Well, well, well, that’s it finally over, 2 years at University!! It all ended with my end of year show which I am about to go into in great detail, so pull up a chair and make yourself comfy cos believe me you’ll be here for a while (only kiddin’!).

For my final year project I wanted to explore the use of character design in conjunction with new technology and see whether it could help in the fight against bullying.

The development of my character Michty Mo – Playground Protector was updated on a regular basis (hah!) on it’s own blog post www.michtymo.blogspot.com where you can find out more about the character & project.

Through research for my dissertation I found that children were reluctant to tell an adult/parent/teacher if they were victims of this dreadful activity. So by researching the use of spokes – character design in advertising past & present I wanted to find out if I could use some of these techniques in creating a sympathetic character that children could relate to & trust enough to open up talk about any bullying issues.

It was my intention to create a youth club environment online and using Facebook & Twitter to create a type of social networking group as a possible means of interactivity using the character as a host . The idea of members having to enrol, where they could have access to online material, monthly newsletter updates, downloadable freebies, games etc, hopefully creating an online community where members could relate their own advice from their own experiences. The idea of an identity e.g. badges and stickers could be introduced & distributed to members as a means of recognition to other members to create a sense of belonging which would ultimately encourage self-confidence and the feeling that they are not alone and it is not just them that this vile activity is happening to.

As a way of introducing the character to the targeted age group I created a short animation work. As well as the animated piece I created a printed comic to sit alongside it to further promote the character. The response from the public during the time of the exhibition was very helpful & the amount of people that confessed to being victims or having knowledge of someone else being bullied was quite alarming.I’m not saying that the creation of this character will eradicate bullying but I am hoping that it could be used in conjunction with other anti bullying iniatives and help alleviate the despair & loneliness victims of this social disease feel.

Anyway back to the work and graduates that grabbed my attention.

Colin Wilson

More of Colin’s work can be seen here at his website.

Lyndsey Redford

Unfortunately I couldn’t find links to more of her work which is a shame as this scanned image of her postcard does not do it justice. She is one of the artists mentioned in The Skinny review.

Naomi Archibald

Once again I can’t find links to Naomi’s work, but she is mentioned in the Scotsman review.

Sinéad Bracken

I particularly liked Sinéad’s animated artwork – which you can enjoy by visiting her website although you won’t get the same scale as you did at the exhibition.

By visiting the Dundee Degree Show 2010 website you can see the work of some students whose work is being showcased and who have also been reviewed in the two linked articles I have mentioned.

Please visit the links and post or blog your comments regards the student’s work on display.

I have copied this image detailing her project from the University of Dundee’s website where you can also read all about Sarah’s work as well as looking at other featured students work from other disciplines.

You can also follow this link to Sarah’s website where you can get more info about her communitea project and her tea trolley, she also has a blogspot that is well worth a visit too. Honestly follow these links and get a better insight into Sarah’s work and I hope you find it all as fascinating and interesting as I did.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day, it was ab fab. I loved whizzing around some of Dundee’s finest “arty farty” landmarks, sometimes on foot (hardly) but mostly being driven around in the luxury of a well heated mini bus. What a joy it was to be greeted with chocolate & crisps by Genny, just what was needed to sustain the fast pace of the day.

It all kicked off @ DJCAD where we were greeted by those fine folk from Central Station. The blank looks were a bit disconcerting when introductions were made, but that changed to squeals of delight when instead of using your “Sunday” name, you mentioned your profile user name then recognition set in. So there we were – Sooper Double D, htothep, tartanbaffies & a few others with strange sounding profile names that I didn’t catch getting to know one another. As mentioned later on in the evening, it won’t be long before our passports will ask for such details & you will only be recognised from your choice of avatar.

Introductions over, we were split up into our appropriate groups & off we ventured. My day began with the DJCAD Graduate Showcase, easing me into the tour gently, listening to 3 different & excellent talks while lounging around on the big leather settees. A big thankyou & mention must go out to Jeanette Ginslov, Catt Lee Marr & Jo Hodge (who I have linked here, so go visit their work). Their enthusiasm shone through as they talked about their work & ideas despite the early morning start.

The next stage of my tour took me to Meadow Mills Studios, better known as the WASPS Studios, housed in a former jute mill in Dundee’s industrial heartland. Once more we were kindly greeted & promptly split into manageable groups. It was great to to see into this artistic community where artists, designers, painters, jewellery makers & illustrators all work alongside each other in what is truly a magnificent space. It had that bohemian touch, where each individual personalised their own working space giving a little bit of insight into their personalities. My gratitude goes out to Genna Delaney & Nicola Morrison (jewellery designers) & especially to Lindsey Gardiner (illustrator) who’s work I really admire. Thanks for letting a group of nosey parkers quiz & pry into your working lives & environment.

For the next stage, I had missed the chance to book the exclusive McManus Gallery Tour (fully booked), but to my delight I was told to tag along & see what happens. When my name was added to the list I could have jumped for joy, 4 years this magnificent venue has been closed to us Dundee folk & visiting it on that day was like greeting an old friend. Having that sneak peek was one of my highlights & I can’t wait for the reopening on the 28th February. Please check Gillian Easson’s blog spot for a more in depth account of the tour. Kerri McGowan, our tour guide for the day, was the most perfect person for showing us around as you could feel the love & passion she had for this fantastic building & almost had us running late (which I’m sure some of us wouldn’t have minded).

So from the old to the new, next stop the DCA Print Studios (check out Jon Gill’s blog spot for more info of tour). Being a lapsed member, it was good to be back in familiar surroundings. Scott Hudson, our guide was as enthusiastic on the day as he was a year & a half ago when I was last in the print studios. He explained all the print processes the studio had to offer & was full of encouragement – I think he had an excited group queueing up for membership as I decided it was time to take the weight of my feet & head for The Rep for a nice relaxing pint – (well I had to get myself ready for the evening events laid on later!!)

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To find out what Dundee Popup was all about or to read more reviews & blogs  from the day, click here.