In October 2017, the work of several students on our art and design course were featured in this year’s International Print Exchange (IPE) – a global event celebrating the art of printmaking. The second-year students produced their print work in their own time, using techniques including lino and screen-printing in the college’s printmaking studios.
Their work became part of the ninth annual print exchange; with submissions going on display at a prestigious exhibition in Derby, as well as being exchanged with a global community of printmakers.
From West Notts to working on one of the world’s most influential websites; creative director Jason Holland is keen to share his knowledge of the industry with students past and present.
Jason Holland studied at West Notts in the early nineties, completing a First Diploma in Art and Design, followed by a two-year HND Graphic Design qualification. It was on these courses where Jason found his interest in the creative industry.
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“As I studied in the nineties, I got a deep insight into the 'craft' of typography as I had to make the text using Bromides, Letraset and even hand-drawing some of it too. An Apple Mac appeared in the second year which re-ignited my passion for computers, ultimately leading to the merger of the two in Interactive Design (or multimedia as it was then called).”
Jason fondly recalls his time at West Notts, and credits it for helping him not only gain the practical skills needed, but the communication skills too.
“It gave me the foundation and preparation for what I then learnt in a job. It also taught me how to deal with a variety of characters and personalities - this has nothing to do with design, but ended up being an essential skill in my job and as a founder member of the two agencies I have owned.”
After his time at college, Jason went on to study a BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design at the University of Northumbria at Newcastle, and it was through his final major project that he made links with his first employers; Hyperinteractive. Jason became the digital designer for the company, and met his current business partner here; Felix Velarde.
He is now the creative director of Underwired.com - a leader in web-based customer relations management and credited as being one of the world's top 10 most influential websites. He works with clients such as Virgin, McCain, Bupa and Sony.
Jason regularly returns to the college to share his story and inspire students who are as passionate about creative arts as he is.
“The college is quite different to when I studied there. The building I studied graphic design in doesn't even exist anymore! In recent years I have returned to do some half-day lectures and seen a space to work that is heavenly, inspirational and I’ve met some great students who I’ve kept in touch with.”