From hardly being able to draw a stick figure, Megan Foster, a UCOL Bachelor of Design and Arts student who is majoring in Graphic Design, is about to see her work exhibited as part of the Tributaries Exhibition in Whanganui.
“I will be exhibiting a collection of work based around a fictional sub-event from the annual 'Beach Hop' in Whangamata. It is an event where Rat Rods, which are a style of hot rod or custom car, from around the country can gather together and compete for titles which include 'Loudest Rat' and 'Dirtiest Rat'. “
“'Beach Hop' was the main inspiration for this work. Each year I see the popularity growing with the rustic and raw aesthetic in classic vehicles. I've also always loved the way a Rat Rods look on the road. It adds something different and will always draw attention.”
“I started being creative in high school, although I've never been a drawer or painter. One day I went home after school one day and decided to sit down and go through as many Photoshop and Illustrator tutorials as I could.”
With a clear goal in mind of pursuing this new interest and turning it into a career Megan started looking at UCOL “I chose UCOL because it allowed me to be closer to my family down in Wanganui. I also heard great things about UCOL, and also liked how the classes were smaller which meant you could have more one on one time with the lecturer.”
The decision to come to UCOL proved to be a good one, and Megan is looking forward to having her work on display. When asked to reflect on her time here “One of my most memorable times at UCOL was getting praise for my work from the '
Semi Permanent' conference curator.”
What comes next is quite clear for Megan “I already have a full time job up in Hamilton working at
Red Star Signs. I landed this halfway through my last year of study, which has both challenged me and excited me.”
“I have always been interested in creating vehicle liveries and being able to see something I've created on the stockcar track or drift track creates a sense of pride I didn't realize I had. And seeing the positive reaction from someone when they come to pick up their car makes the late nights and hard work worth it.”
“I’m looking forward at staying at Red Star Signs and working on more projects like designing the Choice Events 'Recovery' Ute (which I am particularly excited about), it heads out on the Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park. No matter what - I want to further my skill sets and continue to challenge myself.”
You can view Megan’s work and that of other students as part of the Tributaries Exhibition, with works exhibited on campus at UCOL, including at the Edith Gallery, Whanganui Community Art Centre, and at New Zealand Glassworks.
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