students as to what they can achieve. I’m always surprised by the amount of people who take the time to give back in this way and provide us with amazing short talks, as well as going the extra mile to talk to students afterwards and even provide email addresses to be contacted on.
“Graeme was a particular highlight during lockdown, so it was brilliant to get him back in person and the students loved hearing all his stories about his journey in design. He provided a fantastic presentation which gives a focus to students’ learning, showing what they learn in class in practice in the real world.
“There’s also no better way to enhance the students’ own presenting skills than watching someone in action and seeing how to bring your own personality to play, especially when considering pitching and presenting skills needed within the industry. Great examples of making learning work.
“We’ve two more talks set up in Block 1 and these will both take place in the Stirling Refectory area, the only area we can use to house all the graphics students this year together. Other students interested in coming along should get in touch and join us.”
Mark Milligan, first year Visual Communication student said: “The talk was inspiring and relatable and I left with the feeling of wanting to continue and thrive in creativity.”
Yuliia Shatalova, second year Visual Communication student was particularly taken by Graeme’s approach to design projects of Listen and Reflect, and will be trying this out in her new projects.
The series of Design Talks are kindly filmed by students from second year BA Digital Media course. These are stored on a Moodle course for anyone that missed them and also used as a teaching resource. Access can be given through emailing kirsteen.wright@forthvalley.ac.uk.
The next organised talks are: Wednesday, 18 October, 2.30pm – Douglas Walker, Handcooked Design/Arken Creative; and Wednesday 15 November, 2.30pm – Tony Dunworth, Graphical House.
Anyone wishing to join the next talks in October and November should contact Kirsteen. Thanks to Creative Industries Lecturer Brian Smith who took the photo of the talk in action.