DPS ALUMNI Q&A: CORIN KENNINGTON - ARTIST & DESIGNER
“DPS OPENED UP ALL SORTS OF AMBITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR ME, SUCH AS THE PROSPECT OF WORKING ABROAD.
SINCE SPENDING 3 MONTHS WORKINGS IN INDIA ON DPS IT HAS ENCOURAGED ME TO TRAVEL MUCH MORE REGULARLY BOTH FOR WORK AND LEISURE”
Q) Which course did you study at LCC?
BA Graphic & Media Design
Q) Tell us about your current role and what you're currently working on?
I am currently working freelance, specialising in hand painted letterforms and large-scale murals. I have recently completed a large mural project in New Delhi, India, for internationally renowned St+art festival, as well as working on projects in London for clients such as Camden Town Brewery, Newham Council and Greenwich Peninsula. I have also recently had my work exhibited at Saatchi Gallery and Somerset House, London.
Q) What made you choose the DPS opportunity?
At the time, I found the prospect of graduating daunting, and was really uncertain of what lay ahead for me.
I chose to do DPS to enable me to better understand the industry and to work out where I wanted to position myself within it.
Q) Where did you go for your DPS year? Tell us a little bit about your experience:
I was able to gain varying experiences throughout DPS, from installing murals and sign-painting in the then new Ace Hotel, Shoreditch, to spending 8 weeks working at Wieden+Kennedy in New Delhi, India.
Between these, I also set up the design studio Our Place with two friends, spent 3 months working at Lukecharles design studio, as well as working on various freelance and self-initiated projects throughout the year.
Q) What's the most important thing you learned from doing the DPS year?
For me, it was the realisation that I wanted to run my own practise post graduation. This really steered the projects and direction of my work throughout the final year, and gave me the time to build and prepare for the industry having a better understanding of how it all worked.
Q) How did DPS alter your future ambitions?
DPS opened up all sorts of ambitions and opportunities for me, such as the prospect of working abroad. Since spending 3 months working in India on DPS, it has encouraged me to travel much more regularly, both for work and leisure.
Through DPS, I also made some connections within the industry that continue to be a big part of my practise today.
Q) Would you recommend a DPS year to other students and if so, why?
I would highly recommend DPS to any students that have the opportunity, it was the most enjoyable and enriching experience of my education. Through the contacts and financial stability provided by the course, DPS enabled me to undertake opportunities and experiences that wouldn’t have been possible post graduation.
Q) What advice would you give to students applying for the DPS year?
Aim to experience as many different work environments and experiences as possible and be brave with what you choose to do.
Q) What was the best thing about your time at LCC and why?
Apart from DPS, the printing facilities were a highlight of my time at LCC and a big factor in choosing to study there. I spent a lot of time working in the letterpress workshops.
Q) Is there a particular person who shaped your university experience or creative outlook?
Sarah Temple (DPS) and Ken Kirton (HATO) are two tutors that really helped shape my experiences at LCC and on DPS. Since graduating, I have been able to collaborate on projects and develop professional relationships with both tutors.
Q) Where do you go for inspiration?
Apart from exhibitions, I draw a lot of my inspiration from experiences and imagery that I encounter day to day in London and when traveling. I mainly document painted signs and textures found within the environment, often directly using the images to inform my paintings and commercial lettering work.
Q) What does your workspace look like? Do you have a studio?
I have a studio by the canal in Hackney Wick, East London. I have recently taken on a larger space, which I share with Harry Fieber of UTILE studio. We have a large downstairs painting area for artwork and signage, which has lots of natural light. Upstairs on the mezzanine area, we use the space for computer work and drawing. The space is also filling up with lots of plants, printing equipment and pieces of artwork!
