Submitted by Shannon Callery on the 2017 summer session program in London, England sponsored by the Department of Art and Design …
Monday June 17, 2017
Today, we had an animation workshop with Jim Le Fevre, which was actually not as intimidating as I thought it would be. We created animations using a record player and illustrations kind of like a spinning flipbook. Animation is so much more fun for me when it is an analog process. We then got to meet with Ben Cox, director of the Central Illustration Agency or CIA. Ben’s job is to manage a group of illustrators and help them get commissioned jobs in the field. I like to think that they are secretly spies plastering the city with artwork under the cover of darkness.
Tuesday June 18, 2017
Ever had a graphic designer play guitar for you? Neither have I. Until today when Michael Johnson, director of the wildly successful Johnson Banks firm, finished up his motivational speech with a calming guitar session. The real treat of the visit was to see how he works and his step-by-step process for attacking briefs and finding a solution.
And what could be better than a inspiring talk with a famous designer than a free lunch at the Thai restaurant, The Pepper Tree.
Wednesday June 19, 2017
My only life aspiration was to be a wizard. When I discovered that Hogwarts isn’t real, I made plans to be a graphic designer. Still, the Warner’s Bros Making of Harry Potter studio tour was a great taste of magic. I got to walk into the Great Hall and see where Harry, Ron and Hermione sat for years casting spells and casually saving the dual realities of muggle and wizard life. I got to learn about the incredible animatronics behind the creatures, the inspiring craft of the costumes and props and the amazing technical direction used to film quidditch. Although, I couldn’t officially enroll in Hogwarts there, I settled for a butter bear and some Honeydukes jellybeans.
Thursday June 20, 2017
This morning, I found myself in a personal vision of heaven; surrounded by hundreds of independently published magazines. Yes, that is one of my versions of heaven especially when magCulture’s Jeremy Leslie has some of the best feminist magazines I’ve ever found. Jeremy talked about not just what he likes about magazines, but also about what makes a magazine successful. Those are good tips to keep in mind for when we make our book and for any publications that might end up in our portfolio.
