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Laura Jackson-Willis - The Open College of the Arts

To find out more details about the transfer to The Open University see A New Chapter for OCA.

Laura Jackson-Willis

Over many years I have gained experience across a range of art and design disciplines. It all started whilst growing up in a creative environment as my father was a sculptor, sitting in his studio making all sorts of things, it seemed a natural progression for me to study at Art School. During my professional career in London graphic design agencies I specialised in brand identity/packaging design, followed by self employment that enabled my practice to develop further in typography/print. Post-graduate study in Sequential Design/Illustration further developed my practice by utilising photography, collage and text to tell specific narratives in artist book formats. Through PhD study my practice explored the potential to show overlapping themes identified by applying hierarchy between word and image, whilst incorporating a range of visual and textural languages using techniques such as quilting and stitching; the visual sequential narratives made echoed map-making.

My teaching experience is equally long and varied from under-graduate to post-graduate across practice to theory. Expertise with typography, image and layout in context to: 3D graphic design such as book structures and sequential narrative, packaging and branding;  2D graphic design such as posters and publishing. I believe, exploring ideas through making is an essential element of the design process, using both traditional and digital resources. It is also valuable for students to learn research skills beyond the use of online search tools, for example accessing information in academic journals, visual research through photography/drawing and oral testimonies conducting interviews. In addition, learning visual communication theories ensures students develop an understanding of the purpose and function of graphic design appropriate to audience, thus informing their exploration of ideas in direct response to the identified ‘problem’ that requires a creative solution.

Currently I teach at Norwich University of the Arts, External Examiner London College of Communication and Southampton Solent University, and lead creative workshops with adult learners. I am thrilled to now be part of OCA to share my experience and knowledge and to support students individually through their own creative journey.

laura jackson-willis