I can see a rainbow.

James Gurney has provided a link to yet another useful online tool. A colour test to see how well you see colours. It has been noted that the quality and setting of your monitor is likely to cause a lower score so if you give it a go and don't get a 0 consider trying on another screen.

It's great to see my prints were put to use and make a difference in someone's life. You can see what Aid for Japan are doing to help orphaned Japanese children Here.

Zombie Playground kickstarter

Jason Chan and Massive black have shared the link to the Zombie Playground kickstarter at last! I don't know about you but when I was at school my friends and I had all kinds of crazy ideas, we even played a game kind of like this around the school for reals!
I can only imagine that this will be the best game ever and needs to reach that 100k mark! Some of the perks for backing big amounts sound like fun, now would I rather be a zombie faculty member, survivor or past Head teacher?

You can find the kickstarer page here and the website & forum over here.

Neil Gaiman Addresses the University of the Arts Class of 2012

Neil Gaiman gives a pretty uplifting speech in this video and is a really good watch even if you haven't graduated as recently as 2012. I know I forgot this way of thinking after being in solitary confinement for so long!

Gamut tool for digital artists

If you don't already, I would highly suggest subscribing to Muddy colours. It's a great blog with guest artists posting all kinds of information, the latest of which is this FREE gamut mask tool!

Prints donated to UK charity for Japanese orphans.

The remaining copies of the charity print have been donated to Aid-For-Japan a UK charity that help orphaned children in Japan.
If you would like to get a copy then follow them or get in touch.
I certainly learned a lot with this project. It was the first time that I had anything printed for sale and the first time I really had to do any marketing. Shipping prints out was a learning experiance too, in future shipping method will inform my choices regarding paper type.

workshops at QUAD as part of our Employability Improvement Programme

Just graduated? Struggling to find Job opportunities? Want to improve your chances of getting a job?

A series of workshops at QUAD as part of our Employability Improvement Programme will show you how to:

·         Advance your interview skills and techniques.

·         Present your professional image or brand.

·         Develop your communication skills through Forum Theatre.

·         Update and tailor your CV to meet specific job openings.

·         Opportunity to volunteer at Derby Festé to gain real work experience.

The sessions are developed to help recent graduates boost their refined skills and keep their CV and interview techniques up to date so that you are always presenting yourself in the most positive manner.

The programme consists of 3 weeks starting on August 24^th 2011 and will end on the 7^th September, by which point you will be given the fantastic opportunity to become part of the city’s biggest festival of the year: Derby Festé. Being a volunteer for Derby Festé will give you an extra opportunity to develop or gain new real work experience within a creative and public-based environment.

The sessions at QUAD will be delivered by senior journalist on The Daily Telegraph: Nick Britten, and professional actor for Lost Boys Productions: Paul Smith and will cover the following skills:

·         How to research the company interviewing you and what elements to draw out in order to impress.

·         CV development and committing it to memory so you can use examples in response to questions.

·         Remembering the W’s; Who you are interviewing for? Why do you want the job? What can you bring? And Where do you see yourself in 3 years time?

·         Impact and appearance; first impressions are crucial.

·         Body language do’s and don’ts; your handshake, eye contact and enthusiasm.

·         Interview etiquette and the art of conversation; knowing when to speak and when to stop!

QUAD has initially taken in participants that already regularly meet at Community Action Derby as part of their Employment Support Programmes but there are places for up to another 20 graduates living in Derby City to begin the 3 week programme.

For more information or to enrol, please contact Laura Vann on:

E:  laurav@derbyquad.co.uk   T:  01332 285492