MA Communication Design*

Dedicated to teaching both theory and practice since 1999, Mel began teaching at Arts University Plymouth in 2004. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, AUP Teaching Fellow and RSA Fellow. Mel’s skills and experience are consolidated in her role as Assistant Dean and Principal Lecturer, having long since decided that working alongside the next generation of designers and creatives was exactly where she wanted to be. Previously course leader for BA (Hons) Illustration, Mel built a team of dedicated staff to help shape the identity and curriculum of the course, and the Illustration provision at Arts University Plymouth grew from strength to strength Current pedagogic research is focused on play and the role of curiosity in creative learning. Mel has presented papers at conferences across the UK and Europe: Illustr4tio International Conference (‘Illustration as Reparation’ 2019), GLAD Conference (‘Trading Places: Developing a Model for Interdisciplinary Practice’ 2017), HEA Annual Arts and Humanities Conference (‘The Great Editorial Race: the serious business of play’ 2016), ELIA Teachers Conference (‘The Serious Business of Play’ 2015). She is co-author of journal paper ‘Drawing Thinking: Illustration as Pedagogy' with AUP Senior lecturer Jason Hirons. With a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design and MA in Visual Culture from Bath Spa University, in her own practice Mel is obsessed with discarded books and abandoned photographs and seemingly random pieces of ephemera. Through drawing and collage Mel plays with juxtaposition to transform the use, meaning and interpretation of the images she finds and a recurring theme is the plight of lost, broken and damaged things. As part of Mel's role as Assistant Dean, she assists the Dean of Art, Design & Media in the academic & operational leadership of undergraduate Design courses at Arts University Plymouth, driving pedagogic innovation and supporting subject specialisms in Design.She is an active committee member and convenor of the Making Learning research group.

Sue's creative career began in London's fashion industry, where she honed her skills for over 15 years as a graphic designer and art director specialising in editorial and catalogue design. However, her passion for creative expression led her to transition into the world of printmaking in 2013. Recognising the potential of this medium, she pursued a Master's degree in printmaking, earning the prestigious Principles Commendation Award from Arts University Plymouth for her innovative practice-led research. Currently based in Ocean Studios, Plymouth, Devon, Sue operates her print studio. Alongside managing her studio, she shares her knowledge and expertise as a lecturer in BA (Hons) Graphic Design, supporting the next generation of designers to reach their aspirations. Beyond her studio and academic pursuits, Sue regularly engages in collaborative projects and commissions with artists, designers and organisations. She is a member of the Plymouth Design Forum team, and actively involved with fostering discussions, debates, and the promotion of design thinking and creativity within Plymouth and the South-west region. One of Sue's standout initiatives is Colossal, a mobile print workshop designed to democratise printmaking experiences and engage communities. Through Colossal, she endeavours to bring the art of printmaking directly to the people, igniting creativity and fostering a sense of empowerment through hands-on creative expression. Sue's dedication to making art and design accessible and meaningful underscores her commitment to enriching both individual lives and the broader community through the power of creativity. www.suelewry.com

Sam Rowe is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader on BA (Hons) Illustration and a lecturer on BA (Hons) Graphic Communication, where he team-teaches modules on sequential illustration, professional practice, and independent and self promotional practices. Outside his time teaching at Arts University Plymouth, Sam is a freelance illustrator, art director, and designer, working with clients such as The New York Times, Financial Times, Airbnb, Atlassian, The McConnell Foundation, NPR, Dyson, and Bristol University amongst others. Sam is represented globally by The Loud Cloud, an agency that works with a dynamic group of unique illustrators, designers and animators. Sam regularly works with the Society for Research into Higher Education, delivering workshops and seminars focusing on visualising research and sharing best practice. Prior to joining the academic teaching staff at the college, Sam taught illustration at the universities of Gloucestershire and Plymouth. In 2021, Sam also became part of our Postgraduate cohort of students, beginning his MA in Illustration. His research centres on voice and communication, particularly those that bridge difficult gaps in understanding such as language and deep time.

As a practicing graphic designer and founder of Studio Auto, Matt Thame has consistently reinvented and modified his output, resulting in a body of work that is both extensive and incredibly diverse. Matt has built an international reputation for striking design work for the music industry, with a prolific output for many major record labels. His work on album covers for labels such as Strut Records & Universal is particularly renowned. Studio Auto continues to broaden its client base to include current arts organisations, corporate identities and independent artists. Matt works in a multi-disciplinary style incorporating illustration, photography and typography in a flexible and individual approach to each project. As a tutor at Arts University Plymouth, Matt enjoys sharing ideas, encouraging potential, expanding skills and communication, drawing on his own experiences as a working designer to complement and enhance the students discovery into the demanding standards that are required of a contemporary graphic designer, in presentation, creative process, conceptualization and art direction.