Matthew Hodson is a senior lecturer on the BA (Hons) Illustration course. He has a decade of teaching experience behind him, including working on the BA (Hons) Visual Communication course and Foundation Diploma in Art & Design here at Leeds Arts University.

Alongside his teaching, Matthew is a practicing freelance Illustrator and Graphic Artist. His selected client includes editorial for The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist as well as working with brands such as Crabbies Ginger Beer, Converse and National history Museum. His featured list includes Its Nice That, Creative Review, Nobrow, Computer Arts and Graphik magazine. He has a breadth of professional experience that spans advertising, children’s publishing, editorial and packaging. His work has a humorous and playful visual signature that touches on the human condition. Beyond illustration, Matthews interdisciplinary approach has seen him work as a poet, performer, sequential artist, copy writer and print maker.

Working under the moniker Matthew the Horse, he has exhibited extensively, including Pick Me Up 2012 at Somerset House, a solo show at Nobrow Books and as part of the Northern Design Festival. Matthew is part of a large network of contemporary illustrators and graphic artists, which informs the lively visiting lecturer events he is responsible for.

Matthew’s current research focuses around the role of improvisation, performance and the sketchbook. Seeking to find links between poetry, drawing and improvisation. How does the adaptive consciousness function during a creative act?

Matthew has played a key role in the development and writing of the new illustration course. His role as senior lecturer includes delivering lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops including assessment and feedback for the entire year group.

Artefacts

Hodson, M. (2017) Forwards always – poetry to read aloud. [Artist’s book].

Exhibitions

Hodson, M. (2017) Forwards Always – Seasonal Observations through Image and Word. Vernon Street Gallery, Leeds Arts University. 15 September – 27 October 2017.