News | Friday, 17th March 2017
Fashion designer Wayne Hemingway tells students: 'We're going to help you'
He was keynote speaker at Future Talent in the Creative Industries conference
Fashion designer turned urban property expert Wayne Hemingway advised students on how to succeed in the industry.
The MBE recipient was the keynote speaker at the annual Future Talent in the Creative Industries conference that brings together creative industry experts, Manchester Met students and academics for a day of talks, networking and competitions.
It was hosted by the Creative Industries Cluster at Manchester Metropolitan University in association with the Manchester Publicity Association.
Advice for students
Acclaimed designer Hemingway told students: "My generation has for the first time left you with life chances that are less than the previous generation."
He went on to point out "only 40% of you will own your own house compared to 78% of the previous generation".
However, the designer made it clear that there was a way forward.
“Together, with industry professionals and the arts council we are going to help you. We have got to find new ways.”
He summarised by telling young creatives to grasp opportunities, make everything they do have a purpose and to never fear failure.
He said: “Some people just live and breathe wealth and think about wealth generation, but it's no good if it doesn't leave a beautiful legacy – money doesn't always leave beauty.
“We don't think about the cash – we think about the social benefit. We aren't the richest people but we make money and we hope society benefits.”
Hemingway spoke for 40 minutes and took questions for half an hour afterwards from students.
Guest speakers
Nicky Unsworth, founder of creative advertising agency BJL, Neil Harris from Manchester Arts Council and Lisa Nichols, executive creative director at TBWA, also spoke to students at the event.
Dr Jane Tonge, Senior Lecturer in Marketing Communications and the Creatives Industries Knowledge Cluster leader, said: “The event goes from strength to strength, and this year saw over 100 people attend. In particular, students were given the chance to tap into the fantastic partnerships the University has developed within the creative industry.
“The advice from Wayne Hemingway was fantastic and many students later said how inspiring he was, as were all the speakers who gave us a splendid insight into working in the creative industries. The key skills students learn on our courses helps to prepare them for life in the industry, and this event was a great opportunity for students to practice those skills and impress the leaders of the businesses they will soon be applying to.”
The Manchester Evening News was the events media partner, with advertising director Richard Roycroft, giving an insightful presentation which highlighted the positive impact the media can have on society.
During the afternoon, there was a competition for students to submit a piece of their work to the speakers with the four winners each receiving a work placement at a different top creative agency in Manchester.
