Prague College

Silvia, you are not only a student of the Bachelor's Programme at Prague College, but you also quite actively participate in activities with the Prague College Research Centre ... could you tell us what your co-operation is about and which projects are you working on?
So far I've worked on the lastest issue of the Prague College Research Centre Bulletin and the Underground City XXI catalogue. Regarding these projects, I usually participate in the meetings to get a better idea of what is needed and then I work on my own. These days we're about to start working on a brand new issue of the PCRS Bulletin so stay tuned! In addition, there's a new exciting project coming up too - I'm sure you'll hear about it soon!

You also created a poster and the whole graphic identity for the CCI Conference which took place at Prague College during the end of May, 2011. What inspired you?
All of the promotional materials stemmed from the design of the conference poster. It took me some time to come up with a final idea, especially since I looked at many possibilities. However, the final design was inspired by Saul Bass' artwork in its early stages. Research revealed that Caesar was the first one to use ciphers, so I used his silhouette as the main element of the poster. The last thing I was struggling with was the speakers' names which were required to be there; I used hand-lettering to make them a bit unclear and "squeezed" them into a brain. I was really glad to see that it worked well for the target audience (speakers and participants of the conference), and some of the speakers even took the posters home.

You represent one of the School of Art & Design faculty programmes in the new Prague College campaign which is running in the Prague metro right now. What goes into the preparation of the posters? Did you enjoy it?
The shooting was fun! When I went there, Dima (graphic designer and student of Prague College) showed me sketches and explained what was needed from me. Then we made test shots (wearing different tops and hairstyles) to see what worked the best. Finally, the photographer directed me to get the pictures he wanted and what would work the best for the poster. It took about 45 minutes all together and it was really interesting to see how a metro poster is born.

You are starting the third year of the Bachelor Programme BA (Hons) Graphic Design… are you preparing yourself for the future studies?
Frankly speaking, I'm not getting ready for the BA at all. Of course I've thought about my dissertation topic, but I've been so busy that I could not really focus on that. Anyway, I'm quite excited to start the BA.

How do you enjoy the summer?
I haven't enjoyed summer much yet. I went to Slovakia (Silvia is from Slovakia) for a couple of days, but other than that I haven't had a chance to relax as much as I wanted. However, I am going to enjoy myself in mid-August when my birthday is!

This year's BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduate, Laetitia Desroches, was one of 12 people shortlisted from almost 1,200 entrants for the 2011 Penguin Design Award. The brief was to design a cover for a book by Gabriel García Márquez titled "One Hundred Years of Solitude".

Laetitia was invited to the award ceremony in London where her design was exhibited along with the other shortlisted entries and the winning designs.

Congratulations Laetitia!

Josef Stransky, a recent graduate of the HND Interactive Media programme, talked to expats.cz about his life as a street artist in Prague and about his decision to study at Prague College.

Josef exhibited his works together with other students during their graduation exhibition that took place in June at Prague College. Take a look at the photos from the exhibition here...
Some of his works can also be seen in the article by expats.cz

Read the article here...

Jakub Gerhardt, HND Graphic Design graduate, came back from Cannes where he represented Prague College at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, full of positive feedback and enthusiasm.

Here is what he told us about his experience from Cannes:

"Every morning for seven days at 9.30 we have met the academy and started the day with Rick Boyko and Clive Challis presenting us with the day plan. Every single day our schedule was so packed, so for the first 3 days I haven't eaten anything but sandwiches. The reason for that was simple; I didn't want to miss a thing.
The people who came to talk to us were the CEO's of ground breaking companies, marketing leaders in the digital industry or even the advertising guru Sir John Hegarty came to talk to us for an hour. I managed to get an autograph from him and even a personal note, that is now on my wall to remind me "Jakub. Never be ordinary. And don't forget to buy [my] book." We were told the inside stories of how Nike+ campaign was done, or even that Transformers movie is basically only a 120 minutes long commercial. We were shown the modern approaches in advertising, not only how to raise the sales and brand awareness, but how one can influence society by creativity.
In the afternoon, after the sessions, workshops and seminars we attended the award ceremonies, where we were shown again the best work from around the world. After that, the nightlife has started. A cocktail party in front of a 5 start hotel, a beach gala party with fireworks at midnight or rooftop party are just few to mention.

