Arts University Bournemouth wanted to create something for graduating students that would mark the transition from student to alumni not as an ending, but as a continuation of belonging. Rather than a traditional alumni publication, the ambition was to offer something students would actively want to engage with: content that felt relevant and rooted in shared experience.
From postcard to platform
What began as a graduation takeaway quickly revealed deeper potential. The simplicity of the premise of simply sharing 'one piece of advice' created space for authenticity, humour, and vulnerability – qualities often missing from formal alumni communications. By leaning into this, we shaped One Piece of Advice into an editorial format that could grow year on year, capturing diverse perspectives across disciplines, generations, and career paths.
Editorial that breaks the mould
Rejecting the conventions of traditional alumni magazines, the publication prioritises storytelling over status. Interviews are candid and reflective, focusing as much on uncertainty, failure, and change as on success. Designed with a strong visual and editorial identity, the magazine feels collectible and contemporary – something readers want to spend time with, rather than skim through and add to the recycling pile.
Extending the conversation
The launch of the podcast series took the idea further. Long-form conversations allow contributors to explore their advice in context, adding depth and warmth while reaching new audiences beyond print. Together, the magazine and podcast form a coherent, recognisable brand rooted in curiosity and shared experience.
A brand built on generosity
One Piece of Advice has grown into a platform that reflects AUB’s values of openness, creativity, and community. By starting small and staying focused on a single, human idea, it demonstrates how thoughtful editorial thinking can turn a simple question into a lasting, meaningful connection between past, present, and future creatives.
