UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts

A digital specialist and self-confessed nerd, Johnny is driven by a desire to narrow the distinction between science and the arts. A BSc in Digital Art & Technology and a career as a web programmer have led to his interest in data and generative art - using code as a paintbrush - and in computer games both as products of design and as learning tools. Always with one ear to the ground, he enjoys problem-solving indie games and discussing cutting edge technological developments. "I love that our students are encouraged to explore and not to play it safe. When things go wrong here it's an opportunity to learn rather than a failure and that makes for progressive and exciting ideas. Having learnt from my time in industry and my creative practice I'm an advocate of collaboration and flexibility so seeing groups click creatively and develop professionally is a real joy. It's great to see the widespread adoption of contemporary communication technology and online tools at the university too. There's an exhilarating energy about the place."

Steven is Head of Pre-Degree at Arts University Plymouth. Previous to that, he was a Curriculum Manager and Course Leader for our Extended Diploma in Graphics, Illustration & Game Arts course. Before that he led a Graphic Design course at South Essex College for two years. Steven originally started teaching in Scotland where he worked in three different colleges including Glasgow Metropolitan College. Before becoming a teacher he worked as a Graphic Designer for just over three years in design agencies around Britain including Citigate Smarts, Kiosk Creative and GRP5. Steven focuses his teaching on developing learners as young artists and designers to support their progression onto their chosen route of development through employment or Higher Education.

Jake is a creative practitioner with a multidisciplinary approach that encompasses drawing, illustration, printmaking and photography. Since studying on the BA (Hons) Drawing and Applied Arts degree at the University of the West of England in 2011, he has continued to maintain an active studio practice, whilst developing personal projects. Alongside his studio practice Jake completed a PGCE and now works as a part-time educator - Jake has lectured for BA Illustration, Animation, and Drawing, Painting and Printmaking at Arts University Plymouth, he currently teaches on the pre-degree graphic design and illustration programme. Jake’s specialist interest is in traditional intaglio printmaking processes and in life drawing. Jake’s own work is characterised by monochromatic depictions of places of sanctuary both man-made and in the natural world. His passions include picture- book illustration, observational drawing methodologies and procedures, and drawing as a developmental process, its histories and context.