Lecturer
School of Arts and Humanities
Nigel Ball joined the UCS Graphic Design team in 2007, having previously taught on National Diploma and Pre-Degree Foundation Art & Design courses at Suffolk College. He lectures across all levels and pathways of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course on both practical and contextual modules. Alongside lecturing roles, Nigel is also Course Leader for the Graphic Design programmes, Level 4 Year Tutor and course delegate to the School of Arts & Humanities Ethical Research Approval Panel.
Nigel's creative work incorporates graphic design, photography and moving image, produced through design commissions and personal projects. He believes visual communication is most effective when a strong emphasis is placed on the maxim 'ideas come first', something he adheres to in his own work and encourages in that of students. Always keen to encourage design discourse, Nigel also maintains a personal weblog dedicated to observations and critiques of graphic design and typography, as well as other personal interests.
Nigel’s research interests include the effect of visual language in influencing opinion, attitude and behaviour, and as a result of this, graphic design's wider societal responsibilities. In January 2011 he published his first book, McJunk, which documents a visual investigation into the relationship between graphic design and disposable culture through a photographic study of McDonald's litter. Nigel regularly attends graphic design conferences, lectures and events hosted by D&AD, The Typographic Circle and St Bride Library, and is a member of the Design History Society.
Nigel has an HND in Graphic Design, a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design & Illustration, and a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education. Before teaching, Nigel worked as a freelance graphic designer and has previous experience as an offset lithographic printer and finisher. He has performed in numerous bands, organised and promoted music events, and has been active in grass roots social and environmental organisations.
Nigel’s creative output and blog:
dubdog|