Constructing narratives in game design with Sam Read-Graves

Emma Bernard is a theatre maker, director and playwright whose work explores creativity, collaboration and the power of performance to connect people. Through devised theatre and socially engaged practice, she creates spaces where people from all backgrounds can discover their voice, confidence and creative potential.In this episode, Emma discusses her journey from actor to director, the experiences that shaped her approach to making theatre, and the importance of trust, curiosity, and connection in the creative process. She reflects on creating supportive spaces where artists can experiment, collaborate, and discover new possibilities through performance.Website: https://www.emmabernard.co.uk/Discover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.

Niall Smith is an award-winning music and culture journalist, broadcaster and founder of The Culture Crypt. His work spans journalism, publishing, radio and cultural archiving, with a focus on documenting and celebrating music, media and contemporary culture.In this episode, Niall reflects on how writing became a creative outlet from a young age and how a passion for music, media and storytelling led him to build The Culture Crypt into an influential independent publication. He discusses the importance of curiosity, developing your own voice, preserving cultural history and creating opportunities through passion, persistence and community.Website: https://www.niallsmith.com/Website: The Culture CryptDiscover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.

Yvette Blundell is a fashion and textiles educator, former textile designer, and curriculum leader on the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Drawing on her experiences growing up in rural Somerset, working across the fashion industry, and teaching the next generation of creatives, her work champions playful, experimental and brave approaches to creativity.From studying fashion textiles at art school to designing for major fashion brands and moving into creative education, in this episode Yvette reflects on the experiences that shaped her career. She also discusses the power of lived experience in creative education, sharing insights into helping students use their this to develop authentic and meaningful creative work.Instagram: @yvetteblundell1Discover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.

Paul Glennon is an artist, designer, and educator. He's taught art and design at every educational level, from primary school to higher education, and he is currently head of Outreach and Access at the University of the Arts London.In this podcast episode, Paul reflects on his journey from growing up in Belfast to becoming a graphic designer, teacher and leader in outreach and access. He discusses the importance of inclusive teaching, creative confidence and giving young people meaningful opportunities to see themselves in creative futures.Website: http://www.paulglennon.co.uk/about.htmlDiscover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.

Natalia Hinds is an award-winning voice and performance director. Through storytelling, character work, and collaboration, her work explores how voice, movement and imagination bring digital worlds to life.In this podcast episode, Natalia discusses her journey from dance school and musical theatre to directing performances for major video game studios. She talks about the craft of voice acting, the importance of reading out loud, confidence, mentorship and representation in the gaming industry. Natalia also shares insights into performance capture, working with actors to build believable characters, and why curiosity and play remain at the heart of great performance.Website: https://sites.google.com/view/nataliavoicedirector/Instagram: @_nataliahindsDiscover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.

Narinder Sagoo is an architect, artist, and senior partner at Foster + Partners. Through drawing, design, and storytelling, his work explores how creativity, curiosity, and human connection can shape the spaces we live in.In this episode, Narinder discusses his lifelong relationship with drawing, from sketching as a child in Leeds to shaping major architectural projects around the world. He talks about the importance of curiosity, authenticity, observation, and why drawing remains a powerful human skill in an increasingly digital age.Website: https://www.fosterandpartners.com/people/all/narinder-sagoo-mbeDiscover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.

Justine Watt is an award-winning Scottish sculptor. Working with unwanted everyday objects, her work explores how we might reuse more and throw away less.From running away to join the circus to becoming an award-winning sculptor, in this episode, Justine discusses her incredible life stories and how they fuel and inspire her current creative practice. She also shares some wonderful insights for young artists and designers at the start of their creative journey.Website: https://www.justinewatt.co.uk/Discover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.

Dr Matt Lodder is an art historian, author and expert in tattooing and body modification, and a Senior Lecturer in Art History at the University of Essex. His research focuses on tattoo culture and material history, and the ways in which images on the body shape identity and storytelling.In this episode, host Matt Moseley speaks with Dr. Lodder about his lifelong fascination with tattooing and how that interest developed into an academic career. Website: www.essex.ac.uk/matt-lodderDiscover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.

Sophie Deen is a multifaceted entrepreneur, children's author and dedicated advocate for the ethical use of AI. She runs Bright Little Labs, an award-winning kids media company that focuses on education in twenty-first century digital skills, such as computer science, coding and critical thinking. In this episode, host Matt Moseley talks to Sophie about creating stories to educate and empower children, her creative use of AI and why AI literacy is essential for all. Website: www.sophiedeen.comDiscover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.

Sam Read-Graves is a BAFTA nominated video game developer and ex-teacher. He has made many games and is the creator of Trolley Problem, Inc., a darkly comedic narrative game based on real world philosophy.In this episode, Sam discusses what brought him into the world of game design, his experience teaching young people and developing games, and why it's so important to him to lead an independent games company.Website: https://www.readgraves.com/Discover more about UAL Awarding Body qualifications.