Thinking about getting into art direction? You’ll want to register for our next portfolio review.

From coming up with an overarching creative concept for everything from publications to exhibitions and re-brands, art directors often collaborate with designers to establish an appropriate style or approach. This could mean agreeing on a typeface or colour scheme to approving photography or commissioning illustrators – all of which add up to form the look and feel of a project.

So whether you’re a student, a grad or just simply in the first year of your career journey, this is a chance to get some advice, meet industry professionals and connect with fellow emerging creatives.

The session will take place over Zoom on Thursday 26th May, from 5pm to 8pm BST. There are only a limited number of places available, so make sure you sign up to register your interest.

The event itself is fast-paced: In breakout rooms of three emerging creatives and one reviewer, you will get the opportunity to show and discuss work, and get advice and feedback. This will then rotate, so you get to meet several reviewers throughout the evening.

Please also note that the session is open to those looking to work in art direction with no more than one year of experience. You will be required to have something to show (e.g. one to two projects or pieces of work that capture what you do), but don’t worry if this isn’t a polished portfolio.

Joe Kibria, art director, Apple
Having initially studied graphic design and illustration at Plymouth College of Art, Joe’s background is predominantly in advertising design. With over 10 years’ experience working at creative agencies such as We Are Social, Livity and TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Joe has worked on projects for activists, social agencies, legacy ‘dinosaurs’ and global tech giants.

See more from Joe here, and read more about Apple here.

Leo Marks, group creative director, Anomaly
Also joining us from Anomaly is Leo, who, after earning his degree in fine and studio arts from Middlesex University, started out doing art residencies and working as a creative producer. Positions at U-Dox International Creative Agency, Urban X, BMW Group and We Are Social soon followed before he became group creative director at Anomaly, known for its innovation and multidisciplinary problem solving.

Read more about Anomaly here.

Jordan Dunlop, art director and creative director, Anomaly
Also joining us from Anomaly is Jordan, whose passion for bold visuals and messages stemmed from graffiti culture. After graduating from Mohawk College in Canada with a degree in advertising and communications, Jordan started his journey at agencies including TAXI Toronto and Sid Lee. Now at Anomaly, Jordan has worked for clients likes Pandora and Johnnie Walker.

See more from Jordan here, and read more about Anomaly here.

Susan Ayton, creative director, BBC Creative
Having started her career as an art lecturer, Susan ventured into the world of advertising in 2006. She worked as a creative and director at Red Bee Media for 10 years before becoming the creative director at BBC Creative in 2016. Her work has included the re-brand of BBC Two, the re-launch and re-brand of BBC Three, and work on cultural hit Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK. Susan also runs the BBC Creative U course, a 10-week advertising course to improve the diversity of talent entering the industry.

Read more about BBC Creative here.

Mike Walsh, creative lead, Uniform
Since joining Uniform’s brand consultancy, Continuous in 2019, Mike has worked on campaigns and brand development for multinational businesses. While he wouldn't describe himself as a specialist in any particular area, with a wealth of experience and years in the game, he feels most at home when developing brand identities for clients.

Read more about Uniform here.

Roisin Johns, paper consultant, G . F Smith
Based in Sidcup, Roisin started out studying textiles and surface pattern design, before further completing an MA in Material Futures at Central Saint Martins. After getting stuck into freelance opportunities and collaborations in photography and jewellery making, she worked as a technician and found a love for painting. Now at G . F Smith, as a paper consultant she combines these passions, running projects and talking to designers and likeminded creatives.

See more from Roisin here, and read more about G . F Smith here.

Geoff Parsons, head of creative, Electric Theatre Collective
Geoff’s wide-ranging career has seen him design photography books and websites, to running broadcast design departments at Channel 5 and Nickelodeon. Today, as a leading part of Electric Theatre studio, he creates visual effects for visual productions that we watch on screen. As one half of the animation studio Future Power, he has also produced music videos for the likes of Jorja Smith, Megan Thee Stallion and Katy Perry, as well as NSFW title sequences for Netflix’s Sex Education.

See more from Geoff here, and read more about Electric Theatre Collective here.

Ruby Boddington, art director, Rapha
Cutting her teeth as an editorial assistant at our sister company It’s Nice That, Ruby worked her way up to staff writer before becoming an associate editor, commissioning and writing long-form stories on all things creative. With skills in publishing, copywriting and journalism, she is now the art director at Rapha, specialising in the storytelling behind the brand’s clothing and overall aim to making cycling the most popular sport in the world.

See more from Ruby here, and read more about Rapha here.

Kieren Gallear, senior art director and creative lead, Selfridges
Working in art direction for clients across sustainable luxury fashion, art, music, beauty, sports and culture, Kieren works with both emerging and established creators, brands, communities and causes to bring ideas to life. In addition to his current work as art director at Selfridges he has worked as a senior creative at Stella McCartney and ASOS. His freelance work includes clients and agencies such as Universal Records, Anyways Creative, WeWork and Village Underground.

See more from Kieren here.

Tom Allen, creative director and co-founder, Buff Motion
Having studied digital music and later digital media, Tom worked extensively as motion graphics designer at the likes of DMI Productions and Uber Digital, before starting up Buff Motion in 2014. Based in Brighton, the studio makes animation for clients including Google and the BBC, as well as non-profits like Crohn’s & Colitis UK and Anthony Nolan.

Read more about Buff Motion here.

This session is open to students, grads, or those within the first year of a creative career. You are only eligible to register if you are:

• Not in full-time creative work
• Within the first year of your career
• Based in the UK
• Aged 18 and over

Please note that you will be required to submit an example of your work in your application. Register your interest by 9am on 17th May via the link below.

Registering for this event does not guarantee a place. Those invited to attend will be emailed a week before the event, and will be asked to pay a £5 deposit. This is to confirm your attendance, and will be refunded after the session.

Attendees are selected based on their eligibility, so please be assured that if you are not invited, this is not a reflection of the quality of your work.

We hope to see you there!