There was no time to sleep, but there was no need. The entire week was so packed and every moment was jaw dropping. The intense experience has given me so much enthusiasm and energy, that I didn't even need the sleep, though the coffee helped; a lot.

I can't say "thank you" enough. To Georg Hodek from isifa who sponsored my trip, thank you. To Prague College and the lecturers who provided me with this opportunity, thank you. To Rick Boyko and Clive Challis for organizing the whole week, thank you. To DRAFT FCB for sponsoring the Academy, thank you. And most importantly to all of the students at RHA; you guys made the experience unforgettable, thank you so much. "

Jamie Fisher is a Canadian artist living and working in Prague. She studied Illustration and Design in Montreal before moving to Prague in 2008, and has recently completed her Bachelors degree in Fine Arts Experimental Media at Prague College. This will be the first solo exhibition for this young up-and-coming Canadian artist.

On exhibit will be portraits that Jamie has developed over the past year. She is deeply interested in the emotion and unique attitude expressed by an individuals’ face. The portraits aim to capture and reflect some truth about each subject, whether it be good or bad.

The exhibition will be running at Napa Art Gallery | Prokopská 8 | 7th - 28th of July . Opening will take place on July 7th from 7pm.

Congratulations Jamie!!

Jakub Gerhardt, HND Graphic Design student, is representing Slovakia and Prague College at this year's Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

Jakub is participating in the Roger Hatchuel Academy Programme, which is the only place in the world where a select group of international students can meet, see the best work in advertising from across the globe, and learn from inspirational industry leaders to help them become great advertising professionals of the future. This year's programme is lead by Rock Boyko (former Chief Creative Officer and Co-President of Ogilvy & Mather) and Clive Challis (Head of the Advertising course at Central Saint Martins).

"I am really looking forward for Cannes; not for the parties or the beautiful beaches, but to meet the pale, creative people. I am very excited about all the seminars, workshops and lectures, but mostly to be learning by the best in the world," says Jakub about his trip to Cannes.

Good luck Jakub!

Milan Nedved, a Prague College graphic design student who graduated last May and is currently pursuing an MFA in graphic design at the Rhode Island School of Design, was awarded a bronze award in the Student Project category of the European Design Awards 2011 for his final bachelor degree project under BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Prague College.

The entry was an experimental book which presents the key projects and personality of the contemporary Czech architect Michal Kuzemensky. Every architectural project in the book is represented through different paper sizes in various overlapping-folding positions. Milan chose to present Michal Kuzemensky's work as a process in which the architect's works, thought processes and conclusions were included.

For more information about Milan go to: www.milann.info

Two recent graduates of the BA (Hons) Fine Art Experimental Media programme, Peter Marencik and Jamba Mulimbwe, gave an interview to the Prague Post on the occasion of the programme Graduation Exhibition opening that took place in May.

Read the Prague Post article here...
Find out about this year's BA (Hons) Fine Art Experimental Media Graduation Exhibition 9trajectories at www.9trajectories.net or see photo gallery here...

Photo: installation by Peter Marencik

How do you like studying in an international community? Do you find it inspiring?
To cooperate with the students and lecturers from various countries is always very positive.

What do you do when you have your homework done? Do you have any spare time for your hobbies?
Of course, the college gives me enough time to sort my time according to my needs, especially concerning assignments. The truth is, however, that I do not always manage to keep the plan I set to myself for projects (as a majority of the students do), but luckily so far everything has ended up well.

