We chat to a current Nottingham Trent University student about their studies and how their university course develops their creativity. This month, it's graphic designer Emily McCarthy...
What is life like as a Graphic Design student at NTU?
It’s great fun! It’s highly challenging and fast paced, but I personally find this encourages me to push my work further. No idea is too crazy or ridiculous, there’s always someone around that can help bring it to life.
What made you choose to study in Nottingham?
I’d heard from lots of people that it was a great university and had loved some of the previous year’s graphic design work that I’d seen online. But honestly, whilst walking around the town centre on the way to my interview I just knew that this was where I wanted to be; I hadn’t even seen the university yet!
Tell us something most people won’t know about being an Art and Design student at NTU...
The freedom that you get to be who you want to be is incredible, and the tutors, whether they’re from your Art and Design course or not, are great. We get access to amazing industry contacts through live briefs and guest lectures almost every week, which is fantastic, as for many people it means they’ve got their foot in the door when it comes to finishing their degree and moving into the industry. Also, we have an incredible Graphic Design degree show coming up this year @NTUOUTLINE. People should definitely come and check it out!
Tell us about the inspiration behind your space-themed collages...
I’ve always used collage. Whilst scrolling through Instagram I came across numerous great collage accounts and realised that I hadn’t used this method for any of my projects this academic year. I decided that for my next project I would focus on creating something collaged-based. My project is called Conspiracy Theories. I chose the 1969 moon landing; by comparing the true story to conspiracy theories surrounding the landing, I decided that I would create a range of collages that somewhat ridicule the true story. Whilst using some footage of the 1969 event to create the abstract collages, I thought these could be used as imagery in an editorial about the landing. As it’s the 50th anniversary of the moon landing this July I felt that this could be a celebration of fifty years of conspiracy theories surrounding the event.
Where are you hoping your Graphic Design degree will lead you?
I get asked this question a lot, I’m still unsure of where I want to end up with my Graphic Design degree. I’ve got many interests in editorial design, typography, collage and printmaking so, for now, I’m just going to carry on being creative and see where I end up!
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