8 x 8 2013

Last week on 30.10.13, students from Stockport College BA(hons) Illustration and MMU’s Creative Writing Course, gathered together to launch this years ‘8 x 8’ Book. The event was held at the new Manchester School of Art in a plush lecture theatre. This is the fifth annual collaboration between the two courses and is the result of the bringing together of two student projects. Firstly the writers at MMU are asked to write short fiction, these stories are then handed over to the illustrators at Stockport to bring to life visually. This creative partnership is then showcased in a book and sold.

The evening was introduced by tutors Robert Graham (MMU Cheshire) and Joanna Spicer (Stockport College). The writers then took turns to read extracts of their stories and also interview the illustrator who responded to their story about the thinking behind they image they created. The audience could follow the story in their purchased books and the illustrators artwork was projected at a large scale. It was a wonderful occasion with both writers and illustrators feeling very proud that their hard work had been celebrated and brought together in a publication.  

This is Not A S** Shop

Graduate Hannah McLennan Jones from Class of 2013, sent some pictures of current projects she's been involved in. We see the 'Sex Shop' beanies hats have been embroidered (they look so good!. Pop star Kate Nash wearing a HMJ original crop top and an image of the recent illustration done for the a band called, The Minx (for their latest single on vinyl). So brilliant to be doing what you love Hannah.

Ben Jones

Ex- student from Ben Jones has been working regularly for the New York Times! His work appears in the Op-Ed pages. Op-Ed is an abbreviation of 'a newspaper page opposite the editorial page' and is devoted to personal comment. This could be perhaps be an opinion about policy, politics or government. It encourages debate and presenting different points of view. The Op-Ed is often a talking point so many people will be looking at his work.

Holocaust Poster Competition - Keeping the Memory Alive

Level 5 student Koroush Heirati has been shortlisted in the Top 20, for the International Competition. Students were invited to submit original posters on the theme “Keeping the Memory Alive – Journeys through the Holocaust” in keeping with the 2014 designated theme of the United Nations Holocaust and Outreach Programme. A committee of international judges, comprising experts in both design and in Holocaust education, will be appointed to select the best posters out of all those submitted.

The 12 highest ranking posters will enjoy high-profile display around the world. Prizes will be awarded for winning designs and the posters will be exhibited extensively, reaching thousands of people in dozens of countries. There will be more news in July about the next round of judging. 

Here's One I Made Earlier

A small group of 'makers' in Level 5, devised ideas and plans for Blue Peter's make section of the show. Famously known for the line "Here's one I made earlier..", the students had to invent a new ‘make’ idea (of which over the years has been fairly exhaustive). They had to come up with aconcept that children could make on their own (or be helped to make with a grown-up!). The materials used, had to cheap and easy to source and tied in to an up coming celebration or cultural day. They also had to test their plans out on a group of school children to see if they could understand the instructions. Michelle Ackerley, Assistant Producer made a  visit to our studio and the students presented to her, she was really impressed with their ideas and is taking them forward to her team meeting. Watch this space. 

Alan Dalby on It's Nice That

The highly swooned over 'It's Nice That' blog has picked up on a Stockport graduate of 2010 as a new talent. The wonderful Mr Alan Dalby!!!!! Alan has worked hard since graduating at perfecting his portfolio and networking. We are really proud of him and well deserved recognition. See his website.

OFFSET - Dublin 2013 !!

OFFSET 2013 will be taking place in Dublin on the 5-7th April. 

Dublin's OFFSET festival will return to the Irish capital's Bord Gais Energy Theatre for three days in April (5-7) with an impressive line-up of international speakers from the creative arts, speakers include Ben Bos, Bob Gill, Ciaran Ogaora, Craig & Karl, Hvass & Hannibal, Kate Moross, Marina Willer, Oliviero Toscani, Sarah Illenberger and Vaughan Oliver to name a few!

Please follow the link to their website here: http://iloveoffset.com/



I have been designated as a Student Rep for Stockport College.

EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW !! - Please contact me via laurasharpe23@hotmail.co.uk or come to Level 5 Illustration Studio, 4th Floor.

This is an event not to be missed!!