Creative Futures Day Inspires Students Through Industry and Higher Education Connections
On 1 July, students took part in an outstanding Creative Futures Day, bringing together industry professionals, university specialists, alumni and creative practitioners for a full day of hands-on workshops, talks and networking opportunities.
The event was designed to give students direct insight into the wide range of careers and progression routes available across the creative industries, while helping them develop practical skills, build professional networks and gain valuable advice from experts currently working in the sector.
Throughout the day, students engaged with an impressive line-up of guest speakers and workshop leaders, including:
- Lee Weaver and Conor Mulcahy (OneMay) – Branding and Concept Workshop
- Jon Farrell (Jacobs) – AutoCAD Workshop
- Drew Kent (Freelance) – Crochet Workshop
- Beth Gilleeney (Valtech) – UX Design Workshop
- Sian Gregg and Aimee Watt (Alumni) – Adobe Illustrator Workshop
- Eliana and Tiffany (Alumni) – Networking and Business Cards Workshop
- Liam Hulse (The Go Network) – What AI Can’t Steal
- Maxine Lee-Mackie (Freelance) – Character Design Workshop
- Gabi and Natalia (Manchester Metropolitan University) – Clay 3D Modelling Workshop
- Sorcha Boyle (Open Eye Gallery) – Photography Workshop
- Liam Keating (Freelance Designer and Technical Illustrator) – 3D Modelling Workshop
- Matt Wilson (The Games Assembly) – Careers in Games Industry Talk
- Lennon Boyle (Atia Active) – Fashion Design Branding Workshop
- Sophie Hayden (MWB Architecture) – Interior Concept Boards Workshop
- Grace Moffatt (London College of Fashion) – Pattern Cutting Workshop
- Deborah Mather (Artistic Apparels) – Fashion Trend Concepts Workshop
- Amy Hare (Wimbledon College of Arts) – Collage and Illustration Workshop
Students had the opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of creative disciplines, including graphic design, fashion, architecture, games art, photography, illustration, UX design and emerging technologies. The workshops provided invaluable insight into both university pathways and professional careers, helping students to better understand the skills, attributes and experiences needed to succeed in the creative sector.
A particular highlight of the day was the opportunity for students to learn directly from our alumni, whose journeys from college to industry and higher education offered inspiring and relatable advice for current learners.
The event concluded with industry and university panel discussions, where students asked thoughtful questions about career progression, portfolio development, university life, freelancing, and navigating the rapidly changing creative landscape.
Creative Futures Day was a tremendous success and reflects our commitment to ensuring students have meaningful encounters with employers, universities and creative professionals. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our guest speakers, workshop leaders and alumni who generously shared their expertise and experiences with our students.
The enthusiasm, professionalism and engagement shown by our students throughout the day was exceptional, and we look forward to building on these valuable industry partnerships in the future.
