Over the past few months, universities and graduates have been working hard to showcase and celebrate their degree show work online – and it’s all available for you to explore!
Due to the coronavirus pandemic – this summers degree shows have sadly had to be cancelled. But while physical exhibitions may be on hold, and there is no shortage of emerging illustration talent ready to be discovered this year. Opportunities to be seen by a global audience include a fantastic initiative called the Nationwide Degree Show set up by young designers in London – displaying a variety of graduate highlights across billboards in the UK.
Whether you are a commissioner looking to work with fresh talent, or just an illustration enthusiast, we recommend visiting a variety of this years innovative online degree shows. Now is the time to celebrate, share and support the graduates of 2020. Wherever you are in the world, the AOI have compiled a shortlist of 5 illustration degree shows to get you started on your virtual tour.
Highlights: Mitigating Circumstances is student-led, dual scroll web design, that allows you to explore illustration and graphic design in tandem. Don’t miss out on Imogen Crossland’s bold colourful collages, or Jazmin Key’s tea-filled monoprints.
Highlights: Arts University Bournemouth celebrates the broad variety of styles and specialism among this years graduates. Make sure to check out George Reynolds’ calming hand drawn narratives, and Mary Flora Hart’s ‘Urban Eden’ series.
Highlights: The Leeds Arts University Degree Show connects you directly with their graduates’ websites. We encourage you to explore Olivia Mcewan-Hill’s illustrated objects, and Fanette Perrineau’s ‘Slug Gallery’.
Highlights: The students of Cardiff School of Art and Design went above and beyond, creating and filming home exhibitions, in place of this years degree show. We really applaud this course’s innovative approach. Make sure to catch Nakisha Talbot’s explorations on femininity, and Erin Julian’s short film‘That really gets my goat’.
Highlights: From printmaking to procreate, the students of Cambridge School of Art showcase an exciting range of skills and techniques. Don’t miss Crystal Pandita’s dark comic strips, or Lizzie Knott’s editorial illustrations around mental health and Covid-19.
To discover more new talent, check out our recent feature – 10 UK ILLUSTRATION GRADUATES TO WATCH IN 2020