What were the most important things you have learnt at Prague College so far?
I have learned a lot so far, and expect to find out myself later on what is actually the most important. I am studying the Interactive Media programme, which means lots of various subjects. Thanks to this we are able to orientate ourselves in many different areas – photos, video, sound, animations, 3D, web etc.... This is what I like about this programme. We get space to try lots of stuff and get a chance to choose what we like the most, or just combine it all together.

Has Prague College opened up new possibilities for you?
Certainly. I have gained insight in many areas concerning interactive media. Thanks to this, I can realize any kind of interactive media project I think up.

What are your plans for the future?
Currently I am really keen on interactive performance – animation together with shadow play. At this moment I am working on my first project of this kind and would like to push this ahead in the future.

How did you come across Prague College and why did you decide to study graphic design here?
In fact, it was a huge coincidence. I was already accepted to study International Relations in Durham, UK, when I literally stumbled upon an advertisement for Prague College while browsing the Internet. Even before I had applied for Durham and other British unis, my big dream was to study Graphic Design. However, I believed I had no chance to get in to Graphic Design, neither in Slovakia nor in the UK, so I went for the second best option. When I found out I could study my dream programme in Prague and in English, I left everything behind and gave it a try. And I’m beyond happy I did, I’ve never regretted it :).

What would you say is the biggest benefit of studying at Prague College?
Actually, I cannot think of any downsides but what I love about Prague College the most is that we’re being educated in English and by truly experienced and inspiring lecturers.

Are you planning to continue with BA programme?
Definitely! It’s going to be tough and exciting at the same time. From what I’ve heard so far, I have lots to look forward to.

Please tell us more about your work and professional achievements so far.
Well, unlike many designers, I entered the world of design through web design, when I was 16. Ever since then, I found code quite frustrating and preferred designing websites to coding them. However, then I focused more on studying politics and geography as I wanted to pursue career in International Relations. At that time, I understood I’m not a web designer at heart but career in design still appealed to me immensely.
My web design past brought me to my most important client so far - I designed Facebook landing pages for 2 TV shows of Czech Television. I also had my hands on iPhone application design, even though it didn’t go over. It never fails to amaze me how much a designer can do, in terms of working in so many different fields of design.

What is your dream job?
I haven’t decided yet, but typography and packaging have appealed to me the most so far. I can also imagine working for a clothing brand, that would be nice as well. Since the design industry is so multidisciplinary, we designers might end up combining all the skills we have while working on a single project.

What or who is inspiring you in your creativity? Do you have any design guru?
I have many, in fact :) I admire the works of Peter Bilak, Zuzana Licko & Rudy VanderLans, David Carson, April Greiman, Michael Bierut, Milton Glaser, Ed Fella, Walter Landor, Geoff McFetridge, just to name a few. I’ve got a theory that one gets the best idea when they expect it the least (or when joking). When I’m stuck, I just look around and try to find something extraordinary in the ordinary things. I might not get the inspiration I’m waiting for at that moment, but ideas are recyclable and reusable, thus I always jot them down.

What are your plans for the future? Where can we see your work?
Hard to say, the things keep changing constantly. I’m thinking about going for MA in typography once I get BA at Prague College. However, that depends upon many things and I might as well stay working here in Prague. Nobody knows what is going to happen but I aim high and hope I’ll be positively surprised.

Why have you decided to study at Prague College?
When I first came to Prague, I was looking for something creative to continue with. Prague College offered me an HND course in graphic design. I took the chance and after couple of months, I knew that Prague College was the right choice. Earning an internationally recognized degree in graphic design gives me the possibility to travel, work and live wherever I want.

How and why have you set up your own graphic studio/shop?
First of all, I got some ideas from friends and colleagues. I did my research on similar shops, products, services, technologies, tools and finally I wrote a business plan. For the Czech Republic market the European funds did not give any support or even sponsors, so I decided to take the risk myself.

