Charlotte Levien

My skills lie within photography, visual creativity and detail. I am a highly organised, enthusiastic and motivated individual with a passion for photography, fashion and interiors. I have a good eye for composition and attention to detail and enjoy

working with natural light.

Through my degree, I have gained in-depth technical and editorial knowledge and a wide variety of skills that I would

like to bring to a position in the visual creative industry.

Photography | Layout | Art Direction charlottelevien@gmail.com

www.charlottelevien.com +44 (0) 7917 718883

BRIEF:Publication of your choice and style, it should be a refelction of your personal taste and style and contain only images you have captured, art directed or styled yourself.

The focus of the publication is about the creation of stunning visuals, great layout and clever use of graphics in combination with thought provoking and creative written content. We are looking for you to bring something new, unique and personal to the table.

CONCEPT:scene explores texture, shapes and landscape. My photography and styling captures chunky knitwear in an autumnal environ-ment with creative writing pieces complimenting the sea-sonal narrative. Simple layouts and revealing colours show a progression through the publication from autumnal to winter scenes.

PUBLICATION : scene

IMAGE OF FRONT AND BACK MAG

PUBLICATION : scenePUBLICATION : scene

If you choose to stay in England through the winter forget the essay, the research and the dissertation for a moment and find a friend whose family lives in the country with a large enough house - and willing parents – to take in a bunch of lively students for 24 hours. An Aga to huddle round would be a bonus, as would a bevy of dogs to walk.

The only drawback is that most of these houses are cold so what to pack is an issue. Lots of layers, jumpers, boots and warm jackets are essential – as is a hot water bottle! The food will be delicious, warming and wholesome. Lots of fresh air as the dogs will need exercise, a chance to join a small informal shoot on Saturday morning before collapsing in front of the fire and the rugby in the afternoon. The weather is bright and crisp. The frost shimmers on the leaves and grass and the world has been transformed. It’s cold, but a good brisk walk will soon warm everyone up. The dogs are excited and friends appear in a mish mash of clothes begged, borrowed and (hopefully not) stolen. Perfection!

The afternoon is for newspapers and relaxation. Guilt sets in as the host fetches more logs and the hostess is slaving away in the kitchen – offers of help are turned down. Fresh air hits and soon everyone is enjoying a snooze in front of the fire. Nothing beats that content feeling after coming in from being outside in the cold. Fingertips slowly regaining warmth back into them, and cheeks getting even rosier from the heat of the roaring log fire. Crumpets and tea again. The students life is a good one. And that’s only Saturday. Sunday is still to come.

Those carefree days with no responsibilities will soon be gone, but the memories do not fade.

The Perfect Winter Weekend

PUBLICATION : scene

Autumnal knit photoshoot

PUBLICATION : scene

PUBLICATION : scene

BRIEF:You are the editor of a mini-magazine, concept and theme of your choice. You are responsible for all editorial and photographic content for the publication:

the Editor’s Letter, short pieces on contributors, advertorials, quotes, headlines and a 1500 word article on a subject appropriate to your magazine.

CONCEPT:Photo shoot in the studio Photo showing different items of glittery clothing.

STUDIO SHOOT : Glam Rocks

PUBLIC RELATIONS : belle PR

Brief:A detailed PR and marketing plan for an online launch event for a fashion clientCompany background and mission statementAn example press release promoting your event

Concept:

Press Release

The summer of 2012 is set to be a joyous and celebratory season for the UK, with momentous events bringing enjoyment and excitement to our country throughout these summer months. In collaboration with such noteworthy events, the quintessentially British brand Cath Kidston Ltd is launching a new luxurious picnic hamper to enable everyone to celebrate in style.This picnic hamper, the Jubilee Hamper, has been designed to compliment the current smaller teatime hamper and includes a variety of picnic essentials, perfectly tailored to bring commu-nities together for the ideal picnic party. Eight place settings, champagne flutes, wine glasses, tumblers, and a choice of napkins and tablecloth ensure that this hamper is perfectly stocked to grace any celebratory occasion.

