BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application recent graduate Lauren Hubbert was awarded this years Illustration Achievement Award. This award is given to the student who has shown an exceptional attitude within their practice, commitment to their studies and positive influence within the cohort.

Lauren, from Ingleby, completed our Foundation Diploma at our Middlesbrough campus “but took a detour after starting a sociology degree before leaving to study illustration, a subject I was more passionate about. I chose to study at the northern school of art for a range of reasons. On open days I found that the school was welcoming and friendly as well as that the illustration course seemed contemporary and geared towards getting work in the industry. I also had enjoyed studying at the Middlesbrough campus and liked that it is North East based.”

Lauren said that the illustration degree programme “gave me an understanding of and chance to explore the range of areas within illustration as well as to experiment with different printing methods like screen printing and Riso printing. This was done through a range of tutors who have a variety of industry experience and who have always been encouraging and ready to help. All the projects are designed to give relevant industry knowledge even including live briefs such as creating animations for Hartlepool light switch on.”

She reflected on the industry focus the course has that lead to her working with an agency, she commented “we also had lots of opportunities to sell our own work, getting experience of creating and selling physical outcomes whether that be creating our own zine fair or having a stall at Thoughtbubble comic convention. We also have had the opportunity to hear inspiring talks from illustrators and those within the industry and get professional feedback from them. The portfolio that I created during my time on the course got me signed to Astound, a global children’s publishing agency.”

For Laurens FMP she “created a range of projects to build my portfolio and push my creative practice. I wrote and created a selection of coloured spreads for my picture book “Bright and Brave“. Bright and brave sees the main character Maya overwhelmed and anxious in a new city, but a magical journey with a midnight fox helps to change her perspective. Within scenes I aim to include smaller moments of interaction and interest within the overall narrative to add energy to the page and details which can be noticed after looking closely. As well as this I created book cover for an imagined book “The right path“ and re-illustrated the cover for the classic “Little Women”. I also developed cards, patterns and a sketchbook zine to promote my work and sell my art. I aim for bright bold colour, painterly textured and sketch like and pattern details to flow through my work on all of these project.”

Speaking of winning the award Lauren said “I was really honoured to receive this award, especially as my course was filled with so many hard working and talented people. I feel really proud to look back on the work that I have created and opportunities which I have been able to take on.”

She said “one of the best things about the course has been meeting so many creative people and creating work alongside each other.  I also have had the opportunity to go on trips abroad, visiting galleries, museums and exploring the cities. Yearly trips to Newcastle and Seaton Carew are really fun memories of getting to socialise with fellows students, sketching and seeing different parts of the local area.”

Reflecting on her three years Lauren said “it’s been great to see my own work develop from creating my book in first year to being highly commended for the MacMillan prize in second year to being signed to an agency in my final year and tying everything together for the final projects.  As well as this I got the chance to live illustrate at UCAS events and take part in illustrated photo booths at Hartlepool pride and graduation which are things I wouldn’t have considered or had the opportunity to do before coming on this course.”

For her future step she hopes “to continue to develop my work and keep open to a range of possibilities. I’m currently working on projects with my agency and taking time to reflect on what I will do next.” Her adive for future students is “to make the most of every opportunity especially because the three years goes so quick! As well as this to enjoy what you’re doing and work on projects that you love!”

Keep up to date with Laurens work on her Instagram @laurenhubbertillustration and website laurenhubbert.com.