AN up and coming North East graduate is heading down under to start an exciting design career after receiving top honours at the region’s only specialist art college.
Nicole Robotham was presented with the textile and surface design Graduate of the Year Award at Cleveland College of Art & Design.
She will now jet off on an Antipodean adventure of a lifetime after being offered an internship with a top Australian design company Signature Prints.
Based in Sydney, the world leading design house specialises in the design, print and manufacturing of premium textiles, wallpaper, limited edition art and luxury luggage.
Exporting to 23 countries worldwide, the firm is also the custodian of the library of the late iconic Australian designer Florence Broadhurst with exclusive worldwide commercial licence to her work.
“I am just so excited to be going to Australia to work with such a high profile company,” said Nicole, of Gosforth.
“I contacted them via e-mail and sent them some examples of my work and they got back to me straight away offering me a place.
“It couldn’t be more perfect for me, having specialised in screen printed wallpaper and furnishing fabrics at CCAD, and to get this opportunity straight after graduating and picking up an award is absolutely incredible.”
The 21-year old was one of a host of students who were honoured by CCAD for their creative talent at a special VIP opening night of the Hartlepool university-level campus’ annual degree show.
“There is some incredible talent here at CCAD,” added Nicole. “That’s why after I have gained experience working in the design industry I want to come back to the North East and set up an agency to represent creative young designers.
“I’ve already completed a business course, in partnership with the college, and created a business plan to set up a company.
“This will hopefully give me the opportunity in the future to help promote the incredibly talented and creative people that CCAD produce.”
For more information on opportunities at CCAD contact (01642) 288888 or log on to www.ccad.ac.uk.