The streets will be abundant with parties celebrating both the 2012 Olympics, and the Queen’s Jubilee, and this new hamper filled with your delicious treats and nibbles will undoubtedly spark dutiful glances from neighbours across the country. The hampers’ wicker exterior and contemporary Cath Kidston fabrics are certain to evoke nostalgic memories and a desire to recreate childhood summers, filled with fri- volity and fun.

All products inside the Jubilee Hamper have been designed with the usual Cath Kidston flair, with the plates adorning new designs uniquely created for the Olympics and Queen’s Jubilee complimented by the traditional floral and polka dot designs that Cath is known for.The launch will be on the 19 May 2012. This will be preceded by well advertised links to other websites, Social Media websites and Cath Kidston Ltd own website. There will also be a Smart Phone Application to support the launch. There will be an opportunity to pre-order the Jubilee Hamper to ensure customers receive their hamper before celebrations start.

There is a chance for someone to win a Jubliee Hamper on Facebook. The first 1000 people to ‘like’ the Jubliee Hamper will be entered into a draw which will take place over the Jubliee weekend.

belle PR

fabrics and wallpapers which reminded her of her childhood. To compliment

these she bought and repainted cheap furniture. This look appealed to many

childhoods, comfort, endless sunshine and fun.

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that are reasonably priced, high quality and original. She has successfully

kept abreast of events by introducing relevant items and prints, for example

her Jubilee and Olympic items.

In the nineteen years she has been trading Cath Kidston has collaborated with

Sales of many goods have generated huge sums for charity. The Tesco bags

range of clothes designed for Uniglo funds have been raised for a safe moth-

erhood scheme in Zambia.

Forty seven shops have now been opened in the UK and she is now expand-

ing to other countries, most recently in Thailand and Taiwan in 2011. There

in 2009. Cath Kidston Ltd also has a presence in large department stores

like John Lewis. Alongside the high street presence there is a very success-

ful website and mail order business which goes from strength to strength.

in Cath Kidston Ltd which will underline its future growth.

Not content with designing household items, Cath Kidston has also published

twenty years of Cath Kidston Ltd in the market place.

Research on Brand

belle PR

and granny-type décor.

Our aim at Cath Kidston is to produce a range of household goods and accessories which will embrace

our customers and give them a feeling of comfort, luxury and contentment in an ever-changing world at

can take home to brighten up their lives.

Although comfort and familiarity drive Cath Kidston Ltd, many items found in our shops and on our web-

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the opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Our commitment to our customers is our top priority. To produce goods of the highest quality which do

not compromise our values or style remains our aim.

Mission Statement

belle PR

Summary

As Cath Kidston approaches her 20th Anniversary in 2013 and the UK enter

online launch that will aim to both increase brand awareness and generate

interest in the hamper itself.

The Olympics and the Jubilee appeal to a huge range of people and Cath

the size and demographic of their customer base.

In their 20 years in industry Cath Kidston has very successfully taken what

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ever, whilst using these ideas from the past, Cath Kidston is keenly aware that

online

future prospects

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tomers as possible.

The campaign will embrace the celebratory atmosphere that the Olympics

nostalgia that Cath Kidston embraces so well in her designs. It will be vital to

goods through the website in the past

online channels such as social media

websites, the campaign will inundate the internet and online

urgency. It is important that the Cath Kidston brand and the Jubilee

audience.

in the online community, used by a wide range of people from all ages

are in mass use across the UK. As a result, this campaign will produce

belle PR

Implementation

Marketing Activities will be as follows –

the run up to and following the launch. �is coverage should link at all times to other products that will compliment the hamper.

product and allow them to pre-order the hamper.

tickets to the Olympics. �e prize could be drawn by a celebrity.

back to the Cath Kidston Ltd website.

Timelines

�e hamper will be launched on May 19th 2012. �is is not far away and as a result action is required quickly to ensure maximum exposure of the hamper prior to and following the impending launch.

Launch Social Media pages and competitionsRelease news release to the pressPlace links on related websitesCreate hype on Social Media websites by posting as much as possible

Launch smartphone application

hamper.

