Ms Tracy Allanson-Smith
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Job title: Programme Leader BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Email: t.d.allanson-smith@derby.ac.uk
Phone No: 01332 593125
Room: MS 108
Experience in Industry
I have worked as a designer in highly regarded design companies as well as a freelancing:
Design Posts:
Pentagram, London, Futurebrand, Nucleus Design, Boots, Nottingham
Freelance Design:
Coley Porter Bell, Still Waters Run Deep, Erga Design, Marks & Spencer, Wickens Tutt Southgate, Hill Watson,
Luxon Carra, Nucleus Design, Davies Baron, Diefenbach Elkins.
Clients include:
Co-op, Hogg Robinson, Thomas Cook, British Airways, Worten (Electrical Store, Portugal), Sock Shop
Caura, Santa Cruz Operation, Eureka! Children's Museum, The British Library, Royal National Theatre,
Mazda Xedos, Edinburgh Park, Ciba Geigy.
Design discipline experience
My work spans across the following areas of design: typography, packaging, exhibition design, retail, branding, literature, corporate identity and wayfinding.
Current Activities / Links with Industry
Currently I create posters and publications relating to Educational Institutes.
Faculty: Arts, Design and Technology
School: School of Art and Design
Subject Area: Graphic Design
Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Graphic Design
I am responsible for the recruitment of students, curriculum development, the overall direction of the course and managing the Programme with the support of the senior management team (assistant Head of School and Head of School).
Teaching responsibilities
I currently teach on the BA (Hons) Graphic Design Programme across undergraduate levels 4, 5 and 6.
Professional interests
I am particularly interested in the integration of professional briefs from the creative industry, partnerships between industry and education and creating new synergies and ways of working in this fast moving area of design.
Research interests
Following on from my MA in Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent, I am interested in developing further work exploring the relationship of typography with specific references to linguistic conventions. I have recently hosted a Typography Symposium at the University of Derby in conjunction with the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design's Typography Research Initiative, entitled 'Lost in Translation'. It is my aim to co-ordinate further lecture series on the theme of international typography.
International Experience
I have worked temporarily in Portugal and implemented a brand and co-ordinated a project for Diefenback Elkins.
Membership of professional bodies and advisory committees
I am an experienced external examiner, visiting tutor, guest speaker and external consultant for online module development at institutions across the UK; appointments have been made at the University of Hertfordshire, University of Bolton, Nottingham Trent University, Surrey Institute of Art & Design, Central St. Martins, West Hertfordshire College of Art & Design and Norwich School of Art. I am a member of the International Society of Typographic Design.
Recent Conferences
- 2011 Project co-ordinator and presenter: 'Lost in Translation' - Typography Symposium, University of Derby
- 2010 Exhibitor at 'Type Writing' -Typography Symposium, Birmingham Institute of Art & Design
- 2009 Exhibitor at 'Typographic Horizons' - Symposium, Birmingham Institute of Art & Design
- 2009 Exhibitor at Nottingham Trent University, 'Making the Future' Selected Post Graduate exhibitors.
- 2008 Project co-ordinator for Sorrell Foundation 'Joined Up Thinking'.
I have co-ordinated and successfully collaborated with local schools, students and industry on the Young Designers Programme, for the Sorrell Foundation.
Additional Interests and Activities
In collaboration with Leo Broadley, I have set up a strong alumni base for graduates to join, this is to encourage further dialogue, knowledge transfer and increase employability opportunities.
Undergraduate qualifications
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Norwich School of Art
Postgraduate qualifications
- MA Graphic Design , Nottingham Trent
- PGPLT, University of Derby
