Creative experts zoom in with student artists

Creative arts professionals have recently been online, sharing their expertise with Walsall College’s art and design students.

The online guest lectures for HNC Art & Design/Visual Communication students are providing an insider view of many different aspect of the industry.  Those playing host include:

• Alexander Miller, wedding photographer
• Justine Wiggin, sound artist
• Simon Tagg and Sara Voghel, Haddad & Partners
• Barbara Gibson, Illustrator
• Tracey Parker from Beyond The Book

Lecturer, Stephen Paxford who is organising the lectures said: “Lockdown has not affected our students’ ability to gain insights and ideas from many different industry professionals.  Each guest has introduced them to alternative sides of the industry.  This includes managing the collaborative process and responding to client feedback, as well as using artforms in an innovative way in order to bring communities together.”

Justin Wiggin gave an overview of how his social impact-based art projects have been used across the fields of social care and medical research.  As founder/a lead on the creative wellbeing project, Booksniffers Club, Justin also encouraged the students to participate in a group book sniffing experience.  This was a way of exploring their senses and communicating their thoughts.

And Haddad and Partners representatives, Simon Tagg and Sara E. Voghel took students through the creative workflow process.  This provided them with a better understanding of how the agency works closely with clients to explore possibilities and work on new things; all within specific deadlines.

Stephen Paxford added: “We’re grateful to everyone for their time.  And for demonstrating to our learners that opportunities to create and work with others are never out of reach.”

Aspiring art and design graduates can start a university level qualification this February (2021).  Find out more about the HNC Art and Design course here.