GFSmith

For most graphic designers, paper is very exciting. So when Mark Jessett a representative at GF Smith was invited for a presentation, the graphic design students couldn't wait.

Mark Jessett had everyone captivated, and brought along with him enough paper to keep everyone amused. He answered questions, and showed what new technology can do, for example a paper that becomes transparent in light, who'd have thought it! 

The afternoon was fun filled, but also everyone was supplied with information that was both valuable, but easy to digest.

The students would probably have the same lecture again if they had the chance, as many of them have said it was their favourite lecture ever. He of course had some wonderful paper gifts that he gave away.

Even staff with a broader knowledge than the student thought that the afternoon was a valuable experience. Paper is extremely important in design and it's making connections with the best companies that really make it easier to get the job done to the best standard.

Check out GF Smiths website: http://www.gfsmith.com/
Photography by: Ashley Henderson

Jose Garrida

The Graphic Design department recently had the pleasure of having exchange student Jose Garrida visit and study for while. He might have been studying here, but there were also chances to learn from him, he did a lecture to show off his work as well as a typography workshop. 

Jose, presented his work to the majority of the graphic design department and the majority were blown away by the quality and quantity of it for a student. You can check out is work by clicking here or visting here http://www.noem9studio.com/.

During the talk, Jose gave the students here advice and shared his experience in the industry, he said that he found the website www.behance.cm the most helpful tool to him. If you're interested in following Jose on behance head here http://www.behance.net/Noem9. 

Jose's Typography Workshop

Jose ran a typography workshop with some of the graphic design students, the workshop was simple but created some very beautiful work. 

During the workshop the students created some digital typography work, and used acetone too transfer print the work. This is a simple technique, but a lot of the students haven't tried it before. The work was displayed in the studio and admired by everyone who came in.

Photography by: Joanne Cookney

Sam Winston

Sam Winston completed a BTEC ND Graphic Design in 1998 at the Plymouth College of Art, and returned last year in December, 2012 to show current BA/FD Graphic Design students and staff just how far he's come. 

Winston's prolific career features work for Wallpaper magazine and the New York Times, which is incredible for any designer or artist to be able to say they have acheived. During his talk, he mentioned about his most talked about work. Inspiring the audience into taking their work that little bit further and push themselves to see what they could acheive. 

A truly inspiring and motivational individual. The students and staff that were able to attend the event were talking about it for weeks, it isn't often that an opportunity to meet someone so talented comes up, it's always refreshing when they share the same passion. 

Sam himself has said about giving talks and lectures, 'I have been teaching for close to 10 years and as time goes by I am realising what I can and cannot do.  I certainly can’t change people – I can’t give people things they have never had and I can’t make ‘things better’. My ambitions of help, are lost in a sea of complexity way beyond my control.  I often find teaching endeavours blossoming into both beautiful and stupid fruits. One of the more ironic harvests of this pursuit is that it’s changed me far more than it’s changed anyone else.'

You can see more of his work by visiting his website by clicking here or typing http://www.samwinston.com/ into your search bar.

Photography by Tatsu Ishikawa