Through many years of study and working experience as a graphic designer and advertiser, I found a lot of difficulties when looking for a shop that provided all the requirements I needed as a student and designer. I remember running around Prague and searching for all the tools and materials I needed for my studies, which was really a time killer. So I decided to help students get the tools, services and materials for their studies from one shop and just right the corner from the school.

Grafik Shop works more like a full service graphic and advertising studio providing all services from the very beginning of the project until the final pieces with professionalism, low cost and quality.

What are you working on now? Tell us something about your recent projects.
One of the biggest recent successes was getting the ORCO Group as a client and creating an advertising campaign for them. Later they also asked us to create the entire graphic and advertising project for SPEKTRUM shopping mall, which can hopefully lead to work on more big development projects run by ORCO. Another one of our big clients is at this moment TVO Europe Holding, a facility management company. We work on creating the whole new face of the company, presenting the company externally and also internally, which includes designing, communicating, educating, understanding, researching, serving and much more.

How do you like studying in an international community? Do you find it inspiring?
I like it very much, its fun to be able to study somewhere with so many different cultures represented. I’m always learning something new!

What do you do when you have your homework done? Do you have any spare time for your hobbies?
I enjoy going to flea markets and bazars around Prague and finding unique items.

What were the most important things you have learnt at Prague College so far?
I learnt how to build a website, which was interesting and useful. I planned and organized an exhibition of my work with the help of my teacher Marie Silondi and the college.

Has Prague College opened up new possibilities for you?
I’ve gotten great work opportunities through the teachers at Prague College. One of my teachers recommended me as an illustrator, and as a result I illustrated my first children’s book.

What are the most interesting projects you have been/are working on?
I’m working on an installation project involving cigarettes. I’d like to draw attention to the crazy amount of cigarette butts that are littering the streets in between all the cobblestones.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue illustrating children’s books. I’d like to work in portraiture as well; making unique and creative portraits that say something about the subject.

How do you like studying in an international community? Do you find it inspiring?
I find it totally amazing! I entered Prague College because it was in English and it’s not based on the Czech school system. The multicultural environment is such a great place for studying arts because you get to see different sides of people’s perspective on everything we do.

What do you do when you have your homework done? Do you have any spare time for your hobbies?
I’m full-time employed so whenever I’m not at school or doing homework, I’m working but when I do find spare time I usually spend it with my girlfriend, go to the gym or play Stacraft 2.

What were the most important things you have learnt at Prague College so far?
I have learnt that after many years of experience working in the field I’m currently in, I still haven’t learnt enough! Prague College’s lecturers are experts in the subjects they teach and if I could I would pick their brains all day long!

Has Prague College opened up new possibilities for you?
Most definitely! Because of Prague College I was able to apply into an Experience@Singapore, which is a week long program available to students around the world. During that week students visit major 3D and motion design studios in Singapore and have the opportunity to see how professionals do it and be able to apply for a job there.

What are the most interesting projects you have been/are working on?
I was able to be part of a team that created an international campaign for one of the Czech’s biggest breweries and second project I want to mention is that I was personally responsible for an 11 country internet campaign for a cable TV station.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m still undecided but I know I want to continue on with my studies at Prague College and after that maybe try my luck in a different country such as UK, Germany etc., we’ll see.

Natalia Ogneva, Prague College HND Graphic Design graduate, has been chosen by the renowned glass art studio Artel to create its new Sequence motif for autumn 2010.

How did you come to cooperate with such a prestigious studio as Artel Glass?
It started as an internship opportunity from a school-wide email from Prague College. I applied for the position without much expectation to be accepted. I already had an internship at the time and also a job offer for when school finished. Of course, I was really excited when I heard from Artel that I got the call for the first interview. We were given an assignment, and I was accepted based on my work on this assignment.

What inspired your Sequence motif?

