Clàudia graduated from MA Design for Art Direction at London College of Communication in 2020.
Why did you decide to study MA Design for Art Direction?
My academic background is in graphic design, specialising in interaction design. After working two years in the design field, I felt like I was missing something.
One day I decided to attend a talk about how a music video, that I loved at the time, was made. The talk was given by the production company and they explained several aspects of its production. As soon as I saw the Art Director’s part and his working documents, I immediately knew I wanted to do this. Moreover, UAL had always been my dream university to attend, so when I saw the course being offered I immediately applied.
Which project did you most enjoy working on?
That’s a really tricky question, you never ask a mom to choose her favourite child. Now jokes aside, I have a clear favourite, ‘Antonia’. It was a project in collaboration with another classmate (Cristina Álvarez) in tribute to our grandmothers who suffered from Alzheimer and dementia. We created a story where the main character suffered from Alzheimer and communicated the story from both the patient’s and family members. It showed Antonia’s journey from her diagnose to her final days.
I believe it was my favourite because of the undeniable emotional meaning it had for us, but also because of the complexity in execution my part required.
What was your personal highlight of studying MA Design for Art Direction at London College of Communication?
I believe it to be the increased self awareness I have obtained after the course, especially about my final major project. It has allowed me to dig deeper in my interests and to notice the traits that define me and my practice.
What was the most valuable lesson you learnt on the course?
To find and embrace my voice as a creative, and to have my own identity and celebrate it.
How did you find the facilities available to you at London College of Communication?
The facilities are beyond what I imagined. Aside from the facilities themselves, the fact that there are technicians that will help you, teach you and ensure you’ll get the best possible result out of anything you make is amazing. I wish I had more spare time to play around with everything!
Did the course included any involvement with industry?
Yes. We had a unit focused on collaboration, where our projects where proposals for real businesses who has real briefs to be worked on. This allowed us to gain experience in terms of how to present proposals outside our academic circle, since it is where we tend to feel safer when showcasing our work. It was a great opportunity to train ourselves and our communication skills.
Name three things you couldn’t be creative without?
A tidy desk, my sketchbook and of course, tea.
What are you currently working on / what are your plans for the future?
I am currently freelancing, doing graphic design and photography projects. I am also searching for a full-time position that not only matches my skills but also gives me space for professional growth to achieve a senior type of position in the future.
Why would you recommend studying MA Design for Art Direction?
I would recommend this MA to anyone willing to acquire the knowledge to provide their future projects with an added value. A value based on creating strong and meaningful concepts, developing proper academic research and portraying them through one’s unique voice.
During the MA you’ll be given the tools to find your critical voice, reflect on the type of creative you want to
Visit the MA Design for Art Direction course page.
To see more of Clàudia's work, visit her website.