Born in the rural town of Frome in the West Country of England, Charlotte Knibbs is a freelance graphic designer. Upon graduating with a First Class Honours degree from Portsmouth University, Charlotte started to work with Aardman Animations designing the product and packaging range to accompany the release of Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death. Charlotte is now undertaking a Masters in Graphic Design at London College of Communication. Notes on Design spoke to Charlotte this week to find out about her academic journey.

Notes on Design: Can you tell us a little about your academic and professional journey to date?

Charlotte: I studied a BTEC in Graphic Design but found the west country far too sleepy and craved something different… but at the time, I wasn’t sure what. I moved south to Portsmouth Uni to do my BA in Communication Design. Bachelors degrees are certainly different for everyone, but for me I found the new found freedom quite addictive, and quite honestly I slacked off playing World of Warcraft until the sun came up. Eventually, by the end of first year something clicked and the real possibility of being kicked out of uni scared me into pulling my socks up, and subsequently I graduated with a First Class in 2007.

I was lucky enough to start freelancing during my second year at University, and got my first major job with the brilliant Aardman Animations upon graduating. I’ve been freelancing for Aardman for 2 and a half years this month and it’s a perfect job for me, as a freelancer. On top of my freelance work I’m also studying my Masters at London College of Communication (LCC), which I’m due to finish towards to the end of the year. Read the rest of this entry »

As thousands of creatives leave the confines of academia and get ready to embark on their careers, we are reminded that the transition from graduate to professional designer/creative is not an easy one. To support this years graduates London College of Communication are launching Futurising, the UK’s very first two day festival dedicated to supporting and guiding all creative students and graduates across the UK. Pitched as a one-stop shop of opportunities, advice and information it is sure to be an exciting event.

Futurising takes place over 29th-30th June 2010, in London’s Shoreditch High Street. To find out about the event and to register your place, visit Futurising.org and follow the live updates on twitter @Futurising.