Announce the winner of the competitions.

Launch of the Jubilee Hamper

2012

Cath Kidston

Ltd is launching a new luxurious picnic hamper to enable everyone to

celebrate in style.

This picnic hamper, the , has been designed to

compliment the current smaller and includes a variety

glasses, tumblers, and a choice of napkins and tablecloth ensure that

this hamper is perfectly stocked to grace any celebratory occasion.

2012

Olympics, and the

contemporary Cath Kidston fabrics are certain to evoke nostalgic

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volity and fun.

CAMPAIGN : Feel Good Feb

Brief:In this module you will explore, develop and execute a crea-tive Fashion Communication Concept for a specific target audience.

Concept:

The definition of a modern role model needs to be redressed. Teenagers need to be aware that women can be high achievers and go after their dreams, but they have to work for it and know that nothing comes without trying.

The idea of Feel Good Feb came into being after becoming aware of dwindling self esteem in women. Instead of being bombarded by images of airbrushed celebrities and off the catwalk models it is important to encourage women of all ages to believe in themselves - their figure shape and their looks and most of all their self esteem.

The month of February has been chosen because it is a time when the fashion industry is in the media because of London Fashion Week. All fashion magazines will be focused on the catwalk and the clothes for the coming season, portraying an unrealistic body image. There is nothing wrong in encouraging women to make the best of themselves but not at their expense - either in emotional terms or monetary.

Helen Skelton and Victoria Pendleton are to be the faces of the Campaign. Helen is a Blue Peter and Country File Presenter who has gone on to raise thousands for charity by undertaking hair-raising activities. It would seem nothing will stop her achieving what she wants. Victoria Pendleton was very much in the public eye during the London Olympics when she won Gold Medals in cycling and then went on to compete in Strictly Come Dancing.

Helen and Victoria will encourage women to think positively about themselves. The message will definitely be “any girl can be who they want to be” but it has to be worked at. Nothing comes for free. They will show how much hard work they have done to achieve their successes and the rewards they have had as a result, not just in the eyes of the world but personally. The

Campaign tagline “say it. post it. believe it....” will run through everything that is produced for the Campaign. Post it notes will carry positive messages on the website, on the billboards and in the Press Packs.

The website will be launched at the beginning of February and will enable people to follow these women and hear what they are saying on the issue of self-esteem and body image. There will be photographs, quotes and interviews. Fashion magazines and prime time television programmes will also feature them.

Alongside the website will be a mobile app which will enable users to go straight to the website so they can keep up to date whilst on the go. The public will be able to post comments and ask questions. It is hoped that in the course of this ongoing dialogue spirits will be raised and greater awareness of women’s body issues will be brought to the fore. Government agencies will also be approached to participate and, hopefully, they will gain a better understanding of these issues.

Billboards and advertisements in the press and online will alert the public to the start of the campaign. Television and radio will be asked to publicise it too. The age range to be targetted is the 16-25 year olds. Most issues seem to arise during this time from spotty adolesence to exhausted job-hunting 25 year olds.

By generating this publicity hopefully TV shows will ask either of the women who are the faces of the Campaign to come and talk about the issues and the cause of Feel Good Feb. Again this will spread the message more and engage more women into feeling good about themselves and get them involved with what is going on.

Synopsis

BriefYou are to research, design, promote and justify a concept for a curated fashion related exhibition at a museum/gallery/entertainment space in the UK. The content of your exhibi-tion must be fashion based, but could be as broad a theme as a trend, designer, fashion house, fashion or design technology, magazine, product etc.

Concept:

EXHIBITION : The Dark Side of FantasyPROPOSAL : The Dark Side of Fantasy

Was there ‘once upon a time’ or was that just when we were young?

This was the question I have tried to answer in setting up this exhibition. How is fantasy used by fashion designers? There is nothing overtly obvious in advertisements, it is all very subtle. It seems the idea of fantasy, or fairy tale, can be shown by very little. Promoting new goods is a very competitive business, it is, therefore, very important to go for something different and not too obvious, which will make people think. For example the picture I have used for a scent advertisement shows the model holding a red apple – this could lead the reader to think of Sleeping Beauty perhaps. The room full of mirrors might make you think of Alice in Wonderland – although some of the mirrors will turn out to be boxes holding an exhibit. We all have childhood memories and I hope to be able to evoke those thoughts through this exhibition.

