Former Walsall College student, Jermaine Francis, who is now an established fashion portrait and beauty photography, returned to his roots to talk to current students at the college about his successful career and assess their work.
Jermaine studied Pre-degree Foundation Art and Design at the college, specialising in Photography, before going on to study Photography and Critical Theory at Derbyshire University. He has since gone on and carved an illustrious career and photographed numerous talents, including, Emma Stone, Bradley Cooper, Rosamund Pike, Natalie Dormer, Winnie Harlow and Cara Delevigne, as well as also contributing to publications, and brands such as Harpers Bazaar UK, Vogue China, Vogue Japan, Bon, Porter Magazine, Stella McCartney, Roland Mouret, Gieves & Hawkes and Sky.
Jermaine has also appeared in the Thames & Hudson Publication ‘Fashion Photography Next’ and was recently included as a guest speaker at the Photo London Festival, and is Exhibiting at The National Portrait Gallery as part of the Taylor Wessing Portrait Competition.
Jermaine said: “Completing a Foundation Art and Design course at Walsall College gave me an advantage, not just when I went to university but also in my career. The tutors at the college were amazing and really left a lasting impression on me.
“They taught me how to talk about the work I had created and about my own practice. In the photographic and fashion industry, art directors and editors are all visually literate, so these skills have been important in helping me to advance my career.”
Alan Tyler, Curriculum Manager for Creative Industries at Walsall College said: “We are delighted that Jermaine was able to take time out of his busy schedule and help inspire our next generation of artists, as they are on the verge of forging their own careers.
“Our Pre-Degree Foundation Art and Design course is a great vehicle for students to explore a range of different mediums and then choose a specialist pathway for their final project. It also encourages independence in their work in preparation for study at a higher level and future paths.
“There is a strong culture of progression on this programme as the course is highly recognised by the competitive universities and art schools. Jermaine is a shining example of how the course can launch successful careers in the sector.”