GRADUATE
DEGREE SHOW
OVERVIEW
As part of a team, we designed and executed our end-of-year exhibition, focusing on visual branding, publication, and curation around the theme of 'dotdotdot.' We selected this theme for its versatility, simplicity, and ability to represent a wide range of ideas. This student-led degree show provided us with an opportunity to bring closure to our three to four years of study, reflecting on the shared challenges and growth we experienced together.
I chose to join the exhibition concept and curation team, where we collaboratively designed the layout and composition within the space of Trafalgar Warehouse in Sheffield. My contributions included research and theme development during our weekly meetings, programming NFC tags, and coordinating the placement and implementation of student works. I also maintained communication with the art building's technicians for the necessary materials and worked closely with the venue manager to organise the schedule and setup.
Additionally, I supported the publication and branding efforts by collaborating on various promotional materials, including printed exhibition booklets, posters, and an interactive wooden installation piece for the audience to engage with.
See a couple of my Graduate Projects here!
IDEATION, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
This stage was all about shaping ideas into something tangible. Through weekly brainstorming sessions, we defined the core of our brand identity and exhibition concept, ensuring every meeting ended with clear next steps for each group. From testing publication formats and booklets to hands-on venue visits, we combined creative exploration with practical planning. Collaboration with lecturers and technicians grounded our ideas in feasibility, while budgeting kept the vision achievable. This dynamic process helped us build a unified and thoughtful direction for both the exhibition and its supporting materials.
TECHNICAL WHATNOTS
This phase focused on bringing the exhibition to life through thoughtful planning and execution. We explored various presentation formats for showcasing our course’s work—ranging from video projections and hands-on physical works tables to printed artwork displayed alongside NFC tags that linked directly to each student’s online portfolio.
To create an engaging atmosphere, we incorporated interactive elements like a sticker wall for visitor participation, photo opportunities with a cosy sofa and fairy light backdrop, free drinks, and take-home art booklets.
We carefully curated the layout, considering how to group and sequence the artworks by theme, colour, and final outcomes to ensure a smooth and immersive visitor experience.
Seeing our ideas materialise in the final setup was incredibly rewarding, especially as we took on roles as invigilators and watched visitors actively engage with the exhibition.
As a core member of the exhibition, curation, and execution team, I was actively involved in developing the layout, flow, and visitor experience within the space. I contributed to the placement and composition of artworks, the setup of interactive elements, and collaborated with technicians and the venue team to bring the physical exhibition to life. Alongside this, I also dipped in and out of the branding, print, and digital teams—offering support where needed. This included assisting with booklet mock-ups, contributing to visual identity discussions, and helping refine digital assets to maintain a cohesive brand across all outputs.
RAISING AWARENESS
To build excitement and ensure strong attendance, we promoted the exhibition through multiple channels.
This included:
These efforts helped generate buzz and engage a wider audience both within and beyond our immediate community.
THE OUTCOME
The exhibition attracted a high volume of visitors, including family, friends, and members of the public, who actively engaged with the displayed work. We also hosted a successful industry night, providing valuable exposure to creative professionals. I took on invigilation duties across several days, assisting visitors with using NFC technology across various devices and ensuring a smooth user experience. Following the event, I contributed to the dismantling and pack-down process. Additionally, I ensured that all graduates' artworks were submitted on time for print and correctly included in the final exhibition display as one of my responsibilities.
Overall, it was an incredibly fulfilling way to celebrate and reflect on the shared experiences, growth, and creativity developed over our three to four years on the course.