The role of a graphic designer is incredibly varied. You may find yourself immersed in a fantasy world while designing a set of illustrations for a book, or exploring complex data to create exciting and vibrant infographics that inform rather than confuse.
Graphic communication students at Dudley Sixth are introduced to a wide selection of processes and techniques. Using a range of both traditional and digital methods, they are encouraged to move beyond their comfort zones to produce a variety of work supported by an understanding of design theory and a developing awareness of contemporary practitioners to inform and influence their ideas.
In their second year, students begin to develop their own visual identity while becoming increasingly self-directed and independent, producing a collection of work tailored to their interests and specialisms. This could be an advertising campaign, design work for a clothing website or a set of illustrations for an album sleeve or book. Throughout the year, students will be encouraged to try new approaches and consolidate the skills they have learned in their first year to produce strong, challenging and professionally-produced designs. I believe you will see all of these qualities in this year’s second year work. I hope you enjoy it.
Chris Worley, A-Level Graphics Tutor, Dudley Sixth
In a usual year, A-Level fine art students would have the opportunity to complete two projects over the duration of year two – one self-set, the other selected from externally-set topics released by the exam board and whose final outcome would be produced during an exam. These would normally form a 60/40 split.
This year, the students have been completing one project for the whole year. The pieces of work you see here are the results of a very difficult year, both academically and generally. The results are a real testament to my students’ resilience, willingness to engage with online learning and the sheer determination of every single one of them. They should be extremely proud of their achievements – as am I – and I wish them all the luck for the future.
Gillian Worley, A-Level Fine Art Tutor, Dudley Sixth
In what has been a challenging two years, this Production Arts group have managed to produce high quality work. Ranging from creating a portfolio of disgustingly real special effects make-up, to designing make-up looks for dancers and actors. They have created costumes for a plethora of productions, often with very tight deadlines!!! Alongside costume and make-up, they have created props for live productions and for film and have helped run and organise the shows. When working from home they were able to create their own SFX materials such as home-made scar wax and fake blood!!! Overcoming obstacles and creating fine work is how this cohort shall be remembered.
Luke Orchard and Jo Davis, production arts tutors
Watch this Showcase of Work by Dudley College Production Arts Students
Watch This Video of This Year’s Artsfest Photography Exhibition
Against the odds, our second years have completed a physical and online end of year exhibition, as well as a yearbook publication; first years and evening class students have showcased their Creative Independent projects here online. In addition, first years are showcasing their animal conservation project online. This marks our 10 year collaborative relationship with Dudley Zoo; for whom second years have created a publication, to be sold in their gift shop.
Our students have again represented the college in the Lessons from Auschwitz programme and Dudley Holocaust Memorial day. In addition, this year we have engaged in a collaborative project about family with Professor Gill Pasternak and Anand Chhabra. We have had attended workshops with the University of Wolverhampton, Coventry University, Staffordshire University and Hereford College of Arts, who have again kindly awarded special ‘One to Watch’ awards to final year students. Look out for the banners next to the recipients’ work.
Many have had work published in the Rotary Club Calendar and we have had students win Dudley Photographer of the year. One of our evening class students was awarded Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society and currently has a solo exhibition at TheDudley Archives. Another has been selected to exhibit her work at The New Art Gallery, Walsall. One of our students is college mental health ambassador, and another is a marketing ambassador. Some second years have even worked with a local butcher, making images for his website. Some first years have been working on an app for students with profound and multiple learning difficulties, to be used by local schools.
We are soon to travel to Iceland for the mid-night sun. Photography students are currently in the process of raising money for Refugee Action. This year we have been supported brilliantly by PGCE trainee teacher Milan Callaghan. We hope you enjoy our exhibition. It’s testimony not only to our students’ determination and resilience during testing times but also to the expertise and support we receive from our brilliant teaching team and technicians! Well done and thanks to all!
Phil Brooks, course leader, photography
Watch this Video Diary of Dudley College Photography Students on Their Trip to Ilam, Derbyshire in 2022
The work on show here is just a snapshot of some of the work produced over the past two years. While our students are taught digital skills, they also learn traditional art and design skills in order to develop a broad portfolio of art and design for their progression onto higher education.
Some of our recent students have gone on to study at degree level in subject areas such as visual communication or graphic design, but also illustration, animation, fashion illustration, automotive design, architecture, interior architecture, jewellery design, digital media, and many other creative pathways.
Over the past few months all our students who made university applications were accepted (as usual), and generally on their first choice. Some have chosen to begin their studies at degree level, and others have decided to stay on at Dudley College for a Foundation Year. Well done all – it’s been great working with you. Good luck for the future.
