Talented designers and illustrators from Arts University Plymouth’s class of 2023 are making a real impression on modern means of communication.
With a strong presence at international showcases such as New Designers, students have collaborated with leading charities such as the National Trust and campaigned on issues ranging from self-censorship and improved wellbeing for women with ADHD as well as working together on a recipe book for those in food poverty.
From illustration to graphic design, three of the most innovative and ambitious graduates from Arts University Plymouth’s Summer Shows and Class of 2023 are highlighted here.
Indra Brooks is a versatile illustrator known for her bright and bold illustrations, using a mix of digital and analogue media. Based in Plymouth, her work features eye-catching colour, shape and detail accompanied by handwritten typography. Through her unique style, she skilfully illustrates non-fictional content, drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems around the world.
Indra enjoys creating work that celebrates different cultures, using her final major project to write and illustrate a cookbook called ‘Tastes Like Home’. This passion project pays homage to her Indian and Malaysian heritage, illustrating simple and full flavour recipes shared across countries, cultures and generations by her family.
Lucy Hartman is an illustrator based in Devon who creates detailed artwork that is inspired by her passion for nature, specifically birds. Lucy spends most of her time painting and exploring new traditional techniques such as Riso printing, ink and watercolour.
Lucy’s motivation is found within limited colour palettes, patterns and detailed textures, and she is currently creating a series of non-fiction picture books, educating readers about Devonshire birds, ornithology and the importance of rewilding.
Earlier this year, Lucy took part in a Green Minds project, supporting National Trust property, Saltram House, to create a range of displays to educate visitors about the benefits of helping nature. Lucy used her keen interest in ornithology to create bird illustrations for physical display boards around the country house grounds.
from Plymouth.
Archie McKenzie is an illustrator and activist from Plymouth with work comprising nonfiction and fiction drawn from personal experience and an interest in biology. Archie’s illustrations explore themes of identity and emotional connections with society and nature. Using acrylic inks, pencils and markers, Archie’s final major project, ‘Weird or Wonderful?’, was a concertina book about saltwater clams and shipworms. The book is over two metres long and created for both children and adults, with a focus on neurodiverse readers. Throughout his time at Arts University Plymouth Archie has worked closely with clients including the Students’ Union and Plymouth Trans Pride. Archie is keen to pursue more research-based illustration and continue to make books and stories that seek to capture the human experience, working predominantly with organisations focused on positive change.
For more information about courses available at Arts University Plymouth visit www.aup.ac.uk
