BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application alumni Maisie Rooney creator and editor of TART Magazine has launched two editions of her publication and is gearing up for a networking launch event this month, what initially started as an FMP project has developed into a publication, digital platform and creative community.

Speaking of completing her second edition, which she managed and edited with the help of fellow grads and contributors she said “Launching the second edition of TART magazine has been quite the journey. Unlike the first edition, this time it’s been all on me, which hasn’t been easy. It’s been stressful, but also incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the chance to work with artists and people I really admire, expanding my experiences along the way.”

She has been enjoying collaborating alongside fellow creatives to create this second instalment and to grow the platform, “Working alongside my friend, photographer Jack Purvis, has been a blast. We’ve enjoyed bringing all the contributors’ work to life. Looking ahead, I’m excited about future editions of TART magazine. I see each one growing and offering even more compelling content. I’m grateful for everyone who has contributed to this project. And I’m eager to collaborate with more passionate individuals who share our vision. Together, I believe we can take TART magazine to new heights!”

The month’s event looks to foster connection within the local creative community and and the desire to support women in the arts within the North East, which Maisie describes as a natural manifestation of the brands ethos, explaining: “Our event is a culmination of our passion for fostering connections and celebrating creativity within the North East community. It came about as a natural extension of TART Magazine’s mission to spotlight women and creatives in the region.

We’re incredibly excited about the event! It’s a chance for us to bring together creatives, network, share experiences, and forge new friendships. We aim to create a vibrant and supportive community where everyone feels empowered to showcase their work and collaborate with others. It’s also a chance to get your hands on the newest edition of TART Magazine!”

The desire to cultivate a community is an extension of her experience studying at the school, “Absolutely, the supportive community ethos at the university has had a profound impact on my desire to contribute to creative communities in the northeast through TART magazine. During my time at the university, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse array of creatives from various courses, witnessing firsthand the incredible talent that exists within our community. The collaborative spirit fostered within the university environment ignited a passion within me for working alongside others to bring creative visions to life.

This collaborative mindset has been instrumental in the creation of TART magazine, as I’ve sought to collaborate with artists, writers, photographers, and other creatives to showcase their work and stories.Moreover, being part of a community that celebrates and supports one another’s endeavours has inspired me to create a platform like TART that amplifies the voices and talents of individuals from the northeast. Witnessing the wealth of talent in the region during my time at the university motivated me to establish a platform that not only showcases this talent but also connects creatives with broader audiences.

In essence, the supportive community culture at the university has deeply influenced my desire to contribute to creative communities in the northeast through TART magazine. It has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to create opportunities for collaboration, growth, and recognition within the local creative scene, ultimately fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging for all involved.”

As a graduate of our illustration degree she said that her advice for new student would be “to embrace collaboration by working with others across different courses, actively participate in university events, and make connections beyond your immediate circle. Don’t limit yourself creatively; explore various avenues within illustration and be open to different opportunities. Your lecturers are there to support you, so don’t hesitate to seek their guidance. Stay open-minded and enjoy the journey of discovery and growth during your time at university.”

You can book your place on the TART launch party and networking event here and follow their instagram here @tartmagazine_. If you are interested in studying illustration at degree level find out more about our programme and apply here.