A THURROCK man is living his graphic design dream after graduating and securing a role at a top agency after changing his life through a course at South Essex College's University Centre.

Mark Nevard, 36, from Grays, studied BA (Hons) Graphic Design at the centre's Southend Campus and now works for MerchantCantos.

On a day to day basis he works on various projects for large corporate companies, such as Dixons Carphone, GSK and Nokia. This could involve anything from branding and infographics to illustrations and typography for campaigns.

He believes the degree helped him to understand the creative process better, it taught him how to tackle challenging design briefs and meet deadlines.

During Mark's time at the University Centre he won a prestigious 'One to watch' award at D&AD New Blood graduate show for his final major project, Medicine for Modern Times.

He said: "Not only did the course teach me a lot about design and all the various aspects of it, without it I wouldn't have had the chance to show my work in our end of year exhibition and ultimately get the opportunity to meet various established agencies in the industry and get offered a job from it. It was an amazing experience."

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