One of my sources of inspiration for Sequence was the work of Czech-born designer Josef Hoffmann, a founder of the Wiener Werkstatte. In particular, his extraordinary feel for lineation.
Do you have any previous experience in applied art design?
I have been making jewelry and crafts for some time now, but this is my first professional opportunity. I was really excited to see how my design went from a paper sketch to a real life object

How did you come across Prague College?
I have always wanted to study graphic design, and Prague College was the most suitable program for me

Did Prague College meet your expectations?
In some regards definitely. We worked with and learned from the creative and talented students and professors. I got some really great practical skills and a head up in starting my career as a graphic designer.

Natalia's work for Artel

About Artel

Established in 1998 by American designer and entrepreneur Karen Feldman, Artel specializes in functional glassware of high design, combining the traditional standards of luxury glassware with the utility demanded of modern life. The company takes its name from an early-20th-century collective of Czech artisans who went against the grain of mass production in glass making and followed the same superior standards used by Artìl today.
Artel’s innovative product line can be found on the shelves of Barneys Japan, Bergdorf Goodman, Paul Smith and Christian Dior, among other exclusive retailers.

One of Artel’s most complex designs, Sequence features an intricate, boldly elegant pattern of parallel and diagonal lines. In creating Sequence, a mouth blown glass vessel is acid etched to create a matte surface upon which a Czech master artisan paints each black line in the lattice-like pattern. The freehand painting technique requires great skill and precision; each glass takes more than a full day to produce.

Why have you decided to study at Prague College?
I had an intention of setting up my own professional recording studio and that is why I was searching for a suitable school. Finally, I found a HND Interactive Media program. I had an opportunity to get the insight into a sound production, web design and so on. Simply, I gained a broad insight into this major.

Why have you setup your own recording studio?
The meaning of “recording studio” was different when I started the process. This term was used to describe just a place where a band records sounds of instruments and voice. Recording studios offer so much more, sound production for the web, PC games, film or even voice over production. It is a very creative job and that what interests me the most.

Tell us about how you started your own studio.
SYPE STUDIOS has been set up by me and my friend Jakub Šimandl. I met Jakub at high school and then we studied both at Prague College Interactive Media program. We have been mainly working on our own projects at the beginning but it was more than clear that we want to build a professional studio with a modern approach that would be combining the best of both analog and digital worlds. Sound production has always been my hobby and Jakub is a composer and a sound engineer.

Tell us something about yourself and your recent projects?
I originally come from Slaný. I lived in Moscow for four years and spent some time in Berlin and USA.

Together, Jakub and I have been working on many projects and some of them are in cooperation with Prague College students. Partly due to our cooperation with Prague College and the students we have had a chance to record vocals for a unique hip hop band, “You-nited Vision”. Now we're recording new material with Prague Hip-Hop artist Jackpot and a jazz CD with British professional singer Caryn Stringer.

Are you thinking about getting the BA (Hons) Fine Art Experimental Media?
Yes, for sure. It will be another great experience. I will gain even deeper understanding of interactive and experimental media domain and make many useful contacts. And that's really important because music is an essential part of new media and film, advertisement, computer games, internet and many other spheres of action. Just think about it, hearing is our second most important sense!

How have you benefited from studying HND Interactive Media program?
There are many interesting projects and guest lectures. I am very interested in cyberpunk, manga, sci-fi and so on. That is why I pretty much enjoyed a speech delivered by Bruce Sterling at Prague College. What I like about Prague College is the fact that you need to think actively and you will be able to search for information and work with updated information in order to reflect new currenttrends into your work because there have been huge ongoing developments in the interactive media area and we have to keep this fact in our minds. There are also other things which I like about Prague College such as the two-way communication, sharing experiences and respect to student’s opinions.

Three graduates of the HND Graphic Design programme, who were among the twelve students who successfully put on their Diploma show in June 2009 at Doubner Gallery, reveal the personal and professional moments in their lives.

