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Jay Harris

Jay Harris

Lecturer

Nottingham School of Art & Design

Staff Group(s)
Fashion marketing, management and communication

Role

As a dedicated module leader and lecturer in Creative Direction & Curation for Fashion, as well as Fashion Communication and Promotion, I play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of creative minds in the dynamic field of fashion. Leading these modules involves not only imparting theoretical knowledge but also fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking among students.

In the Creative Direction & Curation module, I guide students in understanding the intricate balance between artistic expression and global trends, emphasising the importance of curating compelling narratives within the fashion industry. Simultaneously, in Fashion Communication and Promotion, I explore the multifaceted realm of communication strategies, equipping students with the skills to effectively convey fashion concepts to diverse audiences. Through a combination of theoretical insights, practical projects, and industry exposure, I aim to inspire and prepare students for the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, where creativity and communication intertwine to drive success.

Career overview

In my multifaceted career as an Art Director and Filmmaker, I've had the privilege of contributing my creative expertise to renowned brands like Ocado Retail, Charlotte Tilbury, and Shaun Leane. My role has involved orchestrating creative direction across diverse platforms, from print and digital to moving images, with some projects even gracing the screens of UK television. The dynamic nature of these projects, each catering to expansive consumer bases, has honed my ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate across various touchpoints.

Beyond my work in Art Direction, filmmaking has become a defining aspect of my creative journey. I've produced over twenty short films, served as an AD and Production Designer on music video sets, and directed the award-winning queer short film, "Caravaggio's Cupid," marking a significant milestone as the first LGBTQ+ narrative film set within Germany's prestigious Gemäldegalerie.

In addition to my creative endeavours, I proudly serve as the Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network, fostering inclusivity, and as a Trustee on the board of Directors at Backlit Gallery in Nottingham, where my passion for storytelling extends to supporting and promoting diverse voices within the arts. Creativity, for me, is synonymous with storytelling, and it's this narrative thread that weaves through every aspect of my professional and advocacy work.

Research areas

Homosexuality and The Heteronormative Lens constitutes a self-initiated research endeavour commenced in 2016, delving into the contemporary facets of gay identity and its intricate relationship with the evolving digital landscape. My research scrutinises the impact of virtual spaces on the gay social sphere, examining the nuances of accessibility to both gratification and discrimination within these platforms. Beyond the exploration of present dynamics, the project meticulously analyses the historical and contemporary manifestations of heteronormative ideologies surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. By interrogating the intersections of technology, identity, and societal norms, my research seeks to unravel the complexities inherent in being gay in today's digitised world, offering a critical perspective on the transformative influence of the digital age on the LGBTQ+ experience.

External activity

  • Trustee, Board of Directors at BACKLIT Gallery in Nottingham
  • Visiting Practitioner, BA Design for Art Direction at University of the Arts London.
  • Judge of the Queer Student Awards.
  • Creative Direction Consultancy for small businesses and new ventures.

Press expertise

In a previous role, I was the Communications officer, Partners in Pride. This committee's role is to raise money for LGBTQ+ charities, provide a support network amongst colleagues, and ensure that we, as a business, take proactive steps in educating our internal workforce and our customer base on LGBTQ+ related issues.

As Communications Officer, it is my role to spearhead the development of our communications strategy on behalf of the committee and how we communicate issues and news surrounding the LGBTQ+ community to our customers.

Course(s) I teach on