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Students have designs on creative careers

Students at Thomas Clarkson Academy enjoyed two inspirational visits from designers who have worked in the fashion and film industries.

Students at Thomas Clarkson Academy enjoyed two inspirational visits from designers who have worked in the fashion and film industries.

Shoe designer Gemma Rorison started her studies in Wisbech before working for several international fashion companies and now works as a freelance designer, designing shoes for companies including Brantano, KangaROOS and Asda.

She spoke to the students about the training she undertook and explained the different stages of shoe design.

Art teacher Rob Dempsey said: “We really appreciated Gemma coming in and giving the students a taste of her career path and what working as a professional designer involves. She had a very good rapport with the pupils and was very appreciative of the standard of work and creative talent among the students.”

Costume designer and interpreter Maria Ibbott also visited TCA to discuss her career with some of the 6th form art students.

Maria spoke about the interesting path her career and studies had taken and showed her portfolio of costume designs. She explained the design and construction processes from researching historical fashion trends to drawings, dying materials and collaborating with directors, actors and movie stars.

Mr Dempsey said: “It was a great opportunity for students to meet someone with experience of working for the National Theatre as well as on James Bond and the first Harry Potter films, who had lots of useful guidance and tips about how to get started in an Art and Design related career.”