Mother, freelance designer, lecturer in graphic design, award-winning creative, Degree Show exhibitor – it’s safe to say that it’s been quite the nine months for Edinburgh Napier’s Gemma Skelding.
MSc Creative Advertising student Gemma is one of 145 students exhibiting their work at the University’s Degree Show at Merchiston this week – its annual celebration of talent from its School of Arts and Creative Industries.
But that only tells part of her story.
Gemma joined Edinburgh Napier in 2021 as part of the Graphic Design programme, teaching year 1-3 students and leading on a number of industry-based placements.
Since September, she’s combined being a member of staff with full-time study on the University’s MSc Creative Advertising programme – and her work created as part of the programme is already turning heads.
At the end of last year, along with fellow student James Gadsby, she won the DMA Breakthrough Award for her campaign “Dodge the Debt Trap”, created in response to a brief set by Barclays bank.
She has recently been shortlisted for the Marketing Society of Scotland Aspiring Creative Star Award, with the winner announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh next month.
Gemma has also been involved in a number of high-profile campaigns across the University, most notably leading a gender-based violence campaign created to coincide with the UN’s 16 Days of Activism.
Her work and studies, coupled with family responsibilities and on-going freelance work, has resulted in a whirlwind nine months for Gemma, that shows no signs of slowing down just yet.
She said: “I’ve always seen myself as a bit of a Swiss army knife. I really like to be busy and get excited when I’ve got lots of interesting things happening at once – and it’s safe to say that has been the case throughout the last nine months since I started the MSc in Creative Advertising!
“I have had some friends that have completed the MSc in Creative Advertising, and I’ve known George for a wee while too. It was a chance to have a year unlike ever before and it was just too good an opportunity to turn down. I’m so glad I’ve done it.
“I think I forget how hard it is being a student. My experiences over the last nine months will definitely make me a better lecturer. Life is expensive, deadlines are tight. It’s been very humbling to start all over again but I’ve loved every minute of it.
“This is my third time studying and every time has been different. I’ve been able to see both sides of Edinburgh Napier and I have learnt so much from the students – it’s definitely a two-way street.
“I’m also grateful for the time and support that the creative industry in Scotland gives to the Creative Advertising programme. We have so many guest lectures and placement opportunities throughout the year. People are so willing with their time to help support the next generation of creatives – I feel proud to be a part of it.
“I joined Edinburgh Napier during lockdown in 2021 and I was teaching remotely. The Graphic Design fourth years that are exhibiting at this year’s Degree Show were my first-year class – it’s great to have been a part of their journey and to be able to join them in pinning my work up at the show too!”
Gemma’s work and others from Edinburgh Napier’s MSc Creative Advertising are on display as part of its annual Degree Show at Merchiston campus from 24-30 May.
More details on the show can be found here.