Pathway: Illustration
Within a supportive, positive and encouraging atmosphere, the key members of staff on the illustration pathway aim to equip students with a broad range of both practical and theory-based skills which are current and appropriate to contemporary illustrative practice.
We are a small, dedicated, enthusiastic team who between us have a range of industry experience in the areas of illustration and graphic design. As such, we are focused on teaching and learning rather than research. The pathway has strong links with industry in terms of high profile visiting lecturers to ensure that you get current design thinking and ideas and a relevant 'up to date' insight into the industry.
There are professional practice trips to practising artists, designers, studios and agencies, and participation in national and international competitions such as D&AD, YCN and RSA is encouraged and supported. There are regular field trips to places of interest such as Berlin, Amsterdam and Kracow in Poland, and final year students have the opportunity to exhibit work in London.
Graduates continue to successfully convert the educational experience they receive on the pathway into design-based careers. Students have gone on to study at M.A. level or pursued careers in Freelance Illustration, Art Direction, Graphic Design, Animation (in house and freelance), Computer Games Design, Textile Design, Surface Pattern Design, Children's book illustration, Web Design, Fine Art and Teaching (at primary, secondary, FE and HE).
The pathway also supports graduates via a college-backed initiative called 'Giant' which acts as an artist's agent, enabling students to bridge the gap between education and the commercial world of design in a supportive atmosphere, a sort of 'incubator'. Visit their website at www.giantillustration.com.
Student Testimonials
"Studying the BA in illustration at Stockport college was a life changing thing for me. The tutors encouraged me to create work that was true to myself and they helped me develop it to a professional standard. They prepared me for the industry and gave me and others in the course a head start compared to other illustrators just finishing there degree course. Now I am working in London in the industry and enjoying every single moment."
Cheryl Taylor
"My time at Stockport College was the most creative environment I have been a part of. The tutors were always there to help and nurture the development of my work and have enabled me to carry on successfully in the world of freelance illustration. The tutors all have a good background in the industry and visiting lecturers prepare you for the best job in the world."
Ben Jones
Level 1
In this first year we lay the foundations of sound design practices
and methodologies, aiming in part to broaden and readdress preconceptions
of drawing. We look at basic design; line, texture, form, composition
and colour, often in abstract ways in order to provide a foundation
for the following two years.
Students are exposed to a wide range of influences and ideas and introduced to an assortment of practical design skills and theories relevant to design and visual arts. From these they can explore ideas and thought processes to solve problems. Contexts are introduced including editorial, design and book illustration. They are encouraged to communicate and work with others, which stimulates effective critical awareness.
Level 2
In year two students are encouraged to further explore their own visual
language, through responses to challenging and stimulating verbal and
written briefings, followed by group and individual tutorials, and
verbal critiques. Students build on skills established in year one
but with an emphasis on personal exploration.
There are opportunities to extend and enrich the creative approach of students, providing diverse knowledge and skills which broaden artistic and vocational direction by underpinning specialist skills and knowledge or by forging new combinations of skills. Students are introduced to new contexts of children's book illustration and moving image for both broadcast graphic applications and web.
Through visits to commercial studios/agencies, college-based activities and visiting lecturers, students gain awareness and understanding of how the world of design works.
Additionally, students are required to give verbal and visual presentations of their work, offering justification and argument for design decisions.
Level 3
Third year students work increasingly independently with tutorial guidance
and support on a variety of assignments both set and self-initiated
according to individual need. Group critique remains an important aspect
of the learning experience.
Students are by now much more vocationally focused and are expected to synthesise and apply knowledge, experience and skills learnt in previous years within their design work. They are encouraged to investigate ideas/concepts in a more focused and personal way, displaying independent thought and innovation.
Time management skills and a professional awareness are emphasized through students' professional practice work, which looks at the business aspects of the art and design world. Instruction and guidance is given in freelance business skills and work presentation. Support and advice are also given with regard to self-promotion, for the final degree exhibition and the D&AD exhibition in London.
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