Raymond Rodriguez is an alumni of Leeds School of Arts, graduating from MA Art and Design (now MA Fine Art) in 2019. In this blog, he talks through his course experience and how it prepared him for his career. 

Course: MA Art and Design (now MA Fine Art)

Introduce yourself – tell us who you are and what you do?

I am Raymond Rodriguez, a professional with a multicultural background, having been born in the Philippines and raised in South Asia.

I recently started my current role as a Kitchen Sales Designer at Magnet. This role not only allows me to apply my artistic sensibilities, but also reflects the adaptability and resilience I cultivated throughout my postgraduate degree.

Talk us through your career since graduating?

Since graduating, my career has been dynamic and multifaceted. I delved into video production as a hobby, inspired by the classic home videos with my grandfather. This medium became a canvas for unfolding creativity, capturing moments, and weaving narratives. 

Simultaneously, within the Virtual Design Hub, I’ve operated as a designer and the primary contact for clients at Magnet Kitchens. My role involves managing a demanding schedule, conducting 2-4 daily virtual appointments, and ensuring timely, quality responses within 24-48 hours. Juggling multiple design projects, I've maintained excellent rapport and consistent communication with stakeholders and business partners.

Central to my role is aligning designs with customer investments, tailoring kitchen ranges, appliances, and products to realistic price ranges. I guide customers through intricate designs, emphasising that it's not just about selling a kitchen but creating one better by design.

I've maintained a minimum 4 to 5-star rating, adeptly handling complaints, and resolving issues for a positive overall experience. In the fast-paced environment, I've proactively developed innovative solutions, contributing to achieving significant milestones as a team player. Over the last year, I’ve contributed to sales exceeding £330,000.

What course did you study at Leeds Beckett and when did you graduate?

In 2019, I successfully completed my Master's in Art and Design (now MA Fine Art), marking a significant milestone in my academic journey.

Studying a postgraduate course in Art and Design as an international student brought its own set of challenges, particularly when it came to securing employment within the competitive art industry. The intricacies of my student visa added a layer of complexity to the job application process, requiring careful consideration of specific criteria for staying and working in the UK.

Faced with the dilemma of either returning home or exploring opportunities abroad within the art sector, I embarked on a journey that was anything but straightforward. Life, however, has a way of unfolding unexpected opportunities, and through the development of meaningful relationships, I found myself embracing a new chapter.

As my journey continued, I found myself immersed in the creation of unique spaces and exhibitions. It wasn't solely about presenting art but crafting environments that engaged the audience on a sensory level. These endeavours pushed the boundaries of what art could be, transforming it from a static entity to a living, breathing experience within a given space.

What did you enjoy about your course at Leeds Beckett?

What made my course experience truly exhilarating was the ability to seamlessly adopt different art forms. The multidisciplinary approach during my time at Leeds Beckett empowered me to blur the lines between mediums. Whether through video installations, spatial designs, or curated exhibitions, each project was an exploration of the diverse facets of artistic expression.

Leeds Beckett University became my transformative haven, where inspiring mentors shaped my artistic outlook. My final dissertation, "East to West; Challenging Social Conventions and Ritual Traditions Concerned with Food Art," traced the evolution of my art practice. It focused on storytelling, reinterpretation of experiences, and the transformative values embedded in design and social rituals.

In the kitchen, creating culinary art became a ritual, connecting my senses with the environment. Collaborative influences from artists like Yoko Ono and Rirkrit Tiravanija resonated in my belief in collective experiences. Challenges, such as health considerations and audience participation, added depth to my artistic journey.

From the "Tacit Agreement" exhibition, where culinary art met social engagement, to exploring unconventional spaces, my art continuously evolved. The narrative shifted from architectural exploration to a rich tapestry of art and design, challenging conventions and fostering a democratic approach to interpretation.

How did the course equip you for your career?

The core of this artistic exploration was rooted in the concept of understanding visual representations from different viewpoints. The video documentation became a crucial tool for me to revisit and reassess my own work. By rewatching, I could analyse and interpret visual elements from various perspectives, uncovering nuances and depths that might have eluded me during the initial creation.

What would you say to someone considering studying your course at Leeds Beckett?

To those contemplating studying this course, my advice is to utilise the tools at your disposal, be it video documentation or other means, to revisit and reassess your work. Embrace the idea that art is a continuous dialogue, and each perspective contributes to its multifaceted nature. The ability to understand visual representations from different points of view is not just a skill but a transformative practice that enriches your artistic journey and impacts your life in the real world.