Peterborough graphic designer thanks college ahead of exhibition

A Peterborough graphic designer is looking forward after putting on his first ever exhibition.

Talented artist Jason Duckmanton has thanked New College Stamford for developing his love of illustration and design as he celebrates putting on his first art exhibition.

The 29-year-old, who co-owns graphic design company Paper Rhino in Peterborough, credited the Multi Media Studies course he completed at the college with providing the perfect spring board to a career in art and design.

He is currently exhibiting One for Sorrow in Gallery 3 at Peterborough City Museum, which showcases his illustrations of “dark children’s creatures”, and hopes to then take it to other venues across the country.

It is the result of three years’ work, during which he created a range of illustrations with inspiration from children’s films and books, such as Alice in Wonderland.

Jason, from Peterborough, said: “Professionally, I’m a graphic designer, but I love to illustrate so it’s great to see my work on show in Peterborough.

“A few years’ ago I decided I wanted to exhibit a lot of my work, so started to pull together a gallery. It’s taken time, but I love illustrating, so I’ve really enjoyed watching it develop.

“The exhibition has had a great audience so far.”

Jason said while illustration was his hobby, graphic design was his profession and he could not have been so successful without his course at New College Stamford.

He added: “All of the skills I learned at college I use in my day job. I know that I would never have gone into working in this area without the college and that course. Graphic design was relatively unknown at the time but the course opened up lots of opportunities for me.

“It provided me with a huge amount of inspiration. I hope I can be as inspirational because art and design is a great profession to be in.”

Yvonne Davison-Clissitt, Jason’s Multi Media tutor at New College Stamford, said she was delighted to see him realising his dream.

She said: “Jason is a talented graphic designer, but has a great love of illustration too, so it’s wonderful to see his work on show to the public.

“His work offers something really different, which appeals to a wide range of age groups, so I would urge people to go and take a look. They won’t be disappointed.”

One for Sorrow will run until September 24. The exhibition is free and is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday each week, from 10am to 5pm. Jason’s exhibits are also available for sale.