The animation production course is now in its fourth year. Students have been engaged in the production of animations for broadcast and on-line distribution including Music Video, Idents, Digital art, Graphic Narrative Production and Final Independent project where students research, design and produce animations based on their own style and techniques.
Students began their studies exploring the 12 Principles of animation which underpin the key creation of movement. This year has seen the students produce excellent 2D animations using hand drawn content, digital illustration and vector/asset-based techniques.
The standard of work has been excellent with most students working at a standard equivalent to year 1 degree level study.
Stuart McConnell, Lecturer in Media and Animation
DUDLEY ZOO CARNIVORES COMPETITION 2024
Each year, our photography and graphics students work with Dudley Zoo on a variety of exciting projects aimed at raising awareness of animal welfare and conservation.
This focus of this year’s project was carnivores, with many students making regular trips to the zoo to photograph the animals and learn more about them and their eating habits. Not only is this a good chance to put their knowledge of camera techniques to the test (as animals can be notoriously difficult to photograph) , it’s also a great opportunity to get closer to wildlife in a way that can’t be achieved simply by watching nature documentaries online or on TV.
Below is a gallery of some of our students’ amazing images – we hope you enjoy.
Phil Brooks, photography course tutor
On Monday 13th March 2024, a combination of Photography, Art, Graphic Design, Production Arts, Music and Tourism students, along with the members of staff and the Students Union, took on the challenge of climbing Scafell Pike, despite challenging weather conditions.
Accompanying the group on the day was former Dudley Mayor Steve Waltho. As an experienced climber, he helped the group of 30 reach 1,500 ft from the foot of the mountain.
As the weather took a turn for the worst, achieving this height was even more impressive and a great reflection of the resolve and enthusiasm of our staff and students.
The hike was in support of the College’s nominated charities, Ronnie & Friends and Black Country Mental Health, for which students and staff raised an incredible £1,500 with photography student, Louis Simcox, raising more than £300 through his own efforts.
Phil Brooks, photography course tutor
At last year’s Dudley Holocaust Memorial event, we were commissioned by Lord Ian Austin to explore the life stories of the current refugees and migrants who have sought sanctuary and safety in our community of Dudley.
This project, which included photographs, video interviews and paintings, culminated in an exhibition at Dudley Archives in February this year which celebrated the resilience, diversity, inclusion, togetherness and community of our local refugees.
Dudley College Photography students worked with local art photographer, Anand Chhabra, to produce a compelling set of images, while our technician/artist, Chris Davies, made some wonderful paintings to complement the students’ work.
Our TV and film students also conducted interviews with the refugees featured in our exhibition to explore their individual stories and investigate more deeply their sense of feeling supported and welcomed by the community of Dudley.
Thanks to the Dudley Archives, we also researched some fascinating historical refugees who had made Dudley their home in the past and contributed to society in often very interesting cultural, artistic and scientific ways.
Thanks to all the wonderful people and especially to the refugees who worked with us on the project, many of whom are English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students here at Dudley College. It was an amazing and often humbling experience to meet people from Ukraine, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Uganda and lots of other places and learn more about their culture, experiences and traditions.
The opening night of our exhibition at Dudley Archives in February was a huge success, with more than 100 visitors who came to see the work on display, talk to the refugees and watch the interviews conducted by our students. It was also featured in local newspaper, the Express and Star.
Chris Davies’ portrait of one particular refugee, Mansoor, was also featured in this year’s highly-acclaimed RBSA Portrait Prize exhibition, which was on show at the society’s gallery in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, recently.
Phil Brooks, photography course tutor
Maddison Wellsbury, 2nd year photography student
Miah Bryan, 2nd year photography student
