Students at the University of Worcester have pulled together in lockdown to launch a virtual display of their final year’s work.
Creative Media undergraduates who would usually have marked the end of their time at the University with a special in-person Final Degree Show, along with other Arts students, worked with staff to bring about the virtual degree show, titled Virtually Impossible.
The show has already had more than 3,700 views worldwide so far, building on the success of last year’s initial lockdown-prompted online venture.
Student, Ethan Pattermore, who took the role of Creative Director for the project, said: “If you’d told me six months ago that our virtual degree show could reach over 3,700 people internationally (more than 10 times that of a physical one), I would’ve told you, ‘that’s virtually impossible'. This couldn’t have been done with any less than the true determination, willingness to adapt, and seamless teamwork that this class produced. I am proud to have been a part of such a talented and creative group with a truly unique show to look back on.”
The exhibition features students with a range of skills and creative specialisms, from content designers to photographers, videographers to motion graphics designers, creative directors to visual effects designers. Their work covers photography, videography, sound, visual effects, motion graphics, web and social media content, and campaigns.
Throughout the course, Creative Media final year students have worked on a number of industry briefs with employability at their core, and preparation for the Degree Show began in January within the Professional Practice module.
The students designed the concept of Virtually Impossible, along with the brand, website and creative digital content, and the highly targeted social media campaign to raise awareness and draw footfall to their website. They also designed and made merchandise, including lanyards with QR codes to give direct access to the website, bags, pens and hoodies, and sent out packs to potential employers, as well as designing an accompanying physical catalogue of their work, which has been sent out as a follow up.
Student Richard Waterworth, who designed and built the website, said: “It is truly a class-wide achievement to have been able to pull together to remotely produce our final degree show, demonstrating excellent teamwork, planning and creativity. Producing the show virtually has allowed for a whole new audience to be able to visit the degree show. With over 3,700 page views from worldwide visitors so far, so many people have been able to learn about the class and how we have been making the virtually impossible possible.”
Helen Holmes, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Creative Media, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the Creative Media Class of 2021. There is no doubt that it has been a difficult year and at times the thought of pulling together a Degree Show during a global pandemic has certainly felt virtually impossible. However, these students have shown creativity, authenticity and dedication to ensure their virtual degree show pushes the boundaries to effectively demonstrate their wide-ranging digital media skills to potential employers. I’m immensely proud of everything they have achieved and wish them the very best for their future in the creative industries."
***photo credits: Oliver Beamont and Richard Waterworth***