Rosa graduated from MA Graphic Branding and Identity at London College of Communication in 2020.
What attracted you to postgraduate study, and MA Graphic Branding and Identity?My Bachelors at the Royal Academy of Arts of Antwerp, had a very traditional, craft-focused approach to art school. I enjoyed learning all these skills, but I was very eager to pursue a postgraduate degree to further my interests in concept, research and philosophy.
MA Graphic Branding and Identity offers a wonderful mix between critical understanding of practice and industry based workshops and lectures.
Can you tell us a little bit about your final major project? My project explored the identity patterns in cultural groups, and compared that to the way we traditionally approach the brand identity.
The result is Aircastle, a non-physical brand that uses the input from its audience to maintain an always evolving, flexible brand identity.
It develops over time and is influenced by the people that interact with it, and employs a more human understanding of brand identity practice. Aircastle is a research project that hopes to innovate and provoke a discussion about the future of branding.
Did the course provide opportunities to engage with industry? During the fourth unit, we had to chance to collaborate with students from London College of Fashion to help them creating branding for their graduation collections.
I was very lucky to work with Emi Tanimura, who had a great vision and talent. She continued to win multiple awards for her inspiring work.
Prior to being cancelled due to Covid-19, we also had the opportunity to design the entire identity for the London Design Festival x London College of Communication collaboration exhibition, including graphic identity, communications and wayfinding. It was a great experience nonetheless.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking of studying the course, what would it be?
Once you start, dedicate your time to taking as much out of this opportunity as you can. Talk to your tutors, your classmates, and make use of the wonderful resources UAL has to offer.
Always keep an open mind, and gather as much feedback as you can. And remember to have fun, it is over before you know it!
Why would you recommend studying your course to others? Before you start the course, think about what you want out of a postgraduate. A masters degree is challenging, and you will really push yourself in a relatively short amount of time. What do you hope to achieve that will be an addition to your bachelors?
The beauty of the course lies in the unlimited opportunities for research. As designers we can address any subject in any discourse through branding. Often this course is misunderstood as a logo or packaging design course – it is so much more than that.
Now that you have graduated, what are your plans for the future?I have completely fallen in love with London and am determined to stay here. I was extremely lucky that I was invited to come back to MA Graphic Branding and Identity as a Visiting Practitioner right after completing my final major project, so I have been giving some workshops to the students, and hope to continue doing that in the future. Maybe I’ll do a PhD in a couple of years.
I am working on some self-initiated projects, and continuing my freelance work. Soon I hope to work in a branding agency in London, and I will never stop learning and asking questions.
Visit the MA Graphic Branding and Identity course page.
To view Rosa's final major project, Aircastle, visit the UAL Graduate Showcase.