NINA ZAKHARKINA * 1986 (Russia)

Nina has always been closely connected to the art world, coming from a family of art lovers. She started taking painting classes at the age of 10, which is how she got into book illustration and graphic design. Nina then spent three years studying graphic design and journalism at Moscow State University which led her to coming to Prague College to develop her skills and knowledge of design. She believes design plays a crucial roles in communication in the modern world. Designers can easily affect the reality around us.

KATARINA GREGOROVA * 1983 (Slovakia)

Ever since Katarina was a child she has enjoyed and been good at hand drawing, as well as calligraphy, and she has spent many years taking drawing classes. Whilst studying graphic design at Prague College she has learnt a lot of new skills which helped Katarina realise her idea of combining computer design with hand drawing.

ZLATKO LAZAROV * 1989 (Macedonia)

Zlatko finished his high school in Navarre High in Florida, in the US, where he discovered his interest in design. Today, Zlatko lives in Prague, the Czech Republic, and studies Graphic Design at Prague College. While studying he’s worked on real projects for his school and for some of the party organizing companies and bars in Prague. His style varies from fat colours and illustrative designs to minimal designs with sharp edges. He continuously improves his style to express the true meaning of design.

1.What is unique about this new web page? Why do you think students and lecturers will use it?

Even though DOT is a social site, which may sound boring and unnecessary, as there are a lot of such sites people already use, this one differs a bit.

First of all, DOT is created for students and lecturers of Prague College, for the presentation of their work. It means in comparison to other social sites this one is quite small and compact, trying to bring together people who obviously have things in common but hadn't had the opportunity to communicate yet.

It is based on people's work and not their profiles. It doesn't have a messaging system and different "friends" options, so the aim is discussion focused around people's work which has been uploaded in order to create a motivating and educational discussion room.

Student (Dot) is the first website of its kind in the Czech Republic giving students the chance to promote themselves and their work The website serves as a social networking place where the opinions of students are met by their friends, colleagues and even lecturers and the public. It is a public website made for students, by students.

2. So from the student's perspective, what do you think motivates them, enriches their studies?

The idea to create such a space came from just being a student at the college. I studied Interactive Media, but somehow found it quite difficult to find time or the right moment to see what other students were doing, especially people who were studying different subjects. I think being able to communicate, discuss, show your work and see other people's work is a great motivation and inspiration. It's also a chance to meet other people and find possibilities for cooperation and team work which is one of the biggest rewards during studying.
I was always so curious about what people were doing in graphic design, or who made that cool animation, or what exactly was going to come up after all that spraying on the walls in the cafeteria...but people are shy and so am I. And so now there is (DOT)!

3. Do you remember what brought the three of you (Vit, Dima and you- the DOT creators) together?

As Vit runs a company that works in web development, there was a clear decision about our cooperation. After the project was constructed, we organized a competition among all graphic design students to find a designer for the project. Dima (Dmytro Strapchev) had the most convincing ideas and we asked him to work with us.

1.What is unique about this new web page? Why do you think students and lecturers will use it?

In general there's nothing new. The site combines the concepts of social networks and web forums. It allows users to post their work, see the work of other students and discuss them. But it is special, because this particular site is specially designed for students and lecturers of Prague College.

Another special thing is it having been designed by students of the same college. I think this makes it unique. From my point of view, it's always interesting to see what other students are doing for the same assignments that you were working on. As well as to hear comments and opinions on your work. Also it's interesting to see the work of students from other programs. For example I was really surprised by the Marketing students' project about the presentation of the Czech "tatarak" dish that was broadcasted on CNN.

2. Why do you think your design was chosen ahead of all the others in the competition?

I was really happy that my design was chosen. I saw some beautiful and interesting designs from the other students who were participating on this. I think my design was chosen because of its simplicity and practicality, though it wasn't the most beautiful.

I saw seen this website as a potential user, which helped me a lot. And also I've spent some time previously searching for and trying various sites to post my work, so I already knew what worked better, and what doesn't. Though, it was quite difficult to understand how business students would use the site, and I think most of that part was thought through by Vit and his team.

