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Lecturer Jack Viant showcases playful creativity in Project Space One

Jack Viant, an acclaimed illustrator represented by the Bright Agency and Lecturer on our BA (Hons) Illustration course, recently exhibited a series of playful and exploratory new pieces of work in Project Space One within Arts University Plymouth.
<p dir="ltr">Jack Viant, an acclaimed illustrator represented by the Bright Agency and Lecturer on our BA (Hons) Illustration course, recently exhibited a series of playful and exploratory new pieces of work in Project Space One within Arts University Plymouth.</p> <p dir="ltr">Project Space One, a rolling exhibition space at Arts University Plymouth, provides students and staff with the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional setting, fostering collaboration and creative exchange. Jack’s exhibition, which was developed as part of his current MA studies at Arts University Plymouth, offered a unique insight into his playful approach to making art and his ability to engage audiences through process-driven methodologies.<br /></p>
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Jack Viant at his show

<p dir="ltr">Jack explained: “My MA study investigates play as a creative methodology. For this exhibition, I wanted to show a glimpse of what it would look like if my work in Photoshop spilled over into the real world. I put together a range of character generation and live drawings, piecing illustrations together in real-time and overlapping parts to form new narratives, alongside a live talk and demonstration for students.”</p> <p dir="ltr">By cutting, chopping, and layering in a collage-style format, Jack’s exhibition challenged traditional notions of creativity, focusing on vulnerability, spontaneity, and the value of mistakes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was about being vulnerable in front of people, making mistakes and challenging what mistakes are and what they mean as a creative,” Jack reflected. This hands-on, process-led approach resonated with the students who attended, inspiring them to embrace experimentation and risk-taking in their own work. Jack’s exhibition also reinforced the sense of community that is central to Arts University Plymouth. <br /></p>
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Work by Jack Viant

<p dir="ltr">Lecturer Jack Viant’s connection to Arts University Plymouth spans over a decade, beginning as a student on our<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration"> BA (Hons) Illustration</a> programme, where he graduated with First Class Honours in 2015. Over the years, Jack’s work has gained international recognition, with children’s illustrations published by Bloomsbury, Hachette, and Oxford University Press, with representation by the prestigious Bright Agency. His practice bridges commercial success and academic mentorship, empowering students to develop their own voices as illustrators while benefiting from Jack’s industry experience.</p> <p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth’s<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration"> BA (Hons) Illustration</a> programme equips students with the skills to navigate commercial briefs while expressing their personal vision, preparing them for sustainable careers in illustration. The course provides high contact time with award-winning lecturers, ensuring that students receive the guidance and mentorship they need to succeed. Similarly, our<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-communication-design"> MA Communication Design</a> programme, launching in 2025, builds on existing expertise to push the boundaries of narrative-driven design across multiple media.</p> <p dir="ltr">With world-class facilities, a supportive community, and a commitment to empowering the next generation of image-makers, Arts University Plymouth continues to be a hub of creativity and innovation. Jack Viant’s journey—from student to lecturer to MA student—is a testament to the opportunities and transformative experiences available here.<br /></p>
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Work by Jack Viant

<p dir="ltr">Discover how Arts University Plymouth can help you achieve your creative ambitions. Whether you’re looking to start your journey with our<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> BA (Hons) Illustration</a> or take your practice to the next level with our<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-communication-design" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> MA Communication Design</a>, we are here to support your growth as a creative professional.</p> <p dir="ltr">Take the first step today:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apply now for BA (Hons) Illustration</a></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/ma-communication-design" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Register your interest in MA Communication Design</a></p></li></ul> <p dir="ltr">Or contact our Admissions Team at admissions@aup.ac.uk or +44 (0)1752 203434 for more information.<br /></p>