A FASHION designer who learnt the ropes from Alexander McQueen has given an inspiring talk to students.

Angela Keeler, a graphic designer with the clothing company Superdry, shared her expertise with students from Cleveland College of Art and Design in Hartlepool, as part of a series of guest lectures.

She completed an internship with Alexander McQueen, a leading British designer and worked with clients such as John Lewis, Waitrose and Lexus on her way up the career ladder.

She said: “My first role at a London agency was a highlight for me and being around talented art directors, photographers, designers and artworkers was a great experience.

“Getting the role at Superdry was a big moment too, as I had always wanted to work for a fashion brand and I have learnt so much as the role is so varied.

“If you are really lucky it is possible to leave university and go straight into a paid junior role, but in my experience employers want to see what you can do and what you have done before taking you on, which I wanted to prepare the students for.

“Taking an internship was definitely my breakthrough into a design career.”

David Harker, 27, from Billingham, a final year graphic design and communication degree student, said: “Angela gave a real insight into the design industry and I took away a great deal from the talk.

“It gave me a lot to think about when I graduate and opened up a number of directions that I can take, rather than focusing on one particular area of graphic design.”