Alumni

Danielle Dunn

I set up my own marketing communications agency, Danielle Dunn Creative Agency (DDCA), in 2010. The agency is an innovative team of thinkers and doers, whose focus is to produce 'brand new' ideas that work in an ever changing world, in any markets, across any medium. We have a large list of clients including; Berghaus, Eldon Square, Auckland Castle, Tommee Tippee and SCS.

What are you doing now?

I am the Managing Director of Danielle Dunn Creative Agency (DDCA), a Creative Marketing Agency, that I set up in 2010 in Newcastle, it has grown from strength to strength and we have offices in London now which is where I am based full time!

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

The Northumbria Design school was as good as any other university, but what was different was the people - I loved the friendliness of it, the whole team were a big family.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

I did my first degree at Northumbria as it was one of the best universities for fashion in the country and it was on my doorstep! The Marketing and Business element of the course was really important to me, I knew I didn’t want to design clothes all day and few universities at the time offered the commercial courses. 10 years on when I decided to do my Masters it was most definitely the tutors that attracted me to the course - a house-full of inspirational leaders - who doesn’t want to be surrounded with those kind of people! I then completed a distance learning course for my MA but popped into the new campus now and again, a really impressive place to study. Although it’s fantastic I am still glad I did my first degree at the old school campus. It just feels so nostalgic and brings back so many great memories for me. The BA had a such a great mix of lectures and practical time, we did our marketing element in the Business School which I loved! It was a sandwich course and the year out in industry is what really reaffirmed to me I was on the right path. I spent a year in London and 2 months in New York.

How connected was your course with industry?

The Fashion Marketing degree is amazing for industry contacts, I applied for many placements but also found my own. I wanted to go away for a full year which was a great experience for me. I worked at Alexander McQueen in London and for Marie Claire in New York. The guest lecturers were, and still are, very good. Everyone wants to return to Northumbria and it’s well supported by alumni.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing about the MA Design course is Stuart English - what a guy! Importantly, I learnt about the theory and importance of design in our world!

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals and give your career an edge?

Without going down the Northumbria path I wouldn’t have had the direction and support to go on and achieve my potential. I feel it’s the real substance behind me, as a businesswoman I love telling people I am a design graduate from Northumbria.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

Do it for the passion of creativity and innovation, see where it leads you - keep your mind open, learn lots, spend time there, be with the tutors and work hard.