12-07-12 - Emotions (by Jonah Ripley)

I have been meaning to post this up for ages but have only just found the time and received the link. Recent graduate Jonah Ripley who for his FMP delved into the subject matter of "Emotions" and connected his audience to his piece via Video was nominated and winner of "Most Improved Learner 2012". His efforts in producing such a stunning and highly impacting piece is just a snippet of what this young designer could go onto achieve.

The film is based on real events coming form Jonahs past and without giving too much away, the emotions that the viewer feels during this experience is unreal. Jonah has had a keen interest in video and film throughout his 2 years at South Essex College and will hopefully go onto to create a great difference and impact on the design film industry. If you would like to see more of his work please click here. I would recommend watching the film with headphones as the sound moves from side to side due to the nature and them of the film.

"EMOTIONS" by Jonah Ripley

10-07-12 - Jack Petchey Award

I am very proud to announce that for the second year running one of my nominated students has won the Jack Petchey award. The award is based on the individuals achievements involved with the course, design work and attitude to studies. Although the award is not personally connected to myself and all recognition is of course student focused, I cannot help but feel extremely proud to be part of it and have 2 winners under my belt. This award was given to one of my current 1st years who will be spending her prize money on the costs of an overseas trip that is happening next year. For the individual not only is the prize money a fantastic resource, but the recognition of receiving such an award will stand out with gold on her CV and resume.

06-07-12 - New Designers

Once again I took the opportunity to visit this years New Designers show at The Business Design Centre in Islington London. The standard of work is unraveling and gets stronger every year. Like last year I overwhelmed myself with taking brochures of work ready to insight and fill my current year 2 students minds with come September.

The graphic design and illustration this year was by far one of the highlights and this is not due to it being my subject matter. Some of the students concepts and execution was staggering, and with one particular stand which stood out to me being Havering College. Now only in its 2nd year of running, the work was of an extremely high standard and held a real sophisticated and playful approach to its branding.

New designers is a great way to source current design trends, competition and to physically see the work that I would like my students to aspire to. This is one show I would deeply recommend, even if you are not going onto Higher education, it makes a great day out.

04-07-12 - Mural looks for a home

As you may have seen on previous posts, the 1st year students were working towards a Mural inspired by their surrounding habitats. Since the completion of the project we have not been successful in finding a permanent location for the mural to situate itself. With this in mind, course leader Lee contacted the local Yellow Advertiser newspaper to come and write and article about the work that had been happening. Hopefully this will inspire those who have the power to offer us a home to do so.

Yellow Advertiser - 

"A MURAL created by students from South Essex College of flora, fauna and wildlife from the region needs rehoming. 

The work is currently stored at the East Street Campus, but lecturer Lee Hey wants it to take pride of place somewhere where people would be able to appreciate it. Lee explained the students had created the work as part of their Level 3 art and design course. He said: “I would absolutely love the opportunity to possibly exhibit the mural at any suitable location. “We have had a couple of offers which have fallen through and now have a mural with no home. “I would like it to stay in Southend, but the students used the postcodes from Southend to Barking to source the images so anywhere in that area would just be great.” The painting was created in order to celebrate the diversity of nature that is found in the area. It has been painted with indoor paint but it can be prepared to be displayed in an outdoors area. It carries more than 175 images and stretches more than 25 metres long."