Alastair

I'm an artist, lead designer and art director with over 15 years of experience leading multidisciplinary art & design commercial projects for television, advertising, digital, and socially engaged public projects. I've directed major campaigns for brands like Sky, Diageo, Google, and Mercedes-Benz while simultaneously exhibiting work internationally in a research-led fine art practice.

I support students across artistic and design disciplines, from GCSE students building confidence to undergraduates refining their direction or early-career professionals looking to tailor their impact. I mentor students through Arts Emergency and support youth groups and early career makers in community projects through public institutions.

My student sessions bridge self-reflection and creative expression with real-world professional insight grounded in storytelling, semiotics, spatial design, and cultural research to ensure a holistic approach to professional practice in contemporary art and design today.

Tutoring Experience

While I haven't followed a traditional teaching pathway, my educational experience spans formal academic settings and community-driven, socially engaged projects.

I have been a visiting artist on the XD Pathway of the undergraduate Fine Art course at Saint Martin's, UAL, contributing to critiques, studio visits, and seminars that support interdisciplinary and experimental practice students. This opportunity built on my postgraduate studies and gave me a strong foundation for working within higher education contexts.

I led workshops at Tate Modern's Tate Exchange as part of a public-facing education programme. I invited intergenerational participants to engage in open-ended material exploration for dialogue, community connection, and self-expression.

Beyond the arts sector, I have spent over 15 years working in TV, advertising, digital design, and branding, where mentoring has been an essential part of my role. I’ve supported junior designers and creative teams across organisations like ITV, BBC, RSA, and agency environments—helping individuals strengthen their voice, refine their portfolios, and grow within fast-paced, high-pressure environments. This has given me a practical understanding of nurturing talent in real-world settings.

I currently mentor through Arts Emergency, working one-on-one with young creatives navigating the early stages of their education and practice. I also support young refugees through a Young Creatives public programme with an art institution, contributing to co-designed projects rooted in storytelling, space, and identity.

My work is youth-led and values-based. I emphasise listening and reflection to help participants refine their creative interests and move forward confidently, whether pursuing art, design, or their unique hybrid practice.

My upcoming PhD at Goldsmiths continues this trajectory, centring on ethnographic fieldwork, workshops, and spatial storytelling with young people and communities across South East England.

Tutoring Approach

My approach combines warmth, depth, and professional clarity. Every session is tailored — whether you're aiming for a university application, developing a project, or transitioning into the creative industry from another sector.

✳ For Younger Artists and Early-Stage Learners:
- For GCSE, A-Level or foundation-level students, I provide structured, supportive mentoring that helps develop creative confidence while guiding them toward their voice. This includes:
- Assisting students in identifying what truly interests them and why
- Building a sense of creative identity and direction
- Encouraging playful exploration with focused feedback
- Planning next steps: from project choices to course applications
- Developing habits of reflection, self-editing, and resilience

I aim to make creative learning enjoyable and meaningful so that younger students don't just meet targets but start building a path they're excited to follow.

✳ For Art & Portfolio Mentoring:
- Conceptual development & critical reflection
- Sketchbook guidance & material experimentation
- Sculptural thinking, installation, and narrative work
- Application prep for art schools and residencies
- Practical and Ethical approaches to upskilling with AI

✳ For Design Mentoring:
- Branding, motion, UI/UX, and campaign building
- Industry-grade critique & portfolio development
- Research-led design with social and cultural impact
- Storytelling, copywriting & audience engagement
- Methods of integrating AI technology into your workflow

I aim to build confidence, creative autonomy, and a lasting sense of direction — no matter your starting point.