Maria Allen
Saltaire,United Kingdom
Summary
A seasoned creative director with expertise in visual storytelling and photography techniques, complemented by a strong foundation in interior styling and historical aesthetics. Demonstrates proficiency in set and event design, costume design, and furniture restoration, showcasing a unique ability to blend artistic vision with practical execution. Skilled in writing and curriculum development, research methodology, and interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering academic teaching and leadership through project supervision and workshop facilitation. Committed to advancing creative problem-solving within diverse environments while pursuing opportunities for innovative growth.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Lecturer in Photography
Leeds Arts University
01.2016 - 01.2025
- Module leader and supervisor across BA Photography Levels 4–6, including dissertation supervision, personal practice, and extended projects.
- Key contributor to the development of research-led, student-centred learning with a focus on narrative, aesthetics, and visual identity.
- Delivered interdisciplinary workshops integrating photography, fashion, set design, and visual styling.
- Supervised MA students and contributed to academic strategy and curriculum development.
- Developed content connecting photography to wider cultural and aesthetic movements, including historical re-enactment and period visual codes.
Lecturer in Photography (0.6)
Leeds Arts University
Leeds, West Yorkshire
01.2010 - 01.2016
Fixed Term Lecturer – BA Fashion Media & Promotion
University of Huddersfield
01.2010 - 12.2010
Photographic Artist in Residence
NHS Castle Hill Hospital
Hull
01.2008 - 12.2008
Visual Artist / Workshop Leader
Leeds City Council
Doncaster, Barnsley
01.2002 - 12.2008
- Delivered community-based arts projects exploring identity, place, and visual storytelling.
Programme Tutor – Arts & Media
Thomas Danby College
Leeds
01.1998 - 01.2005
Scenic Painter and Prop Maker
Cardiff Theatrical Services
01.1995 - 01.1997
Education
MA Photography - Photography
Leeds Metropolitan University
Leeds, LDS 10/2007 - 09/2009
PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) - Education
University of Huddersfield
Huddersfield, Kirklees 09/2003 - 06/2005
HNC Photography - Photography
Leeds College of Technology
Leeds 09/2001 - 06/2003
HNC Multi-Media - Multimedia
Leeds College of Art / Vera Media
Leeds 09/1996 - 06/1997
Graduate Diploma (Degree Equivalent) - Drama (Theatre Design)
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Cardiff, CRF 09/1990 - 06/1993
Skills
- Creative direction
- Visual storytelling
- Photography techniques
- Interior styling
- Historical aesthetics
- Set and event design
- Writing and curriculum development
- Research methodology
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Costume design
- Academic teaching and leadership
- Project supervision
- Furniture restoration and upholstery
- Workshop facilitation
- Creative problem solving
Certification
Category B1, B+E
References
Available on request.
Commissions & Licensed Work
Book Cover Photographer, Julia Hungry by Hannah Louise Poston, 2024. Commissioned to produce the book's cover image. A richly layered photograph that visually echoes the book's themes of desire, restraint, and self-styling., Opera Marketing Imagery, Sin/Eater, Penn Arts, Philadelphia, 2023. Photographic work selected for the promotional campaign of Sin/Eater, a new opera premiering in Philadelphia and later touring Europe., European Tour Campaign, Sin/Eater, Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Amsterdam, 2023, Images featured across marketing platforms for the opera's European launch at this renowned contemporary classical music venue.
Affiliations
- A passionate Music producer and DJ.
Timeline
Senior Lecturer in Photography
Leeds Arts University
01.2016 - 01.2025
Lecturer in Photography (0.6)
Leeds Arts University
01.2010 - 01.2016
Fixed Term Lecturer – BA Fashion Media & Promotion
University of Huddersfield
01.2010 - 12.2010
Photographic Artist in Residence
NHS Castle Hill Hospital
01.2008 - 12.2008
Visual Artist / Workshop Leader
Leeds City Council
01.2002 - 12.2008
Programme Tutor – Arts & Media
Thomas Danby College
01.1998 - 01.2005
Scenic Painter and Prop Maker
Cardiff Theatrical Services
01.1995 - 01.1997
MA Photography - Photography
Leeds Metropolitan University
10/2007 - 09/2009
PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) - Education
University of Huddersfield
09/2003 - 06/2005
HNC Photography - Photography
Leeds College of Technology
09/2001 - 06/2003
HNC Multi-Media - Multimedia
Leeds College of Art / Vera Media
09/1996 - 06/1997
Graduate Diploma (Degree Equivalent) - Drama (Theatre Design)
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
09/1990 - 06/1993