Posted: 30 April 2026
Our Graphic Design students have been gaining valuable industry insight through an inspiring 2026 guest speaker series linked to the BA (Hons) Graphic Design: Branding, Promotion and Digital Design programme.
The series has been bringing together experienced designers, creative directors, marketers and studio founders into teaching sessions, giving students the chance to learn directly from professionals working at the forefront of the creative industries. From branding and digital design to motion graphics and marketing strategy, each talk offers a different perspective on how creative careers develop in the real world.
Learning from creative professionals
Recent guest speakers have included:
- Craig Richardson (Combine Studio), who shared his experience of running an independent design studio and delivering branding and digital design projects.
- Scott Butler (Luhv Design Agency), an award‑winning creative director and UCD graduate, who spoke about building a creative business and developing standout branding work.
- John Elliss (Denka), Head of Marketing, who explored the career journey from graphic design into senior marketing leadership.
- Liam O’Neill (Synth), who discussed product design, digital systems and concept‑led branding for global clients.
- Neil Roebuck, freelance designer and art director, who offered insight into agency life, freelancing and long‑term creative careers.
- Dave Ellis (Everything’s Fine), who introduced students to motion‑led branding, animation and digital storytelling.
- Andrew Robinson (AW-AR Studio), brings together branding, graphic design, web and 3D design to deliver visually refined brand and digital systems as co‑owner and director of the Sheffield‑based studio.
- Brendan Walker (Insight), who progressed from a graphic design background into senior EMEA digital marketing leadership, combining creative practice with enterprise‑level content strategy and data‑driven delivery.
- Sara Hopper (Norma at Ideagen), has built a versatile design career across branding, print and digital, strengthened by freelance practice and her role as current role as Lead Designer for Norma.
Through honest discussions, case studies and career advice, students gained insight into client relationships, creative process, portfolio building and the realities of working in design today.
Preparing students for industry
The guest speaker series helps students connect their academic work to professional practice. By hearing how industry creatives approach briefs, collaborate with clients and adapt to changing technologies, students develop stronger commercial awareness alongside their creative skills.
Sessions also support students in thinking about their future careers, whether that’s freelancing, agency work, setting up a studio, or progressing into areas such as marketing, digital product design or motion graphics. Advice on portfolios, self-promotion and career development gives students practical guidance they can apply immediately to their studies.
Importantly, the talks encourage confidence. Asking questions, hearing honest career stories and seeing a wide range of creative pathways help students feel more prepared to enter the industry after graduation.
Simon Gomes, Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Graphic Design: Branding, Promotion and Digital Design (On‑campus and Distance Learning), highlighted the importance of industry involvement in the course: “The guest speaker series is a crucial part of how we prepare our students for the realities of working in the creative industries. Hearing directly from professionals helps students understand how their skills translate into real careers, builds confidence, and shows them the range of opportunities available within graphic design today. It’s about connecting learning to practice and helping students see their future clearly.”
The guest speaker series continues to be a key element of the Graphic Design programme, enriching the student experience and reinforcing University Campus Doncaster’s commitment to industry‑aligned creative education. This focus on real‑world insight and career readiness also underpins the launch of the part-time distance learning MA Graphic Design: Branding and Digital Strategy, creating a clear progression route from BA to postgraduate study. Simon added: “Extending our offer to MA level allows students to build on undergraduate strengths and develop the strategic, leadership and digital skills needed for the next stage of their creative careers.”
Interested in becoming a guest speaker?
We’re always keen to hear from creative professionals, including our alumni, who would like to inspire the next generation of graphic designers. The programme team welcomes guest speakers to share real‑world industry insight through talks, workshops, or online sessions.
If you’re interested in getting involved and contributing to an industry‑focused creative course, please contact the Graphic Design team here at University Campus Doncaster.
