2012
Course overview
The BA (Hons) Visual Arts (1 Year Top-up) at Southampton Solent University is broad course which allows you to explore the art of illustration and visual communication within the areas of children's and adult narrative, together with editorial and reportage illustration.
Working on location, in the studio and workshops, you will experiment with a wide variety of media, including intaglio and silkscreen printmaking, photography, digital imaging, drawing and painting. Within our supportive atmosphere, you will discover your own style whilst underpinning your creativity with a strong awareness of industry techniques. Your developing skills in practice and critical evaluation will also support you as a practising illustrator, or within the workplace.
Complemented by units in professional and career development, your projects and case studies will ensure you will be experienced in working to briefs.
Our supportive staff will be on hand to offer you tutorial guidance in compiling your unique body of studio work. You will emerge not only with well developed practical talents, but also with a firm grasp on the professional skills needed to succeed in the visual arts industry.
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Industrial focus
Students are involved in a variety of live briefs, competitions, commissions, community involvement and involvement with outside agencies. The course has strong contacts in industry and academia such as the Association of Illustrators, Heart Illustration agency, Contemporary Illustration Agency, Walker Children’s Picture books as well as links with a host of high profile practitioners. You will have opportunities to exhibit your work externally, as well as at the end of year Degree Show Exhibition.
Course content
This year of study focuses on the production of an individual body of studio work and its presentation, as well as the submission of a visual research project.
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Visual Communication Research Project
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Negotiated Study
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Final Major Project.
Why choose this course?
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A dedicated life drawing room and well-equipped printmaking workshops.
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A regular programme of guest lecturers. Recent high profile speakers have included: Brian Grimwood (renowned illustrator, founder and director of CIA illustration agency), Darrel Rees (illustrator, founder and director of Heart Illustration Agency), Christopher Sharrock (illustrator, designer, sculptor,), and Louise Power (Walker Books)
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Study trips provide a great opportunity to broaden your knowledge of the international design industry. During a recent trip to Barcelona, our students were given a guided tour of the studios and workshops of Javier Mariscal, one of the most famous late twentieth century Spanish designers. A highlight from our visit to Berlin included a student and staff group exhibition titled 'Excess Baggage' at the city’s Rise Gallery.
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You will be supported and encouraged to enter major competitions such as the D& AD Awards, the Association of Illustrators Awards, and numerous related competitions.
Assessment
Assessment for Negotiated Study and Final Major Project are by portfolio and this will included final outcomes and all support and developmental work. The Visual Communication Research project is constructed through negotiation with a supervisory tutor but has taken the form of bookworks, blogs, films and presentations in previous submissions.
Key career skills
Presentation, communicate, project management and problem solving.
Projects/work experience
Recent projects have included a high profile TV advert commission for the American Market.
Graduate profile
Jon Clarke
Jon graduated in 2010, and secured an internship during the summer of 2010 in the picture-book department at Walker Books in London.
“I was selected for the internship by Deirdre McDermott, Picture Book Publisher at Walker Books, while at the final degree show, and was thrilled and jumped at the opportunity, accepting immediately. While at Walker Books, I was able to gain invaluable experience of being within a professional environment; gaining a real understanding of sales, commissioning, collaboration as well as design. I was lucky enough to work in many areas while there, including with editors, participating in group work, creating samples, roughs, and dummy books. The internship also enabled me to gain an awareness of the necessity of having essential skills in industry standard software, and the speed at which work is required at a fast moving publishing house.”