Arts University Plymouth Illustration graduate Zara McDermott creates second edition of MishMash magazine

<p>Arts University Plymouth commissioned Zara McDermott to develop MishMash Issue 2 following the success of the magazine’s first edition, which she originally created while studying in her third year.</p> <p>The second edition was commissioned and overseen by Katie Vella, Marketing &amp; Communications Officer at Arts University Plymouth, after the first issue was warmly received by students, staff and applicants. Working closely with Zara, Katie helped shape the new issue as a creative publication that offers future students an authentic insight into life, work and community at Arts University Plymouth.</p>

<p>Rather than a conventional prospectus piece, MishMash Issue 2 brings together student artwork, graduate stories, interviews and personal reflections. The magazine will be shared with undergraduate applicants over the next three academic years, offering a vivid introduction to the people, projects and creative practices that shape the university.</p> <p>Zara first created MishMash while studying BA (Hons) Illustration at Arts University Plymouth. Since graduating, she has continued to work as a freelance illustrator in Plymouth and recently secured a role as Designer at Redback Cards. </p>

<p>For MishMash Issue 2, students submitted their work through a campus-wide call-out. Zara selected one student from each degree course to feature, interviewing them about their practice, their student experience and what being part of the Arts University Plymouth community means to them.</p> <p>The result is a graduate-led publication that brings together student artwork, personal reflections and insight into the university’s creative community. It gives prospective students a sense of the work being made here, but also the conversations, collaborations and creative journeys behind it.</p>

<p>Alongside student and graduate stories, Zara also interviewed staff and creatives from across Plymouth, including illustrator Pete Clayton and events coordinators Be Nothing Do Nothing.</p> <p>The magazine reflects the city’s independent creative culture as well as the studio-based learning community at Arts University Plymouth. Its pages combine bold layouts, colourful design and student work from across the university’s undergraduate courses.</p> <p>Zara also wrote the editor’s note, opening the issue with reflections on creative exploration, joining creative communities and continuing to challenge yourself as a maker.</p>

<p>Zara said: “It was so lovely to bring Issue 2 of MishMash to life! I loved interviewing people and hearing about what they are working on and learning about their artistic journeys; we all have a story to tell. It was important to me that the interview felt conversational, it makes it more exciting to read and feels like you’re a part of the conversation. I hope people enjoy the magazine and that it showcases how amazing Plymouth and the people here are.”</p>