Lecturer in the Spotlight: Laura Pardo

Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a lecturer at BUas? 

Laura: ‘I am originally from Colombia, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts. I always had a desire to study abroad and eventually pursued a master’s in Visual Arts at HKU in Utrecht. Teaching has always been on my radar, my parents are teachers. I got a taste of it in Colombia, teaching one semester of graphic design.’ 

‘After finishing my master’s, I wasn’t planning to stay in the Netherlands, but life had other plans. I met someone, and that connection led me to a guest lecturer role at NHTV (now BUas) in a class called Art and Tourism.’ 

‘Before starting at BUas in 2014, I worked at various art institutions in the Netherlands. I did an internship at an art institute in Rotterdam, now called Kunstinstituut Melly, and worked at V2_, a centre for art and media technology. These roles gave me a strong foundation in the art world, but it was a challenging time as many institutions faced budget cuts. While I loved creating art, I found it difficult to make a sustainable living solely as an artist.’ 

‘In 2014, I applied for a job at BUas, starting at the equipment desk and, not long after, teaching Photoshop in the Media department. Over time, I took on various roles, including contributing to the Tourism department in the same class where I once gave the guest lecture. This blend of experiences taught me a lot about myself. While I deeply love art, I have realised I love being a designer as much.’ 

What do you like most about working at BUas? 

Laura: ‘Without a doubt, it is the students. I enjoy working with small groups, seeing their development, and helping them achieve their goals. It is so rewarding and energising to be part of their growth.’ 

‘Another highlight is the Community Garden at BUas, where I volunteer. It is a space where students and staff come together without hierarchies, ILOs, or rubrics, just a genuine sense of collaboration and connection. I always look forward to the annual summer lunch, where we enjoy all the fresh produce.’ 

What is the most challenging aspect of being a lecturer? 

Laura: ‘The rapid pace of change in the world today is a challenge. Technologies like AI, shifting social media landscapes, and pressing global issues require us to constantly adapt. The difficulty lies in teaching something meaningful and relevant that will still hold value in the near future. I have been involved in developing new curricula. We strive to equip students with a mix of practical skills and critical thinking to navigate these changes.’ 

Who has been the biggest influence on your life? 

Laura: ‘My grandmother. She was incredibly creative and resourceful. For example, she made her own clothes. She taught for a while at an all-girls school, focusing on manual crafts like knitting and embroidery. Her vibrant, outgoing personality, along with her generosity and curiosity, continue to inspire me in my work and life. She was such a kind and lovely person, a real character.’ 

Can you tell us about a recent project you have worked on with your students? 

Laura: ‘One of the most exciting projects I have been involved in recently is a collaboration with Southern Georgia University’s College of Public Health. It started with a friend who works there. Their team conducts research to encourage healthier behaviours, like quitting smoking or eating better, but they often struggle to translate their findings into actionable, impactful campaigns.’ 

‘Our Creative Business students created an interactive booklet as part of one of these campaigns. We have also worked on projects addressing issues like postpartum depression and infant nutrition. These projects gave students a chance to make a real-world impact, and they absolutely loved it.’ 

What trends in the creative media industries excite you most right now? 

Laura: ‘It excites me to see creative professionals using their skills to tackle global challenges. It is not just about creating beautiful designs or engaging media, it is about using creativity to make a real difference in the world. This kind of work feels truly worthwhile.’ 

What advice would you give to students aspiring to succeed in the media industry? 

Laura: ‘Embrace your creativity, but look beyond mainstream media for inspiration. The most interesting ideas often come from unexpected places, such as going to see indie bands, theatre, reading books, or visiting art exhibitions. My perfect day involves watching a morning film at Rotterdam’s KINO, having lunch at the Nieuwe Instituut, visiting an exhibition, and browsing a museum bookshop. Seek out those experiences, they will broaden your perspective and inspire your work.’ 

Connect with Laura Pardo on LinkedIn.