We’re pleased to announce the launch of a new level two graphic design course for the BA (Hons) Visual Communications pathway. The relationship between client, brief and graphic designer is central to the practice of graphic design, and Graphic Design…
Visual Communications
New Designers study visit
by Pat • • 1 Comment

New Designers is the Graduate show case for Colleges and Universities offering courses in Art and Design throughout the UK. We will be taking a group of OCA students to visit it on Saturday June 29th, meeting at the venue…
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Isn’t technology wonderful…
by Nigel • • 12 Comments

Here I am sitting in a café, typing on a tiny computer and sending the words via a strange ‘cloud’ to anyone who might want to read it! As I sip my coffee (white, no sugar, thank you), I’ll take…
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Creating atmosphere
by Gareth • • 4 Comments

We have featured the work of student Emil Nemecek before – back in 2011 his blog caught the eye of his Graphic Design tutor. Now Emil is tackling Digital Film Production. Assignment 2 is about creating atmosphere and Robert Enoch…
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Study visit to Leeds International Contemporary Artist’s Book Fair
by Christian • • 8 Comments
On Saturday 9 March we will be running our first study visit to Leeds International Contemporary Artist’s Book Fair at Leeds University. Now in it’s sixteenth year, the fair showcases the work of artists, bookmakers, students, and publishers. Artist books…
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OCA announces a pre-degree course in drawing
by Jane • • 6 Comments

Do you enjoy drawing, but not sure if you are ready for HE level study of art or design? OCA is proud of its open access policy, but sometimes students join up to do a degree without the basics in…
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All you need to know about packaging up your work for assessment
by Jane • • 29 Comments
This video has been produced on request of the OCA Student Association (OCASA) because of the number of students who agonise about how best to send their work for assessment. It’s most relevant to Visual Arts students not including Photography,…
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A Transport of Delight
by Jim • • 1 Comment

Frank Pick, Harry Beck and Edward Johnston are names to conjure with, their efforts held in high regard by Graphic Designers and Illustrators. Their work can be found in the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden which celebrates the technology…
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Close encounter
by Elizabeth • • 2 Comments

Reykholt, Geysir, Gullfos, Arnastap, Bru, Stykkishōlnur, Spákonufell, Smirlabjargarvirlgun In 2009, OCA tutors Liz Cashdan (creative writing) and Pat Hodson (textiles) spent the month of August on a NES residency in Skagaströnd, Iceland. Now, a new book of poems and images, ‘Iceland…
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Blog of the Week: Dagne Zvinklyte
by Christian • • 9 Comments
Blogs slowly develop over time, post by post, so it takes a while to see them developing into an interconnected body of work, reflections, and links that narrate a student’s learning journey. So its great when you come across a…
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Diving in
by Jane • • 6 Comments

OCA tutor Roger Grech reports on being thrown in at the deep end, starting his OCA career with a study visit at a bindery. ‘I needn’t have worried, however, as the warm welcome and hospitality at Conway’s of Halifax far out…
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Stepping Down
by Stan • • 10 Comments
I’m stepping down from my role as OCASA President a little earlier than originally intended and there will be a process, beginning shortly, designed to have a new President in place by 1st February 2013. My two year term…