The exhibition is to be set up at 10-11 Carlton House, London. This venue has been chosen because it is a very traditional building with an element of grandeur. This would automati-cally lead the viewer to think they have entered a different world, even without the exhibi-tion rooms, and the imagination can kick in. It is possible to create a fantasy world from the entrance through which the public will wander. Each room is set up in such a way that the exhibits and sets play on the senses. Some of the rooms will include interactive elements, for example the room in which you enter under a sheet and have to peer through holes to view the exhibits. Children’s fairy tales have been used as background themes –‘in a land far away, who is the fairest of them all’? It is important in this exhibition to allow room for each member of the viewing public to use their imagination to build their own fantasy tales. Therefore suggestions are there to act as building blocks. Hopefully by doing that everyone will take away something different.

The exhibition will be launched on Halloween, the 31 October 2012, and will run for five weeks. That date has been chosen to underline the ‘dark’ side of the event although there will be no ghosties and ghoulies. Five weeks is a short period for an exhibition – given the cost, the time to set up and dismantle and the gathering of the designers garments to be shown, but if it is widely promoted in advance it will become the ‘must see’ exhibition of the year. This in turn will generate a sense of urgency to buy a ticket before it is too late.

The hope is to bring people into a different world – that of fantasy – once they come off the street into the building and to enable them to go out again remembering their childhood stories. Even if only one exhibit or room sticks in the mind because it triggers memories of a fairy tale read to them, that will help them remember the whole exhibition.

Marketing

Room of Secrets

Brief:Create a trend blog using inspirational colour, material and product direction. Through your trend blog and derive directional and inspirational imagery and information from as diverse and fascinating a variety of sources as possible.

Concept:

BLOG : bullshot

Wonderlust

Escapism, romance, dreams, memories – all things we can hold on to and no one can take away. These are all elements I have tried to include in my blog of where the trend is going to be in 2014. With increasing financial uncertainty escape routes will become all the more precious. Dreams and memories will be what fuel us in our day to day lives. We will need to be able to opt out for short periods and hide from reality. Travel broadens the mind, widens experience, and opens the heart. Travel can be an escape to a fantasy land. It offers a short respite from the rigours of life.

Can travel help define reality? Going in to different cultures and environments can help us focus on what is important. Whether we are on a windswept hillside or be- side a balmy sea, in a grotty hotel room or a luxury villa we can still seek what is true. Unless we understand reality we cannot escape it. We can all dream but we all have to wake up eventually. Its what we bring into that ‘eventual’ life that is important. The opportunity to immerse ourselves into different cultures is exciting. Pottering round markets, rummaging through exotically coloured clothes, endless nic-nacs made of stone, or wood or precious metals, each one so different to anything we are familiar with, we can imagine a wonderfully colourful

world where the sun always shines, where people always smile and life is always good. The raw material however, does not always translate well into a different environment. Adaptations have to be made – fabrics made into garments suitable for a different culture, jewellery modified although nicnacs can often be kept as they are. The same applies to us. We have to adapt and modify ourselves as we go through different stages of our lives.

We can travel through other people’s experiences and live other people’s dreams but it is never the same as experiencing them for ourselves, but for many it has to be enough. It is like going to the ballet and being transported temporarily to a world of imagination, wonderful music and visual effects – the feel good factor as you leave is better than any tonic.Travel involves flight, but we want to feel safe before, during and after. We want to feel comfortable at our destination and able to unwind, relax and live for the moment. We do not want to feel lonely, we need companionship. An element of adrenalin rush keeps us on our toes. Sadly though these things are all transitory and need to be embraced and valued when we have them – and then move on, until the next time.

a difference. To share beautiful scenes and moments with others or, sometimes even better, just one other helps to boost the soul.

