The recently hosted Create Expo saw experts and artists from creative agencies from across the UK present to crowds about their specialist subjects and careers at the college’s Derby Road campus. Professionals in the field of illustration, 3D design, concept art, games design and television production as well as virtual reality marketing delivered up-to-date tips and advice to visitors.
Guest speakers included ex-student Jim Kay, who studied art and design at the college in 1992. Jim has now seen great success working on the special illustrated Harry Potter books.
Jim spoke about the creative process involved in working for film, TV and publishing and the techniques he learnt during his time at West Notts which he still uses today.
Other guest speakers included Glen Southern and Amy Smith. Glen is a freelance digital sculptor and has had success with his characters created for the British/American horror drama series – Penny Dreadful.
Meanwhile Amy spoke to guests about Framestore – a company which makes digital images, content and design for the advertising, entertainment and film industries. In her role as head of recruitment Amy advised people about the type of individuals which creative companies are seeking in the market.
The event was supported by students who attend the college on a variety of multi-media courses and were available to speak to guests about the work they have produced for their own portfolios.
Interactive media tutor who organised the expo, Anthony Hall, said: “Once again Create Expo was a great success and our audience was suitably impressed with our guest presenters.
“To have so many high-profile guests all with their own unique skills in one place was a massive coup for the college.”
Graphic designer Gemma Gill attended Create Expo. She said: “I enjoyed the whole day from start to finish and left feeling really inspired. I learnt new ways to think about things and even got an insight into creative writing which isn’t something I do but I felt like it added so much to the thought process when thinking about designs.
“Some of the illustration work and special effects seminars were just mind blowing and I hadn’t even realised how many of these things were created using design software.”
Picture caption: (l-r) students Natasha Finney, Zak Randle, Wai Hung Tsang, illustrator Jim Kay, Simon Smalley from Fuzzy Frog, tutor Anthony Hall, Iain Swales of Linney Group, 3D artist Andrew Comb and students Conor Rodgers and Savinnah Liah.