Design education and mentorship
Lead Teacher / Studio Manager / Art Director / Mentoring
Lead Teacher / Studio Manager / Art Director / Mentoring
Leading studio-based learning that develops creative literacy, critical thinking and professional confidence through art direction, critique and mentorship.
Delivering a learning experience that reflects the expectations, pace and standards of a proferssional design studio, alongside developing new talent and leading teaching teams across different campuses.
Leading studio-based learning that develops creative literacy, critical thinking and professional confidence through art direction, critique and mentorship.
Delivering a learning experience that reflects the expectations, pace and standards of a proferssional design studio, alongside developing new talent and leading teaching teams across different campuses.
Leading studio-based learning that develops creative literacy, critical thinking and professional confidence through art direction, critique and mentorship.
Delivering a learning experience that reflects the expectations, pace and standards of a proferssional design studio, alongside developing new talent and leading teaching teams across different campuses.
My role
Art Director
Studio Manager
Mentor
cohorts
graduates developed
art directed projects
years mentoring talent
Student examples
My approach
My approach to design education revolved around the belief that design should have purpsoe, led by creative thinking and commercial understanding. This belief informed how I ran the classroom, reflecting the expectations and pace of a professional design studio. Working alongside co-teachers, this required the studio management of up to 30 students at any given time, ensuring work was deliverd on time while adapting to changing deadlines. Beyond studio management my goal was to push students beyond just aesthetically pleasing folios and develop work with substance, menaing and a clear rationale. This required continuous art direction through critiques and porgress reviews, allowing me to identify strengths and nurture development in line with their educational needs.
My approach
My approach to design education revolved around the belief that design should have purpsoe, led by creative thinking and commercial understanding. This belief informed how I ran the classroom, reflecting the expectations and pace of a professional design studio. Working alongside co-teachers, this required the studio management of up to 30 students at any given time, ensuring work was deliverd on time while adapting to changing deadlines. Beyond studio management my goal was to push students beyond just aesthetically pleasing folios and develop work with substance, menaing and a clear rationale. This required continuous art direction through critiques and porgress reviews, allowing me to identify strengths and nurture development in line with their educational needs.
My approach
My approach to design education revolved around the belief that design should have purpsoe, led by creative thinking and commercial understanding. This belief informed how I ran the classroom, reflecting the expectations and pace of a professional design studio. Working alongside co-teachers, this required the studio management of up to 30 students at any given time, ensuring work was deliverd on time while adapting to changing deadlines. Beyond studio management my goal was to push students beyond just aesthetically pleasing folios and develop work with substance, menaing and a clear rationale. This required continuous art direction through critiques and porgress reviews, allowing me to identify strengths and nurture development in line with their educational needs.
Student project - Kitty Hopkins
Student Critique example
Student work examples
Results and outcomes
Students graduated with strong portfolios but a deep understanding and application of critical thinking, the ability to translate research into strategy , alongside technical ability and professional soft skills. Most importantly, they developed the confidence to articulate, present and justify their creative thinking to creative directors, senior designers and clients.
Results and outcomes
Students graduated with strong portfolios but a deep understanding and application of critical thinking, the ability to translate research into strategy , alongside technical ability and professional soft skills. Most importantly, they developed the confidence to articulate, present and justify their creative thinking to creative directors, senior designers and clients.
Results and outcomes
Students graduated with strong portfolios but a deep understanding and application of critical thinking, the ability to translate research into strategy , alongside technical ability and professional soft skills. Most importantly, they developed the confidence to articulate, present and justify their creative thinking to creative directors, senior designers and clients.
Student digital work examples
TESTIMONIALS
Student testimonials
“The industry experience is key, Nick has so much of a career behind him and than knowledge is invaluable.”
Graduate
"Nick was brilliant, his passion and enthusiasm really boosted the class and set the tone. He was always willing to help and went the extra mile when you needed some direction and further support."
AB
“The teaching of Nick was one if not the most inspirational I’ve encountered. He gave me a future in design and made me work for it. Now I feel confident that I can do this!
Graduate
“Nick is great at explaining things and sparking light bulb moments, his passion for design comes through in his teaching and it’s inspiring!”
Graduate
"The expertise and experience the has passed on to me has shaped me in to the designer I never thought I’d become."
Graduate
“Student reviews with Nick Smith were very constructive and helpful.”
LM
“The industry experience is key, Nick has so much of a career behind him and than knowledge is invaluable.”
Graduate
"Nick was brilliant, his passion and enthusiasm really boosted the class and set the tone. He was always willing to help and went the extra mile when you needed some direction and further support."
AB
“The teaching of Nick was one if not the most inspirational I’ve encountered. He gave me a future in design and made me work for it. Now I feel confident that I can do this!
Graduate
“Nick is great at explaining things and sparking light bulb moments, his passion for design comes through in his teaching and it’s inspiring!”
Graduate
"The expertise and experience the has passed on to me has shaped me in to the designer I never thought I’d become."
Graduate
“Student reviews with Nick Smith were very constructive and helpful.”