Having worked in design since the late 80's and now as an associate lecturer as well, I feel there is a fine line in education between being ready for industry but having an opportunity to really explore your individuality without full industry constraints while at University.
From experience, the client is seldom art/design literate, but unfortunately has control of the budget and effectively your artistic balls. It is very important as the designer to be able to hold on to the essence of the big idea and make compromises while still keeping it visually coherent and fit for purpose. If you are not encouraged in that freedom while at college, and only design within the limitations of the known - originality will be lost. Personally I think the culture of exploration is being lost in our schools/colleges for the sake of league tables.
To that end I would like to congratulate the students that have just graduated from Southampton School of Art, for there work over the last year and producing a great show that achieves the fine balance of experimental and industry ready outcomes.
Now it is over to the design industry to stop asking for people who can "hit the ground running" and to take a chance on this new blood. Someone took a chance on you, and also, they can probably run faster than you!