3. Being from three different backgrounds, you, Tihana and Vit must have brought different insights to this project. How would you describe your cooperation?

I wouldn't describe our cooperation as "smooth". Sometimes we had completely different views on some parts of the site. It was really interesting how ideas took shape during the meetings, depending on various aspects – web-usability, visual aesthetics, technical constraints, common sense. Everybody was open to ideas and change. Everybody shared their own experience from various fields. I think that was challenging, but finally when we were agreed on something, everybody seemed satisfied. I think I've learned a lot from this project.

4. Do you remember what brought you together?

Probably the idea of making something really special. Sincerity, in some sense.

Klara is a graduate of HND Graphic Design at Prague College, which she successfully completed in June 2009. Klara originally comes from Prague, Czech Republic.

"After studying traditional illustration techniques at High School (specializing in graphics), I decided to switch to Graphic Design. Prague College gave me the opportunity to combine and use the various artistic skills and techniques I have acquired, such as book design, photography, drawing, and broaden my knowledge of typography, editorial design and much more.

I really enjoyed the two-year HND Graphic Design program as I had a chance to participate in real live projects such as: the corporate identity for the National Information Center for Youth (NICM), Magisterartis, Pate du Chef and others. I had an opportunity to communicate with real clients and discuss my ideas on a professional level.

I have chosen to continue with the BA (Hons) Graphic Design program at Prague College for two main reasons: as a mature aged student with certain work experience, it is important to improve the practical skills in design, and also gain substantial theoretical knowledge on graphic design and visual communication.

I work as a freelance designer focusing on medical illustration and associated graphics, which is my preferred field of future endeavors."

Examples of some of Klara's graphic design work completed during the program

As I am a self-taught individual in different graphics software, I was looking for a school where I could round off my knowledge as well as improve my skills in these areas under the supervision of a professional (not only through tutorials found on the internet). Prague College offers all of that and at the same time has a very friendly environment for studying. The teachers are professionals in their fields, they love what they do and they are devoted to their students (I mean really devoted, staying up with you until 5 in the morning to prepare an exhibition!).They treat us as equals in the field, which was for me the best experience.

Currently I am trying to push forward our little graphics studio that my two friends and I started. We form a nice triangle of different skills. One is talented in beautiful illustrations, the other in ideas generation and a great eye for composition and the third (me) for animation and moving graphics. We're a strong trio.

Although our website isstill under construction, (we're still missing the animated graphics) we are happy to show our work to as many people as possible.

www.dqdesign.net

As I am currently devoted to looking for clients and commissions, I don't really have time for large challenging projects. For now it is mostly about marketing and building a regular clientele. Otherwise in my free time, I am trying to learn the tricks of After Effects, so that in the future I will be able to create powerful motion graphics for TV and film.

Natalya is a graduate of HND Graphic Design at Prague College, which she successfully completed in the spring of 2008. Natalya originally comes from Almaty, Kazachstan from where she left exactly four years ago for the Czech Republic.

Natalya is now working in Prague as a graphic designer for the renowned advertising company Ogilvy. She is fond of fashion and likes designing her own clothing collections. Natalya's passions include literature and traveling.

When describing her experience at the college, she says, "I really enjoyed the fact that while we were studying we had the great chance to take part in existing, real projects with real clients, which was an unforgettable opportunity."

And her teachers? "I am very proud and honored by the quality of the great professors that led us. They not only passed their knowledge to us, but they were interested in listening to our own opinions on the topic. We would discuss and analyze our projects together, which was crucial to our development."

Natalya loves her job and she is hoping to work in graphic design her whole life. She is also planning to continue her studies this fall by enrolling in the final year BA (Hons) program to compete her bachelors degree.

Examples of Natalya's graphic design work completed during the program:

My name is Gergana Dukova and I recently completed my studies at Prague College.

