The Value of Looking Back
BEN WRIGHT | DESIGNER
From Student to Industry
Returning to Leeds Arts University to give portfolio reviews to this year’s final-year students was a real full-circle moment. It felt slightly surreal walking back through the doors, not as a student, but as a creative professional. It was a chance to reflect on the place that helped shape my practice and provided the foundations for the career I’m building today.
There was something especially rewarding about catching up with my former lecturers. Returning a few years later to talk about the projects I’ve had the chance to work on, the challenges of agency life, and the experiences I’ve gained in the industry really highlighted the journey I’ve been on since graduating. It was a genuinely fulfilling moment, and a reminder of how valuable those early years at university were in laying the foundations for my career.
It was also fascinating to see how much the course and the student outcomes have evolved in what feels like such a short space of time. The quality of work on display was incredibly impressive, with every portfolio showcasing a unique creative perspective.
Speaking with students who are about to take their first steps into the creative industry brought back memories of being in that exact position myself. There’s a unique mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with leaving education, and it was a privilege to offer guidance and encouragement as they prepare for the next chapter.
A huge thank you to Leeds Arts University and the LAU Graphic Design course for the invitation and warm welcome. It was inspiring to see so much creativity, ambition and dedication on display, and I’m excited to see where this year’s graduates go next. Wishing everyone the very best as they take their first steps into the creative industry!
