Isaac
Meardon

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

For me, NTU offered a course that meant I could push my creative limits and explore the world of illustration in a way that gives me the freedom to not only challenges my physical artistic skills, but also my approach, thought process and thinking skills.

What’s your favourite thing about your course?

Aside from the varying projects and freedom for creative expression, the amazingly talented classmates bring the course too life! There is such a rich sense of community, and everyone knows each other. I always love seeing the unique work of others and how they’ve approached the same brief. I think as artists, we benefit from simply being around each other, and the course really encourages this.

How have you found the course facilities?

The facilities have been great, whatever you want to do, you can do it. There’s everything from industry standard digital equipment to rooms dedicated to traditional printing. There’s a lot of variety, so that gives you the opportunity to try anything you want. Using the
equipment is made simple with help from the technicians, and you can book facilities online, making it quick.

Have you worked on any live briefs or competitions?

Yes! We had an entire module dedicated to a live brief that even offered the opportunity to get works featured. For me, I worked on the live brief set by Anorak, a children’s magazine publisher. This gave me the opportunity to experience a task set by a real client and familiarise myself with industry standard expectations and feedback. While I haven’t worked at any competitions, they have been advertised ones on our course. All of these are great opportunities to show off your work!

Has your course included any guest speakers or industry trips?

There have been both guest speakers and industry trips. This is always great because we get to hear insight from someone who could be doing the very job we want to do! It bridges that awkward gap between student and professional world. As creatives, it’s good to take a break from being at your desk and see your practice. We had some industry trips this last year, and it was a great way to the work we are passionate about in the real world. I always come back full of inspiration after them.

Where would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?

I love the lace market side just east from the town centre. That’s where all the cool shops, street art and great restaurants are! No trip to Nottingham is complete without visiting Tokenhouse, it’s such a charming little shop filled with all things arty and crafty.