There is nothing academic about my blog, it is from the heart. Pictures that amuse me, thrill me, make me happy or sad – pictures that help me see good. This is a picture tale rather than verse or prose. A tale with no specific beginning, middle or end. A tale that can been added to at different times. A tale that can be dipped into – like a series of short stories. Stories that are waiting to be created by the viewer, not necessarily written by me. Corridors that lead you on to another room you cannot quite see, windows that open onto a luscious garden, like the Secret Garden, red roses from a secret admirer, young animals that always have the ‘tug at the heart’ factor.

In short it enables others to experience their own romance, their own tale of chivalry as remote from everyday life as possible. Maybe travel and romance are connected because you have to move from one place to an- other – physically or in your dreams – in order to reach that place of exaggeration and picturesque falsehood. Also, finding that romantic place can move you to a different level, a higher springboard to launch yourself from into the real world. Either way, you travel on you own or with someone else.

Romance

Romance ‘a medieval tale of some hero of chivalry’...’tale with scene and incidents re- mote from everyday life’...’love affair’...’exaggeration, picturesque falsehood’... all definitions of the word.

Romance, like travel, takes us into a different world. A world where good triumphs over evil. A world in which we can see what is good and turn a blind eye, even if only temporarily, to what is bad. Places conjure up romance – the sunrise over the mountains, the sunset over the desert. Remote beaches, sun- drenched villages in hot climates, wild animals at a waterhole. All as remote from our everyday lives as possible.

The shining knight on a white horse rescuing us from the humdrum existence and taking us to a land of dreams. A land where nothing but the ‘now’ matters. A land where we have all the things and people we like and love around us. A land where reality is only good. My blog underlines romance pictures of remote places, floaty, dreamy clothes, and exaggerated jewellery. A form of escapism? Yes. Taking people to remote places, away from everyday life and hope they will feel better for it. Sometimes a few minutes is enough to recharge the batteries – just like walking to the top of the hill and being able to stop there and enjoy the view. It helps to put every- thing back into perspective. We are specks in the universe, unimportant on our own, but with others can make

Keepsakes

Keepsakes, mementos, trinkets – all things we bring back from travels to remind us of time spent away from everyday life. All these things can trigger memories – of the market we found them in, of the place we stayed, what the weather was like etc.

Often it is the simplest item or the cheapest, which brings back the most vivid memories. A little bit of jewellery from a crowded market stall for which we haggled, the t-shirt that now looks rather less then new after a few washes. Of course, the photographs that help ex- plain to others where we have been and what we have seen.

Most people are hoarders by nature. Sometimes for practical reasons so that items can be recycled but often for sentimental reasons. What a luxury it is to wear a ring or bracelet and be able to say “I got this in Cambodia....”, or hang a picture on a wall and remember where it came from who you were with and where you went next.

Many of the pictures of mementos and trinkets on my blog are cluttered and chaotic. This, I think, represents the fact that travel is crammed into a short period and we fill that time to the limit to get the most from it. There is no point going to wonderful, far flung places, if we just sit in the hotel, hostel or round the pool, without venturing out to experience new cultures, food, smells and sights.

The images I have selected conjure up memories from my very limited travels. They may not do the same for some- one else but they may trigger a thought, emotion or memory. I hope so, because although travel is in essence something we do on our own, it almost always involves other people – the travel agent, the airport staff, the hotel staff, the taxi drivers and the people you meet en route who may become travel companions for a short time. So these images may be a link between me and potential fellow travellers in mind and spirit, if not in reality.

PHOTOGRAPHY

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY : Africa

I wanted to capture the true beauty that Africa is all about. The continent is so unspoilt and thrives in this. I started my trip in Cape Town, South Africa, and then headed up through Namibia across to Botswana and into Zambia. The countries were all so different. Namibia was all desert with beautiful oranges and browns showing off the starkness of the country. When I found myself in Botswana it couldn’t have been any different. It was luscious and green, the trees were full of leaves. These pictures will hopefully show you some of the magic that I encountered on my travels

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY : Africa

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY : Africa

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY : New Zealand

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY : Asia