Terminal Tomorrow: The art of shifting perspectives
Hannah Wilkins, a Fine Art graduate, has transformed her creative vision into a striking large-scale installation titled Terminal Tomorrow, commissioned for Southend’s Airport Business Park.
This £5,000 artwork is a kinetic piece known as an angiograph - a form of art that changes depending on the viewer’s perspective. From one angle, the piece shows two hands reaching across a divide—one human, one robotic. From another, the image transforms into a futuristic aircraft, representing innovation and sustainability.
For Hannah, the artwork is more than just a commission. It reflects her own development as an artist and her ability to adapt, grow and see opportunities from different perspectives.
Beyond the studio: creating your own opportunities
Hannah’s success did not come from waiting for opportunities - it came from actively seeking them out.
Her approach to finding work was intentional and strategic. She began by researching local opportunities but went further by exploring the organisations behind them. Understanding their values, purpose and identity helped her align her own creative vision with the needs of the client.
“You have to align your values with the company, otherwise you won’t be genuinely enthusiastic.”
This mindset was key to securing the Terminal Tomorrow commission. Her interest in sustainability connected directly with the ethos of Launchpad, helping her create a concept that was both meaningful and relevant.
Her journey also highlights the importance of professional presentation. Maintaining a strong portfolio, clear artist identity and consistent online presence helped her stand out and communicate her ideas effectively.
The power of community
A significant part of Hannah’s development came through her connection with the local creative community, particularly through Blokhouse Studios.
This environment provided more than just space to work. It offered support, collaboration and access to other creatives, making the process of applying for commissions less daunting.
Being part of a creative network allowed Hannah to share ideas, gain feedback and build confidence—key elements in progressing from graduate to professional artist.
From concept to installation
Creating Terminal Tomorrow involved a major technical and creative challenge.
The agamograph format required Hannah to think beyond traditional methods, translating an abstract idea into a large-scale, structurally sound installation. Much of the construction work took place in a makeshift studio environment, showing the level of dedication and resourcefulness required.
From selecting sustainable materials to managing the practical build, every stage involved problem-solving and decision-making. Despite the challenges, the final result successfully captured the client’s vision of innovation and future thinking.
The completed installation now stands as a permanent feature in a forward-thinking, “future-facing” environment - an achievement that reflects both technical skill and creative ambition.
Building resilience through growth
Hannah’s journey is defined by more than artistic ability - it is shaped by resilience and personal growth.
She describes herself as once being a shy individual, but her time at university encouraged her to take risks, step outside her comfort zone and engage more actively with opportunities.
This mindset - of “walking into the unknown” - continues to guide her career. Rather than limiting herself to one discipline, she embraces new ideas and challenges, allowing her work to evolve.
Even after completing such a significant project, she continues to push forward, applying for new commissions and exploring projects with strong meaning and purpose.
Looking ahead
Hannah’s ambitions focus on continuing to develop her career through meaningful, values-driven work. Her interest in socially impactful projects remains central to her creative direction, ensuring that her work connects with wider audiences and ideas.
She also recognises the importance of maintaining creativity on a daily basis - continuing to sketch, experiment and develop new concepts to sustain momentum.
Key lessons from Hannah’s journey
- Be proactive - opportunities rarely come without effort
- Research deeply and align your work with meaningful values
- Build and engage with creative communities
- Embrace challenges as part of the creative process
- Stay open to new directions and perspectives
Hannah Wilkins’ story is a powerful example of how creative thinking, combined with resilience and initiative, can lead to real-world success. By shifting perspectives - both in art and in life - she has built a strong foundation for a lasting career.
If her journey has inspired you, our Fine Art and creative courses are designed to help you develop your skills, build your confidence and explore your own creative path. Take the first step and see where your ideas could take you.