Paul Oldnall, graphics tutor
Seamus Bayne
Progression: University of Chester, BA Graphic Design & Photography
Poverty Britain is an attempt to highlight the everyday examples of poverty and despair in modern Britain. Homeless people now litter the streets alongside overflowing bins; once thriving high streets now feature many derelict buildings and vandalised storefronts.
Maxim Diacov
Progression: Dudley College of Technology, Foundation Diploma
Sensation is a rave brand inspired by the 90s with a modern twist. My project includes a printed magazine which includes posters, mockups and clothing, as well as explanations about the processes used to make each design.
Leah Hamilton
Progression: Dudley College of Technology, Foundation Diploma
My FMP is a fashion and photography magazine called low-profile. It is a 7 page magazine that consists of different photography and editing techniques.
Gio Khroad
Progression: Dudley College of Technology, Foundation Diploma
My FMP is an architectural photobook. I made it to show how towns in the Black Country and the UK as a whole, generally look the same!
Miroslav Kosik
Progression: Dudley College of Technology, Foundation Diploma
My FMP is about taking old clothes and materials and re-purposing them. The process is called Upcycling – using other fashion artists and their methods as inspiration
Alexander Jones
Progression: Aston University, BSc Transport Management
My project is based on the continuously growing problem of homelessness in the UK, and consists of a series of concepts on perspective, to make the viewer think more about what they chose to see, and choose to ignore.
Aimee McKnight – Reaper’s Game
Progression: University of Wolverhampton, BA Animation
“Reapers Game” is my original comic that I’m currently working on in my spare time. For my FMP, I decided to create an animation based on this.
Bryony Nock
Progression: Dudley College of Technology, Foundation Diploma
“Cheer up” is a project that spreads awareness of Anxiety and the effect it has on victims through cute and wonderful dolls. Meet the dolls of Trauma, Diet, and Serotonin.
Tiegan Pearce
Progression: Dudley College of Technology, Foundation Diploma
My FMP is to create awareness of animal species that are likely to become extinct in the near future. I became interested in this subject after recent visits to Dudley Zoo as part of my Graphic Design course.
Amberley Poulton
Progression: Dudley College of Technology, Foundation Diploma
My Final Major Project is about creating sustainable wearable items. I chose to create my own trainer and hoodie design fully made out of repurposed materials.
Lani Raybould
Progression: Birmingham City University, BA Graphic Communication
The four Tarot cards designs on show have been created by combining traditional art and design techniques with digital methodologies.
Jake Smith
Progression: Employment or Further Education
My FMP’s main focus is to educate people about more sustainable alternatives in the form of a coffee brand.
Sam Smith
Progression: Bournemouth University
For my project ‘The Metro’ I wanted to highlight through my work the community of Dudley, providing an essence of our town, both old and new. I was keen to show different techniques that I have accrued at Dudley College within my work, but still push myself to try new things. I was particularly interested in the Midland Metro line that will soon shape Dudley’s future, whilst still using my work to look at Dudley’s rich history and its wonderful people.
Brooke Totney
Progression: Birmingham City University, BA Graphic Communication
My FMP was based around swimming, as I am a British Championship swimmer. The hoodie was designed to keep swimmers’ muscles and body warm as it is vital to stay warm when racing. The materials used to make the hoodie dry quickly and use water resistant materials.
Liam Warden
Progression: Birmingham City University, BA Graphic Communication
My FMP is based on of my skateboarding brand called ‘Rare Life’. My brand philosophy is to live a life so different from anyone else’s that it is seen as ‘Rare’.
How do you build a computer game from the ground up? This course shows you how. The work showcased demonstrates how young designers and artists at Dudley College have challenged the parameters of game design to present original and imaginative solutions for 2D and 3D game outcomes.
Learners are challenged to ‘think outside of the box’ to explore and question conventions within the world of games design. The course provides learners with the opportunity to creatively develop dynamic conceptual outcomes, while working with industry-standard design and production applications.
Students produce a wide range of game related ideas, from creating and developing proposals for intriguing game play and challenging game mechanics, to learning how to visualise, design and build digital characters for game deployment. The learners also get the opportunity to imaginatively craft and sculpt 3D environments and worlds. The use of industry-standard software is at the core of what we offer.
Programmes such as 3D Studio Max, Unreal Engine 4, World Machine, Mudbox, Z Brush, Qiuixel Suite, Crazy Bump, Visual Studio, GameMaker Studio are embedded throughout the projects our learners undertake. As part of the creative aspect of the course, we encourage our learners to become keen practitioners in areas of conceptual illustration, using applications such as Photoshop and Sketchbook to visually portray aspects of their imagination. I hope that you enjoy viewing and watching examples of their work.
Who knows? In a few years, you could be playing one of their games . . .
