Ralph Barker is from London and graduated from MA Applied Imagination in 2013. He is now working as a mentor and Associate Lecturer at Central Saint Martins (CSM).
Why did you choose to study MA Applied Imagination at Central Saint Martins?
I had previously studied a BA in Humanities, which really opened my eyes to the beauty of lateral, multidisciplinary thinking, and I loved the look of the course and what it represented. Not a week goes by that I don’t reference my MA course, with the title often sparking intense interest from others, allowing me to talk about what I studied and reminisce about my learnings. I've always admired CSM as being one of the top places to celebrate and embrace the creative spirit, and it did not disappoint.
What have you been working on since graduating?
Since graduating, I have continued to work in the creative industries, primarily in the immersive theatre space, where I have held roles such as Head of Marketing and freelance roles in creative copywriting and development. I currently work as a Creative Strategist at Bompas & Parr, where I help to develop ideas and strategic insights for clients. I have also developed several projects with the course and occasionally support the MA Applied Imagination Festival at the end of the year.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
While I was studying, I remember some fun projects that have informed my thinking years later. The group work we did was challenging in the best possible way, asking us to navigate complex social dynamics in a way that I feel echoes a creative agency, so it set me up to understand the ‘real world’ of creative companies. My favourite project in terms of delivery and reaction was the ‘Mirror, Mirror’ project, which was part of the first part of the course. I am an identical twin, and I brought him in for an interactive presentation, which was a good representation of what the course is about—seeing things differently and establishing your own unique response to briefs.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Every year when I come in to help mentor, I give the same advice—let go of the expectations of ‘doing well’ on the course and instead focus on what you want to express with each brief. The times I have seen students really thrive are when they stop focusing so much on what they think is expected of them in terms of how to get 'good marks’ for a project and embrace their true interests and modes of research that really inspire them.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
I think the thing I remember most fondly is the connections I made there from all walks of life and geographies. Spending time with people outside of my social circle brought new perspectives and ideologies that really helped to inform my creative approach.
What is the most important thing you learned on the course?
The most important lesson I learned was that attitude and collaboration are more important than being the best, and that failure is sometimes a very useful tool for learning. You won’t get things right the first time while you are learning, and that in itself is a valuable tool for growth.
Connect with Ralph on LinkedInView the MA Applied Imagination course page