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Ryan Young

Ryan Young

Senior Lecturer

Nottingham School of Art & Design

Role

Ryan serves as the Course Leader for Costume Design & Construction, where he oversees the program’s academic delivery and provides guidance to students across all levels of study. As the year leader for final-year students, he plays a pivotal role in supporting their academic and creative development. His responsibilities include delivering lectures, leading tutorials, and conducting workshops in 3D design and construction, as well as managing assessments.

In addition to his teaching duties, Ryan acts as the lead admissions tutor, provides personal tutoring, and coordinates open day presentations. He is also responsible for organizing degree showcase exhibitions, developing external partnerships, liaising with industry professionals, and contributing to the ongoing development of the course and curriculum.

Career overview

Ryan is an experienced creative practitioner with a passion for modelmaking and special effects. His career has spanned various roles in the film industry, where he has contributed to the prop departments of major feature films such as Thor: The Dark World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Warcraft. With in-depth knowledge of materials and processes used in practical effects, combined with expertise in digital technologies, Ryan offers a unique approach to guiding costume students. He helps them expand their skillsets and build distinctive portfolios by integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.

In addition to his role at NTU, Ryan operates his own workshop, specializing in the replication of creative works. His practice includes moulding, casting, digital scanning, and 3D printing, enabling him to deliver innovative solutions across a range of creative projects.

Research areas

Ryan’s research focuses on the development of wearable artifacts, blending elements of fine art, practical effects, and costume design. His practice explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and technological innovation, with a particular emphasis on the human form. By working with body casts and digital body scans, Ryan creates wearable pieces that are closely tied to the performer’s body.

His ongoing exploration of contemporary digital techniques informs both his practice and teaching, ensuring that his approach remains cutting-edge and research driven.

External activity

  • The Higher Education Academy Fellow (FHEA)
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCert)
  • Association of Professional Model Makers (APMM)
  • London 2012: Weymouth opening ceremony - Battle for the winds
  • Nottingham Body Cast: Project commissions and training workshop - Life Casting and 3d Scanning
  • London/ OXO Tower: Annual sculpture exhibition and lectures/demo
  • Replicating an Icon: Robin Hood Statue - A gift to Nottingham’s sister city Ningbo
  • Trauma FX/ Simbodies: Surgical & Armed forces training (Consultancy and Manufacture)
  • Cartoon Network: Ben 10 Live - Time Machine - Prop costume production
  • Nickelodeon: Paw Patrol Live - Prop costume production
  • Disney/ Pinewood Studios: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
  • Marvel/ Shepperton Studios: Thor: The Dark World
  • Bandai/ Formaldehyde Design: Power rangers TV commercial

Course(s) I teach on