Introducing Kimberley Nugent our latest Lecturer to join our BA (Hons) Fashion department, ready to impart her specialist skills and experience in graphics, communication and editorial design to our degree students. Before moving to London for university Kim studied her BTEC National Diploma at our former CCAD in Graphic Design & Photography.

“After University, I completed internships and work placements at fashion blogs and magazines.” said Kimberley “I started as a Junior Designer at a small publishing house in Camden, then went on to work for the likes of Superdrug designing their in-store magazine. The experience from that role helped me land a job at my first major news stand magazine, Cosmopolitan. Responsibilities included editorial design and layout for the monthly issues, as well as coming up with ideas for photoshoots and page visuals, in collaboration with the art team and picture editors.

Around this time, there were lots of debate around “print is dead” and digital design skills were becoming highly sought after. So, I took the opportunity to work as a mid-weight designer in the digital department at River Island. This role in particular added a lot to my skill set, working across web design, social media graphics and email layout, for a fast-paced e-commerce brand.”

Eventually Kimberley moved back to the North East “in 2016, after 8 years in London. I spent a few years establishing myself in a new city, working for some fantastic design agencies in Newcastle, before eventually setting up my own graphic design business in 2021. I still continue to design printed publications in a freelance capacity, alongside lecturing. Recent examples include catalogues for lingerie brand Bravissimo and art-directing Scottish fashion and lifestyle magazine, Hood.”

When asked about any pivotal moments in her career she replied “working on a global publication like Cosmopolitan was a huge achievement for me personally! It was a magazine I grew up with and collected as a teenager, so to be designing the pages felt very surreal. Having said that, working for smaller, more independent publications allowed me to have more ownership of the visual identity and a lot more say in the final product, which really helped me gain an extra level of confidence in my abilities.”

Speaking of working with the students she said “I am very excited to bring a mix of graphic design and visual communication skills to the course. My experience in fashion magazines in particular – art directing photoshoots, designing layouts and brand identities – will really deepen the students’ knowledge. I want to teach them how to market themselves and their work, and promote it in a super professional, slick and editorial way.”

Kimberley decided to Lecture at the school because she is “originally from Hartlepool and attended the Northern School of Art for my college course. It feels very full circle to return to the place where I’m from and the school where I studied myself. I feel it’s really important to give back, passing down knowledge and skills to the next generation of creatives.”

Her ambitions for the course are to grow it and “allow for more specialist pathways. Opportunities within fashion are so varied, so I would love to introduce more communications-specific modules, utilising my vast knowledge, real-world experience and industry contacts.”

When asked how important is creative education in terms of stepping into the creative industry, she replied “it’s super important, it’s the foundation for your future career! It’s where you learn to collaborate, to present, to find your niche, to work out your style. It’s an opportunity to experiment, figure out what you stand for and what area of the industry you would ultimately like to pursue. If you really put the effort in, all of that hard work will show as you step into industry.”

Reflecting on her experiences she said her advice for students starting out is to “make connections! The sooner you get out there, the more of a head start you will have. Apply for internships and placements, contact brands and businesses for work experience, offer to help on fashion shows and fashion weeks, soak up as much as you possibly can. The fashion world is competitive, those that are really passionate and actively pursuing opportunities will rise to the top!”

If you are interested in a career in the fashion industry make sure you check out our degree page here. Future students can also find out more about the course and school by booking on an open day where you can speak to staff and students, check out studios, campus and find out a little more about what it’s like to study in Hartlepool, book your place today!