Issue 2: Ampersand Magazine

Download Ampersand for Mobile Devices!

University: The big choice....

Many people have asked me a certain question recently and that is which university is best to attend for graphic design based courses, and where would I recommend. I think this is a good question to ask, and as within the article 'Money for Nothing?' in the latest issue of Ampersand it is a complex question that provides almost as many questions as answers!

So let us take the first element: Do I need to go to university to succeed in graphic design?

I think it something you really need to decide and investigate into, because there are a different options out there for you, especially with the raising of tuition fees in the UK recently. One of these options is a HND course. Usually spread over two years, with the option to find a university to do a third year to top it up to a degree, it is probably the cheapest option you can take, but you have to really research into the areas you'll cover and what you will actually get to experience.

You also have to be aware that depending on what companies you desire to work for depends on whether they will look at this route as either 'the cheap option' or whether they will look at it as you being pro-active and wanting to get into the industry as soon as possible. It is an option to look into and lots of colleges can offer this, Worcester College of Art and Technology runs a very direct, commercially savvy and in-depth HND course.

Next up is: 'I want to move somewhere fun and exciting'

Well if that is the case, you would be best looking at the city-based universities, Manchester, Cardiff (Glamorgan), Leeds College of Art, Ravensbourne in London. This decision usually leads to lots of 'live' projects and an opportunity to work with bigger companies out there in these cities due to the links the universities have, and the wide number of opportunities in a small space. Who could fail to be inspired by the bustle and history of London? Or the regeneration of Cardiff? The musical creativity and history of Manchester? It is certainly something you would do best to explore, but just think of the cost implications - what do you get for the extra expenditure in these sought after areas?

Finally is: '___________ is really high in the overall league tables and is really well known.'

This can pose a problem. They may be well known and be top universities, but are they well known for the subject area you want to do? Do they have a 'house style' and push you into areas of design that don't hold your interest so much? If you really enjoy typography, yet they only do one typography project in three years is that what you want to do?

Places like Nottingham are great, but are they really for you? Do you like a more personable approach, or would you rather have more people on your course and be just a number on the register of students?
This is why it is important to visit universities, speak to tutors or students - find out what the real deal is!


Just don't leave yourself short changed!

Today we have been loving Pixar's sense of humour!

Today we are loving Pixar’s sense of humour!

They have a forthcoming feature centred around dinosaurs and….well, we’ll let their press released explain it for you!

What if that life-changing asteroid missed Earth? Director Bob Peterson’s hilarious tale depicts a world where dinosaurs never went extinct.

We can’t wait to see it and we love the ‘non-logo’ being used!

Ampersand: Issue 1 - Online Now!!

Welcome to the first issue of Ampersand magazine! 

Ampersand is a magazine for showcasing all kinds of creative talent from all over the world, promoting creative individuals and opinions all in one place.  

The magazine is a showcase for creative culture, pure and simple. In our experience there are so many creative people out there that just don’t get the exposure they deserve, so hopefully this magazine will allow them to showcase just this! The whole content is driven by the contributors to the magazine, and in the first issue there are articles on photography, illustration, music, poetry and many more!  The great thing about online communities like Blogger, Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook and others is how we all work together and how we all find creativity everywhere and there are a lot of people within this creative community who have helped make this magazine finally happen from all corners of the world. 

Please get involved and promote this magazine, and lets make the creative community even bigger!

Twitter: @ampersand_mag 

Tumblr: Ampersand 

Email to find out how to get involved: Here

Ampersand arrives tomorrow!

So tomorrow will see the launch of the first issue of Ampersand magazine and hopefully it will be a good indication of the future to come for the magazine. Blending together all areas of creative culture it is a magazine driven by its contributors providing a wide insight on the creative minds all across the world.

Within the first issue you will be able to discover the photography of New Yorker Meg Raiano, the illustrative work of Laura Childs, the poetic words of Abby Talbert from Philadelphia and many other features. 


The magazine will be a great opportunity for the creative minds and companies out there to showcase their work to the masses and if you think that you have a creative talent, in whatever discipline, and where ever you are in the world please feel free to get in touch and get your work in a future issue!

Issue 1 of Ampersand Magazine soon to be released online.

Soon to be released online is the very first issue of Ampersand Magazine. The ethos of the magazine is to promote creative culture and deliver a platform for lots of eclectic artists to promote their work.

Inside the first issue there is articles covering design, illustration, music, fashion, word and photography. 

Hopefully from this first issue we will begin to see a build up of more contributions from the creative community, and check back each day to see the most exciting examples of creativity from the online community.

Exciting times ahead!!!