Last night we took the opportunity to attend the D&AD New Blood 2009 private view exhibition at Olympia, London. Like always the usual universities including; Bath Spa, Brighton, Bournemouth, GSA, Duncan of Jordanstone, LCC and Central St Martins performed pretty consistently, producing good work across most, if not all the folios we managed to have a look at. I think it’s a testament to the quality of tutoring and facilities at said institutions. Like many of these student graduation shows and exhibitions, there was so much work on show it was difficult, in the brief couple of hours to get any more than an overview of the show but I’m sure there’s plenty of gems tucked in the stands other universities.
This years move of venue to Olympia from last years location at Earls Court Two was a much needed change of scenery. The space appeared to be more accommodating to the number of exhibitors meaning all of the floor space was used and some of the upper gallery—which we were told showcased the nominees for the D&AD Student Awards 2009, which unfortunately we didn’t get chance to have a look at.
Overall we left New Blood with more business cards and catalogs than when we arrived with, after talking to plenty of students about their folios many of which, I’m sure will get a mention in the near future. In the meantime it’s worth giving Tim George and Ben Hayward from Bath Spa a look, for this beautifully produced large format book (pictured below) and Eleanor Stewart from GSA also produced a beautifully engaging animation (pictured above) reminiscent of Thomas Allen’s photography.
For more info go to the D&AD New Blood 2009 webite and the exhibition is on at Olympia until Wednesday 1st July 4pm.
Update: After thinking over the exhibition during the day, there were a couple of things that crossed my mind. Any students who are attending D&AD New Blood in the following years to exhibit, one of the big frustrations for me was remembering all the names and the folios which went with them, which was only exacerbated when there was no group catalogue. I think it’s probably a safe bet to put together a communal catalogue with some of your key pieces of work in it or just one piece on a business card, just so people will remember the person and the work. And my own big bug bear from last year, make sure you’ve got a website displaying work from your portfolio – this doesn’t seem to be as wide spread a issue this year round. That’s my 10 cents for this year.
Creative Review Blog have also published their coverage of D&AD New Blood 2009 show and is available in New Blood 2009 Part 1 and Part 2.
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30th Jun 2009
2:31 pm
Excellent round up Gil! So was the set up a bit more organised this year? Or is it still like battery farm of designers?
Alan Offord
30th Jun 2009
4:23 pm
I’m taking a trip down tomorrow, can’t wait New Blood followed by 8×8, going to be a day of inspiration and a fun trip out of the office!
Jez
30th Jun 2009
7:06 pm
Were Brighton there Gil? I thought they were only doing their own London show this year at the Rag Factory? http://www.gdi09.co.uk
Gil
1st Jul 2009
12:28 am
Yep, you’re right Jez. My bad on the the fact checking there. I blame my editors Jack and Glenn.
Thanks for letting me know.