Leeds Arts University is one of only a few independent art schools in the UK. Students enjoy a small, close-knit community in a creative atmosphere where anything feels possible, which creates a very good environment in which to grow as an artist or designer. In the Guardian Education League Tables 2015, Leeds Arts University is the highest ranked independent art college in the UK. Leeds Arts University is a specialist arts further and higher education institution, based in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, with a main campus opposite the University of Leeds. It was founded in 1846 as the Leeds School of Art. From 1968 to 1993 it was known as Jacob Kramer College – having lost part of its provision to Leeds Polytechnic (the future Leeds Metropolitan University). It was known as Leeds College of Art and Design until 2009.
Fabio Fragiacomo
Fabio joined Leeds Arts University in 2013 as Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Creative Advertising programme, having previously taught at the University of Leeds on MA and BA Hons courses in both Advertising and Graphic Design. Prior to this he worked in a number of roles in the creative industries predominately centered on branding design, implementation and brand promotion. For his Masters, Fabio specialised in Graphic Design and his work included explorations in areas of organisational and place branding. His current role involves the management and leadership of the Creative Advertising department where he is responsible for the direction, monitoring, planning and development of the curriculum with an emphasis on leading a rich and vibrant environment for staff and students in which passion and curiosity drive all aspects of creativity. In 2008 and 2009 he was asked as a Visiting Professor to China’s prestigious Tsinghua University to develop a series of lectures and collaborative projects with 3rd Year undergraduate Graphic Design and Foundation students. Fabio’s research interests are linked to the exploration of storytelling in relation to new media within Creative Advertising and its yet unexploited dimensions. Prior research interests have included the study of the creative aspects of memory and digital technologies which resulted in a co-created project “Objects of Storytelling and Digital Memory” which was presented at the 4th Global Conference: “Digital Memory” in Prague.
Nicholas Young
I love ideas. They make me tick. An idea is what you build everything around. You should put them at the heart of everything you do. This is the way I was taught, the way I work and the way I teach. I love big ideas that grab and surprise people. I also like little ideas. Subtle touches that lift a piece of work, making it better than it has a right to be. And to spot an idea too. To be able to sift the gold from other peoples’ thinking. I’ve won over 30 industry awards for my ideas. And been asked to judge other peoples’. Judging them is easier than winning them. After completing my degree in Graphic Design at UCLan, I worked in the design and advertising industry for over 16 years. This gave me an incredible experience that saw me move from a Junior Designer to a Creative Director. I have met and worked with many talented people over this time. People who have mentored me and broadened my mind with their experience and ideas. And I have been fortunate enough to be able to pass on some of this experience to other creatives. The best part of being a Creative Director is the opportunity to work with raw talent, to be able to nurture and develop people and to help them fulfill their potential. It is this ethos that I bring to lecturing. Having completed an MA in Graphic Design and Art Direction at MMU, I now practice this at Leeds Arts University. I have an excellent understanding of what the industry needs and requires from graduates. I also appreciate that research and development in academia are important for the industry as well as providing a learning experience to explore and develop creative ideas. I try to inspire my students. And make sure they are ready for industry. With all the knocks and triumphs that come with it. Did I mention I love ideas?
