Graduation and the Creative Conscience Awards 2016.

​ Thursday the 30th of June was a crazy day for me. 

I wasn't only graduating from the Arts University Bournemouth with a First Class Honours Degree that afternoon, but immediately afterwards I was heading to London for the Creative Conscience Awards 2016. 

I'd been informed I was a finalist in May, and initially I thought I wouldn't be able to attend the awards event because it clashed with my graduation. But after talking with my tutors, I realised it was too good an opportunity to let pass by. So unfortunately I missed out on the champagne and the typical beach photos I'd seen all over the Facebook pages of previous Bournemouth graduates, and I got the four o'clock train to Bournemouth Waterloo with the other finalists. 
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The Creative Conscience Awards were held at Unilever House, London, with great views of the Shard and the Thames. I was so happy to win the Bronze Award in the Illustration & Animation category, for my mindfulness book, whilst my fellow course mate Rachel Hughes (http://www.rhillustration.co.uk) won the Gold Award for her animation depicting animal neglect and abuse.
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The evening was a great opportunity to meet fellow illustrators and creatives, from all across the UK. What's great about the Creative Conscience awards is that the work submitted always has an intention, and an aim to inspire a change in the world - for whatever cause. I love seeing people who are inspired and interested by something, and I found recently that I work best when I feel driven by something I am personally passionate about.

I am excited to carry on making work, and I have big plans in regards to my mindfulness project and it's future. I want to continue making books about subjects I am passionate about, whether that is personal happiness and mental wellbeing, or even branching out into other subjects I believe in.

My work on the Creative Conscience Awards' winners section: https://www.creative-conscience.org.uk/winners/catherine-hood/


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