I found the college two years ago when I was looking for an alternative to my previous education at a state university. That university gave me great theoretical knowledge, but how much does theory help once you go out in the real world?

I knew I was looking for a different academic environment and I was very excited to come across the Prague College web site. The program the college offered in Graphic Design was very practically oriented and appealed to me right away.

Over the two-year course of studies my classmates and I learned a lot about professional design software and major areas of design such as typography, desktop publishing, corporate identity and image manipulation. We had various projects and the opportunity to put our knowledge to practice by working with real clients.

The experience I gained over the past two years was both useful and enjoyable. Towards the end of our studies my fellow students and I all got jobs, and that was definitely the greatest benefit I can expect from higher education.

Gergana Dukova
HND graduate - June 2008
Bulgarian
Currently employed with Ogilvy Group, Prague

Dear friends,

Are you in your last year at high school and you do not know where to study? Or are you a university student, but your studies didn’t meet your expectations?

If you are interested in art (movies, animation, and production), advertisement and marketing, don’t hesitate to visit our college.

You can find a very friendly atmosphere, young teachers with great practical experience and an individual-oriented attitude to each of you.

I am a Prague College student who was in a very difficult situation. I could not decide about my future studies, but am feeling very happy now, because I have found the subject area I desired.

I can fulfill myself, my small and big dreams. I am shooting short movies, I am creating animated movies for children and I can practice my skills in production.

With my colleague and co-student at the college, Tihana, I am working on a 3D animation project, mainly for children, which is called JUST WINK. The film premiere takes place on the International Children's day 1 June in Restaurant Park, Prague 10.

Thanks to other subjects we have completed at the college, I have created several websites.

Ruben Peguera, one of the best salsa teachers in Prague at Ruben Dance School, was interested in my work, http://www.jambas.org/ I have also designed the site for http://www.aireflamenco.cz/ - Virfinia Delgado, a Spanish Flamenco dancer, and the music groups Pragason and Carisma.

Jamba Mulimbwe (HND Interactive Media)

Ever since I was able to hold a pencil I was drawing small dolls and a lot of clothing for them

Time passed and I am mother now. As I was planning to go back to work, I was looking for something that would really make me happy. My decision was to study Graphic Design, something bothg practical and creative.

Researching my possibilities, I came across Prague College. It was interesting and challenging for me that all study is in English. Now after two years I will get my Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design.

I have met many great people and fellow students. I have to thank to Prague College and the best teacher I have ever come accross - Simon Gray.

I am now working professionally. The best thing about Graphic Design as a career is that you need only a PC and the right programs, so as a mother I am able to work from home.

I am very busy, and very happy working for international clients.

Jana Maleckova
HND graduate - April 2008
Czech

“At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since.” -Salvador Dali

Four years ago I had my mind set to get higher education and I was in crisis of what to pursue as a career path. Between art which was my passion and hobby or what I had set in mind business, which I used to enjoy studying and always had in my mind that I will pursue this career. However I started researching graphic design, and what were the options. This is when I came across the Prague College web site. Moving away from Bahrain was a big step however it was my next step as i applied and got accepted and started attending the courses.

The more I went through the course the more I enjoyed it and started growing a passion towards design. I always knew how to do designs but I never understood the fundamentals the rules and the history behind it all. I started covering more aspects of design such as typography, Corporate identity, and it all began to make more sense to me. Thanks to the great teachers and mentors I had in Prague College today I have reached to understand design and enjoy it more.

After 2 years of doing my degree in Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design, me and my fellow student are finally going to have our final diploma show to show our work. 7˚of Separation, is our final show which is going to be held in La Scene on April 11 till the 14. The show will consist of the best works we did though out our 2 years of the HND course in Prague College.

I have not reached my ultimate goal yet, but I have been set on the right track with the thanks to Prague College and its teachers, and last not least my great mentor in design which I owe on being in the track I’m on today, Simon Gray.