Degree Show Review

Jessica Beardmore

As I have a keen interest in trend forecasting and art direction, Jess' work stood out to me immediately. The clean, clinical lines used throughout the work were inspiring and fresh. She has established her own brand identity; this is something I would like to achieve myself throughout my third year. The execution of her work is of a high standard. Particularly eye catching were Jessica's labels, showing that she has paid attention to every aspect of her work, something I would like to explore myself. Her strengths, like my own, are her use of layout and presentation; this is something that has inspired me in creating my concept for my final year. Her presentation style is minimal, which is personally to my taste, however in third year I would like to explore colour more in depth.

Bethany Smedley

When exploring Bethany's work at the Degree Show, I noticed her use and exploration of media. Her work is very expressive and is directly inspired from her drawings, which I find hard to do. Bethany has used the print room to transfer foils to fabrics and create prints. Although I do not enjoy the print room as much as digital print, Bethany has inspired me to experiment in third year with new techniques. She has also focused on trend forecasting throughout her work but has focused a lot more on her fashion imagery and styling abilities. My own styling abilities need to be improved as I plan to create a look book and need it to be as strong as possible.

Hollie Davies

From the Degree Show I felt that Hollie's work most related to my own, her interest in trend forecasting, art direction and her extremely strong digital skills meant that I immediately gravitated to her work. Hollie's use of Displacement Mapping was executed to a very high standard, allowing me to realise that I would like to develop my own digital skills further. Although I know how to use the technique, my execution could be worked on. Hollie also has an expressive use of colour throughout her work, although I love colour, I can sometimes hold back in my work when using it. Hollie managed to create strong, clean, minimal work from expressive drawing and an extensive colour palette. I also appreciate her trend abilities, using the idea of 'Everyday Utopia' for inspiration allowed Hollie to gather an extensive research base for her trend, something I must think about in the future when creating my own concepts.