This interview was conducted and written by Clark Buckner from TechnologyAdvice.com. They provide coverage content with both local and national events along with providing expert comparisons on the value in employee engagement software, customer loyalty software, business intelligence and much more).
Nossi College of Art in Nashville, TN recently hosted 12th&Broad’s 2014 ArtCampNashville, holding workshops and sessions to foster creativity, inspiration and education within Nashville’s creative community. ArtCamp Nashville also showcased the work of seven students.
Libby Funke Luff, Director of Marketing and Student Activities at Nossi College of Art spoke with TechnologyAdvice host Clark Buckner about Nossi’s creative curriculum for their students, their collaboration with 12th&Broad, tips to take your passion to the next level, and how interested parties can work with Nossi students.
The Benefits of a Nossi College of Art Education
With its new location constructed in 2010, Nossi College of Art is a 55,000-square foot facility that rests on a ten-acre hillside. Built with inspiring creativity in mind, the school offers large studios and spaces in order to provide the best learning environment for creative students.
Beyond aesthetics, Luff takes pride in the school’s primary goal to get students involved outside of the classroom. While classroom experience is key, students given permission to exercise their creative talents in real-world business scenarios with actual clients see a marked increase in retaining and applying what they’ve learned.
Because of the constantly changing tech and creative industries of today, Nossi College of Art strives to ensure that their students receive the kind of education that will see immediate results in the real world. Half of their curriculum involves classroom training, while the other half involves going outside of the classroom. Such outside events offer insight into what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to applying taught knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Luff also provided a few tips for students who want to take their art and passion to the next level:
-
Seek to constantly learn: Always be “out” there and always work on what you’re doing in order to constantly improve your craft. Learn something every time you go out. Always stay active in whatever you want to do.
-
Become adept at networking: Networking is another key if you want to take the next step. This means going to events like ArtCampNashville, as well as other events happening in Nashville’s creative community. If you’re new to networking, find someone you know at these events. More often than not, they’ll introduce you to somebody else. That’s how effective networking begins, and it’s also the first step toward working on a freelance basis. Luff encourages students to grow what she calls their professional “little black book” while still in college.
Nossi College of Art’s Collaboration with 12th&Broad
12th&Broad is highly involved in creating great events and experiences to showcase Nashville’s creative culture. Luff described having a great relationship with 12th&Broad, who have invited Nossi students and teachers to many of their events. For instance, photography students from the Nossi College of Art attend events to take pictures.
12th&Broad typically offers music-oriented events like “Meat Ya in Centennial Park,” a full day of music, food, and fun creative experiences. Nossi College of Art photographers will go on location to these events as well, working with Creative Directors and Art Directors on what they need in order to showcase the event after it’s over.
This grants needed experience and exposure for these photography students. Getting their images onto 12th&Broad’s website and social media helps them build a portfolio they may not have had an opportunity to build otherwise.
Nossi College of Art’s All Access and Working with Nonprofits
Many of Nossi’s clients tend to be nonprofits who don’t always have the money to hire experienced creatives. For Luff, this presents a win-win for her clients and her students.
Consequently, Nossi College of Art features Nossi All Access, a student activity page where students can access many different work opportunities, from events to business projects to fundraisers.
Businesses, events, or nonprofits can also use the site to work with Nossi’s creative talents. They can express their interest in becoming a partner by simply going to that page and clicking on the “partner” link.
In closing, Luff repeated Nossi College of Art’s motto: “We have the connections, you get the experience,” a fitting phrase for a school that prepares its students for work well beyond their graduation day.
Listen to the interview online here.
Want to see photos from #ArtCampNash? Click here to see images from Nicky Drake Photography.