BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Overview

Our strong international connections also allow our students to take a semester of study with one of our partner institutions within Europe and North America, and in turn, we welcome overseas students from those institutions to join us in our studios, creating an exciting cultural exchange. Companies we have worked with: Mother London, Pentagram, Anthony Burrill, Plymouth Design Forum, James Edgar Studios, Nick Dell’Anno, Out Of Town, Fly, Upshot, Brand Opus, G.F. Smith, Brand Biscuit, Studio Felt, Creative Conscience, Plymouth City Council, Buddy Creative, N9 Design, Callum Digital, Fiasco Upon graduation, our graduates can pursue various career paths, such as graphic designers, art directors, digital designers, motion graphic designers, UX designers, advertisers, brand and marketing officers, mobile app designers, content producers, studio managers and account managers.

Our Graduates

Sue Lewry

Sue Lewry’s creative journey began in London’s fashion industry, where she worked for over 15 years as a graphic designer and art director specialising in editorial and catalogue design. In 2015, her practice shifted when she discovered printmaking, leading her to complete a Master’s in Printmaking at Arts University Plymouth, where she received the Principal’s Commendation Award for her innovative practice-led research. Now based in Plymouth, Sue runs her DIY print studio, producing works across paper, textiles, and large-scale installations. Alongside her studio practice, she lectures on BA (Hons) Graphic Design and is a subject tutors for MA Design (Communication). She also contributes to Arts University Plymouth as an early-career researcher, investigating how printmaking, design, and embodied processes can disrupt digital dominance and reframe the politics of making. Central to her practice is Colossal, a mobile screen-printing studio conceived as both a functioning press and a performative artwork. More than a community tool, Colossal operates as a rebellious intervention, questioning hierarchies of labour, visibility, and authorship. By staging live, durational print works in public or unexpected contexts, Sue challenges perceptions of printmaking as “activity” and reasserts its position as a critical, contemporary art practice. Collaboration remains key to her approach. Sue works with artists, designers, and organisations across the South West and contributes to the Plymouth Design Forum, supporting critical debate and creative exchange. Her dedication to experimental, research-driven practice underscores a commitment to art and design that is ambitious, critical, and transformative. www.suelewry.com & www.colossalprint.uk

Tatsu Ishikawa

Tatsu Ishikawa left his home in Saitama, Japan in order to join Arts University Plymouth, achieving a First Class Honours in Graphic Design in 2015. Tatsu’s passion for fashion, music, art and culture has seen his work develop, landing him the role of Creative Producer at London based marketing agency 33Seconds.Tatsu also works as a freelance designer, running his company ADSR Designs since 2013.

Brogan Algar

Brogan Algar graduated from BA (Hons) Graphic Communication degree in 2021 with a First Class Honours. During her time as a student, Brogan was shortlisted for the JDO RAW 2019 award for her monochrome tattoo design inspired branding for a 0% alcohol drink. Since graduating, Brogan has worked in house as well as for her own successful design company, Algar Design, and has worked with high profile clients including Fenty Skin, Fenty Beauty, Dove, Hawaiian Tropic, Mercedes-Benz, Demi Jones, Cloe Couture and more.

Emma Flintham

Emma Flintham graduated from Graphic Communication in 2021 with a First Class Honours, making quite an impact during her time at Arts University Plymouth. In her first year she reached the top five finalists in the JDO Raw 2019 competition, later going on to win the award in 2020. Emma then completed a month-long internship with the agency in her third year. The following year, Emma went on to win the Proctor and Stevenson 2021 South West Design + Digital Student Awards, winning £1000 in prize money and beating 164 other final-year students from across the South West and Wales. She currently works as a Junior Designer for London based design agency, Here Design, as well as working as a freelance designer and illustrator. “The three years I spent at Arts University Plymouth have been the best. I was torn between studying Fine Art, Illustration or Photography, but in the end I chose Graphic Communication because it allowed me to explore all my passions and learn new skills. My advice to anyone considering the BA (Hons) Graphic Communication course is to go for it!”

Harry Richards

Harry Richards graduated BA (Hons) Graphic Design in 2019 with a First Class Honours. Now a freelance graphic designer based in Bristol, Harry specialises in visual identity, typography and print design. Primarily supporting cultural, artistic and educational projects that aim to positively impact our world, his work also focuses on the possibilities of typography inspired by the principles of modernism. Since graduating from Arts University Plymouth, Harry has interned with Intercity and Studio Felt.

Alan Qualtrough

Alan first graduated from Arts University Plymouth in 2016 with a First Class Honours in BA (Hons) Graphic Design. He returned to the university in 2018 to gain his Masters in Visual Communication with a Distinction. Alan owns the Kiss & Bite Press, a letterpress art practice and print studio based in Ocean Studios, Plymouth. From there, now runs workshops in letterpress printing, linocut and typography, with a focus on the aesthetic and tactile qualities of setting and printing type by hand.Alan is also a practicing letterpress artist, graphic designer and typographer and has exhibited work in the UK and US. He has also trained alongside internationally renowned typographers Erik Spiekermann and Alan Kitching.