Creative | University of Brighton Alumni Association

Brighton graduate hits screens in Sky Portrait Artist of the Year award

A University of Brighton alumna is to star in the prestigious Portrait Artist of the Year competition on Sky television. Sara Lavelle, who graduated with first-class honours from her illustration degree last year, will feature in the episode broadcast on the Sky Arts channel on Tuesday, February 26, 8pm. Judges Kate Bryan, Kathleen Soriano and…

Snapshot from alumni photographer Simon Fazackarley

Simon tells us in his own words what he’s been up to since graduating and how his degree helped him: “I’m Simon Fazackarley; I studied Multimedia at University of Brighton around 2005. Since leaving University, I set up my own business – I’m a Wedding Photographer. I’ve photographed over 400 weddings, and my work has…

New year honours for our talented graduates!

We are very proud to say that two University of Brighton graduates were recognised in the New Year’s Honours. Andria Zafirakou, who teaches art and textiles at Alperton Community School in Brent, has been honoured with an MBE for her services to education and young people. Andria, who was awarded a degree in Fashion Textiles…

From sculpture to bagels!

Julian Engelsman was awarded a BA(Hons) in Fine Art Sculpture in 1994 and today finds himself running Joyful Foods, selling all-natural, plant-based, gluten-free energy bars under the brand Joyfuel. So where’s the link? Julian started selling bagels to help finance his studies at the University of Brighton: “You’d be surprised how my sculpture degree impacted…

Hannah is one to watch

Major fashion brands are keeping a close watch on University of Brighton graduate Hannah Croft. Hannah is fast developing a reputation as a “material futurist”, creating unusual and unique concepts including one new fabric which has crystals “growing” in it. She has exhibited in Italy’s fashion capital Milan and will be showing at the Surface…

The Gritterman’s back

A Brighton graduate and former member of indie rock band The Maccabees will see his children’s story about a man who grits roads performed on stage next month. The tale of a seasonal hero and the work he loves will be playing in theatres in London and Manchester with Fast Show comic Paul Whitehouse narrating. The…

Raymond Briggs’ Snowman to feature on new coins

The Royal Mint has released limited edition 50p coins featuring The Snowman, illustrated by former University of Brighton teacher Raymond Briggs CBE. The issue which includes the Royal Mint’s first coin in colour, celebrates 40 years since The Snowman’s publication. One scene captures the snowman flying over Brighton’s Palace Pier. Briggs, awarded a CBE in…

Brighton graduate displays work in solo Brussels show

A University of Brighton alumni is displaying his work in a solo exhibition at the prestigious Centrale for Contemporary Art in Brussels. Edward Liddle, who received a first-class honours degree in Fine Art Painting in 2012 at the University, is presenting his Carrement! show. According to the exhibition’s blurb, Liddle “questions the meaning of creating…

Be Fabulous!

Work hard, follow your passion and “be fabulous – just like me” was the advice given to University of Brighton graduates. Alison Lapper MBE, artist and author, was keynote speaker on 31 July, the first day of the University’s summer graduation ceremonies at the Brighton Centre. Born without arms and with shortened legs, a condition…

Lighting up London

A University of Brighton graduate has been lighting up London’s most iconic buildings with political slogans. Jack Mills, who graduated with BA(Hons) in Humanities and is now Print Features Editor on the magazine Dazed and Confused, teamed up with New York activist group The Illuminator who travel the world projecting messages onto high-visibility buildings. Jack, 31,…