PERSONAL PROFILE

I am a hard working and adaptable designer/maker for theatre, film and events with a particular enthusiasm for film and television. I am an intuitive 3-D problem solver with a strong visual sensibility and good communication skills. I have the ability to take direction, work as part of a team and respond quickly under pressure.

SKILLS

• Prop and model making • Costume and prop sourcing • Technical drawing

• Proficiency in Photoshop • Proficiency in Google Sketchup • Competent sewing ability

EDUCATION

BA (Hons) Theatre, Performance and Event Design - First Class. Birmingham City University. (September 2010 – June 2013)

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Production Design Award won at 2013 Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, School of Visual Communication Awards. Chosen for one month work placement at Lime Pictures.

KEY UNIVERSITY PROJECTS

• Set and Character Design for a television adaptation of a fantasy novel. Combining fantastical elements with realism present in the novel Perdido Street Station by China Miéville, creating compelling and believable urban fantasy. Design realization using both digital and hands-on methods. (January - May 2013)

• Production Design for a film adaptation of a science fiction novel. Using set design to convey social commentary inherent in the novel Ubik by Philip K. Dick. Design realisation using Google Sketchup. (September – December 2012)

• Production Design for a period short film. Adapting an extract from Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman, using period research, technical drawing and white card models. (April – June 2012)

• Attraction Design for Madame Tussauds. Worked from a brief set by a creative director of Merlin Entertainsments Group. Pitched speculative attraction to creative directors and was short-listed for an internship. (January – March 2012)

• Colaborative project creating a music video. Key individual role designing, sourcing and constructing costumes. Was involved in entire process of concept development, set construction, filming and editing. (September – December 2011)

07743402823 tarajohnston@ymail.com

Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art, Design and Media. Buckinghamshire New University. (September 2009 – June 2010) BA (Hons) Fine Art. Southampton University: Winchester School of Art. (September 2008 – December 2008) Left after one term to find a more fulfilling and vocational career path. A Levels / GCSEs. Chesham High School. (September 2001 - June 2008)

• A Levels - Fine Art: A, Photography: A, Sociology: A. • AS Levels - Fine Art: A, Photography: A, Sociology: A, German: C. • GCSEs - 10 grades A* - C.

WORK EXPERIENCE ��� Rocket Scenery. (11th– 15th February 2013) Was involved in the construction and scenic painting of large-scale scenery for theatre shows in London’s West End and across the country. Gained a tangible understanding of the considerations involved in scenery construction. ��� 2000 Trees Festival. (6th – 15th July 2012) Worked in teams under direction of the designer building, weather proofing and rigging large-scale artwork for 2000 Trees Festival. Experienced the organisation of the festival during the week leading up to the festival opening. ���Live Nation: Download Festival. (26th April 2012 – 31st May 2012) Worked in a team of 5 under direction of the designer creating a 3-D sculptural form from a 2-D logo by carving styrofoam. Painted and weather proofed sculptural artwork with fibreglass to withstand duration of Download Festival. ��� Eavesdrop Films: Five by Five Project. (21st – 22nd February 2012) Worked as art department runner and prop maker on short films Give Me Fiction and Scent of Success. Assisting the production designer with set dressing, prop making, and runner duties.

INTERESTS

���I am passionate about challenging and intelligent filmmaking. The high standard of films I enjoy means that I am always pushing my practice as a designer to ever higher standards.

���I am most content when being productive so I run side projects in my free time making jewellery, clothing and home furnishings. I use these projects to learn and improve on skills that are applicable to my working practice. ���

REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST