Jessica Young

Jessica Young is a Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), affiliated with the Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries, and Education (ACE). She specializes in designing collaborative, community-driven projects that emphasize the social and ethical responsibilities of graphic design. Alongside long-term collaborator Jen Conway, she develops curricula that integrate professional practices with critical reflection on design’s societal impact. Her work focuses on fostering sustainable, ethical design through partnerships with cultural, political, and community organizations.

Education: MA Design and Art Direction from Manchester School of Art.

Research Interests: Jessica’s work explores the intersection of graphic design with social responsibility, public engagement, and community-led initiatives. She advocates for design practices that are environmentally sustainable and ethically conscious. Projects often involve collaborations with local institutions such as museums, radio stations, and community centers to create interactive and performative design solutions.

Labs/Teams: Co-founder of Conway and Young, a collaborative studio based at Spike Island, focusing on commissioned and self-initiated projects with organizations like the Bristol Biennial and Feminist Archive South.