After busting their ass for four years or more, design students who graduated this year are stepping into a shit economy filled with offices closed by COVID and a dearth of jobs. What the hell are they supposed to do?

Thankfully, a group of established designers is stepping up to help with a presentation that anyone can tune into next week.

To continue offering support for the next generation of creative talent, designer and innovator Matthew Cockerill is hosting Creative Conversations for the Class of 2020: a virtual event where design leaders discuss tips and tactics to help young creatives land their first design job during these difficult times.

Young creatives can sign up to hear creative practitioners share their early experiences of the design industry and discuss how fresh talent can stand out from the crowd, develop their skills and keep motivated in order to secure their entry into the design sector. Speakers include:

- Matthew Cockerill - Independent Consultant, Class of 1991

- Jo Barnard - Founder, Morrama, Class of 2014

- Will Howe - Director, Map Project Office, Class of 2001

- Adrian Westaway - Principle, Special Projects, Class of 2007

- Paula Zuccotti - Author and founder of The Overworld, Class of 2000

"I designed this event to welcome the young creative community to our profession and assure them that they are not forgotten during these challenging times. When I graduated in 1991, the economy was in ruin and it took me a year before I got a foot on the creative ladder, so I know how daunting it can feel starting out. I want emerging creatives to know that they are not alone and that they are part of a continuum of creatives who have emerged out of difficult periods as better designers. The future of our industry relies on the next generation of creative minds, so it is our responsibility as experienced designers to nurture and lend support as best we can." 

-- Matthew Cockerill

Put it in your calendar, folks. The panel discussion will happen on:

Tuesday, August 11th

11am - 12:30pm (BST)

Access will be given via a Zoom link issued to ticket holders on the day. Interested creatives can register for free via the Eventbrite page.