BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Overview

In close consultation with Industry Liaison Groups, who help inform the development of our higher education curriculum, we have placed real-world experience at the heart of this course.

Throughout the year we’ll provide the opportunity to visit major showcases and see behind the scenes of design agencies at the forefront of industry innovation. Throughout your studies you will make meaningful connections with employers and professional collaborators from the world of design, brand and advertising, web UX and social media.

Recent external contributors include:<ul><li>The Design Kids</li><li>Creative Conscience</li><li>Plymouth Design Forum</li><li>Upshot Design Agency</li><li>Getty Images</li><li>James Edgar</li><li>Trevor Pettit</li><li>Ramuntcho Matta</li></ul>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. Graduates can become: graphic designers, art directors, digital designers, motion graphic designers, UX designers, advertisers, brand and marketing officers, mobile app designers, content producers, studio managers, account managers. Recent alumni: Designer at JC Decaux; Junior Designer at Pro Direct; Graphic Designer at Brand Potential; Junior Graphic Designer at Studiose; Freelance Designer at Walgreens, Boots Alliance; UX Designer/Web Developer; Designer at Sponge Plymouth, UK; Designer at Felt Branding Agency, UK, Designer at 33 Seconds.

Our Graduates

Sue Lewry

Sue's creative career began in London's fashion industry, where she honed her skills for over 15 years as a graphic designer and art director specialising in editorial and catalogue design. However, her passion for creative expression led her to transition into the world of printmaking in 2013. Recognising the potential of this medium, she pursued a Master's degree in printmaking, earning the prestigious Principles Commendation Award from Arts University Plymouth for her innovative practice-led research. Currently based in Alma Yard, Plymouth, Devon, Sue operates her print studio. Alongside managing her studio, she shares her knowledge and expertise as a lecturer in BA (Hons) Graphic Design, supporting the next generation of designers to reach their aspirations. Beyond her studio and academic pursuits, Sue regularly engages in collaborative projects and commissions with artists, designers and organisations. She is a member of the Plymouth Design Forum team, and actively involved with fostering discussions, debates, and the promotion of design thinking and creativity within Plymouth and the South-west region. One of Sue's standout initiatives is Colossal, a mobile print workshop designed to democratise printmaking experiences and engage communities. Through Colossal, she endeavours to bring the art of printmaking directly to the people, igniting creativity and fostering a sense of empowerment through hands-on creative expression. Sue's dedication to making art and design accessible and meaningful underscores her commitment to enriching both individual lives and the broader community through the power of creativity.

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.