ART DIRECTOR, CREATOR, DESIGN AND PRINT
One of my most exciting projects was creating Pigeon Magazine, a University of Wolverhampton art magazine designed to highlight the creative industries within Wolverhampton and the Black Country. The magazine, typically spanning 8-12 pages, serves as a platform to showcase the talent, activities, and opportunities within the area, with each issue curated to reflect the diverse and vibrant local creative scene. As the art director, I worked closely with a team of two talented college students from Halesowen, guiding them in the production of a feature for the local venues, such as the Art Gallery and Arena Theatre, which was the main focus of Pigeon Magazine Issue 15.
The issue was particularly exciting as it delved into what’s currently happening in Wolverhampton, offering readers an insider’s view of the city’s art and culture scene. One of the standout features of this issue was an exclusive interview with Adam Guy, a renowned Black Country artist and designer. Adam’s impressive career includes being an award-winning artist, Senior Lecturer, and Course Director for the BA (Hons) Fashion Branding & Communication course at Birmingham City University. His work and insights into the local creative landscape provided a compelling perspective on the intersection of art, design, and education within the Black Country.
As art director, I ensured that the magazine's visual style complemented the subject matter in each issue. For Issue 15, the aesthetic was carefully curated to reflect the artistic spirit of Wolverhampton and the Black Country, using modern typography, striking imagery, and a layout that was both engaging and easy to navigate. The aim was to create a publication that not only highlighted the area's creative talents but also captured the essence of its cultural heartbeat, inviting readers to explore and engage with the local creative community. Working on Pigeon Magazine gave me valuable experience in editorial design, collaboration, and crafting a publication that celebrates local talent and connects readers to the arts in the region.
In addition to the written interview with Adam Guy, I also had the opportunity to conduct a live interview with him, which was an incredibly engaging and insightful experience. The interview, which delves deeper into Adam’s journey as an artist and educator, as well as his views on the creative scene in the Black Country, was recorded and can be viewed on YouTube. This live interview allowed viewers to connect with Adam in real time, offering a dynamic and personal perspective that further enriched the content of Pigeon Magazine Issue 15.
