Today the spotlight is on the graphic design department where students were recently treated to a talk from industry professional Sarah Coleman.

Sarah has been working in the industry for over 20 years as a typographer, illustrator and designer and has created over 420 book covers. She has also completed projects for famous brands such as Disney, Starbucks, Royal Mail and Coca Cola.

Students who study graphic design learn and develop a variety of techniques within drawing, illustration, typography and print making.  This course will enable them to go on to an art and design foundation course or degree courses in a variety of subjects including advertising, animation, games design or architecture.  

Both staff and students enjoyed a truly insightful afternoon picking up top tips and expectations of the industry whilst having the opportunity to look through Sarah's extensive collection of print and advertising work. Students saw first-hand illustration and type work including the full process, from design to completion. 

Beth Boyd-Lee, second year student said, “Sarah's talk was brilliant! I came out feeling very inspired. I really appreciated her speaking from personal experience as it made her easy to relate to and gave me confidence in myself.”

Second year student, Gabby Mikulska also commented, “What a fantastic talk! It was so nice to have someone with such a high profile come in and talk about the amazing opportunities they have experienced. Sarah offered the honest truth, including the struggles of deadlines, working within a team, planning and time scheduling and the importance of always pushing yourself. I feel most importantly she stressed, to be patient yet persistent in anything that you do.

Sarah was thrilled to visit the College, she said, “I had an exceptional day talking life, illustration, pens, ink and superhero costumes.  Attentive, sparky students and bouncy, keen staff, in a fantastically resourced graphics building. I wish I was a sixth former living in Hampshire!”

We look forward to welcoming Sarah back next year and if you are interested in pursuing a career in art and design, take a look at how studying graphics at the College can facilitate that here.