Ellie Butters is a third year BA Illustration student from Wolverhampton. We caught up with Ellie during her Summer Show to ask her some questions about her work and the BA Illustration course at Camberwell.
Tell us about your design practice?
You could define branding as a unified approach to creating a discernible, consistent and cogent marketing message that differentiates a product. My practice examines how changes in the mode of capitalist production, identified as post-Fordism, have resulted in an evident need for the individual to curate a personal brand. I have been focussing on the use of online platforms as a tool to build an identity capital, along with the subsequent complications that arise when one personal brand ethos is shared by many.
What did you made for the final show?
For the degree show, I created an installation that highlights the use of Pinterest as a medium to both construct and disseminate an individuals personal brand. Part of the installation is a 3D rendered film which demonstrates how online commodities can help build an ethical framework that will please the perceived taste of others; making your brand meaningful and coherent. My super talented friend Sean Westall made the film score, it’s wicked, so a massive thank you to him!
Work by Ellie Butters
What are you currently working on?
I’ve been working as an art department assistant for Zach Apo-Tsang, a really rad Art Director, we finished a massive shoot yesterday. We recently worked on Charli XCX’s ‘Vroom Vroom’ video along with a video for Craig David; which was the most surreal moment of my life, never in my wildest dreams did I think Craig David would offer me a slice of pizza and let me pick a Curly Wurly out a bag. My Illustration class and I are also working on our external show Look Here, which will be held at Copeland Park from the 30 June – 3 July. We’ve worked ridiculously hard all year to fund and organise such a large show, so it’s going to be great to finally see it fully realised.
Do you have any advice to students looking to start the BA Illustration course at Camberwell?
Take advantage of the workshops, make friends with the security staff, the Bakewell tarts are the best thing in the canteen and make regular trips to Peckham Weatherspoons.
Work by Ellie Butters
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