Norwich University of the Arts Students Visit Magna Park
As part of The Big Christmas Brief collaboration, we were honoured to welcome 30 Year 3 students and 2 tutors from Norwich University of the Arts to our Magna Park distribution centre for an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience.
“These students represent the next generation of emerging designers at a pivotal point in their career journey, and it is a privilege to play a small part in their professional development.” Said Ian Blake, our Art Director.
The visit began with an informal presentation and open discussion with our Managing Director, Seth Woodmansterne, who shared insight into Woodmansterne’s heritage, alongside the realities of balancing creativity and commerciality within a publishing environment.
Students were then taken on a guided tour of the building, including a visit to where our card designs are printed, offering a first-hand look at how creative ideas translate to a finished product. Along the way, they met members of the wider Woodmansterne team, helping them see the breadth of roles involved in bringing a collection to life.
A key part of the day was the one-to-one feedback sessions on their submitted designs. Sitting down with members of our studio team; Ian Blake, Esme Lintin, Danielle Everson and Emily Needham, students received thoughtful, constructive feedback tailored to both their creative voice and the realities of designing for retail. These sessions were aimed to give students valuable insight into how their work is viewed professionally, and how it can evolve within a commercial context.
“The industry knowledge and advice that students are gaining from the project is hugely valuable to their understanding and awareness of a professional and commercial exchange between artist and client. Staff and students were blown away by the scale of the production and came away inspired and brimming with ideas.” Said Glyn, Senior Lecturer in Illustration at Norwich University of the Arts
Spending time with such a talented, curious and engaged group reinforced just how exciting the future of design is. The quality of work, originality of ideas and openness to learning demonstrated by the students made it clear that they are entering the industry with strong creative foundations and bright futures ahead.
We’re proud to support initiatives like this, to contribute to the real-world experience of future designers and we look forward to seeing how their work develops.