Cel Davison

Cel Davison is the co-founder of Humble Grove, a video game company who released ‘No Longer Home’ on PC and console, to critical acclaim in 2021. Cel is a former A Level student at NewVIc. Cel came from Eastlea Community School and studied A Levels in Graphic Design, Sociology, as well as an Extended Project and Level 3 Drawing (UAL). They progressed onto study an undergraduate degree at University of the Arts London, Camberwell College of Arts to study Foundation in Arts. From there, UAL accepted them into Camberwell College of Arts, where they studied BA Illustration. We caught up with Cel to find out a little more on their journey so far.

What made you apply to NewVIc?

My mum worked at and still works at NewVIc, so that was my first introduction to the college. However it was when I went to the Open Day and saw the art department that I was convinced by the facilities and staff, that I should apply here.

Tell us about your journey from NewVIc to where you are now?

Leaving NewVIc, I knew I wanted to do something with the creative skill I’d built, but I wasn’t quite sure what. My Graphic Design tutor recommend I apply for a foundation course. I got accepted by UAL and went on to study BA Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts. The course was incredibly flexible and allowed us to work with any medium, and so in my final year I began working on a video game.

After graduating I continued making small and personal video games. I started working on my first commercial release, No Longer Home with Hana Lee, who it’d met on my course. Together we formed our company, Humble Grove and released No Longer Home on PC and console, to critical acclaim in 2021. The game is about letting go of the life you've built due to circumstances beyond your control.

How did you get into the position that you are in?

Through the kind help and support of friends and family. After graduating university I spent a lot of time going to games events and meeting people. I formed a lot of friends over the years, with people who have come through for me many times. I try to return the kindness by supporting those in the industry who need lifting up. Of course I’ve worked hard, but it amounts to nothing if you don’t have people to advocate for you. I’m incredibly grateful to those who have helped me in my journey so far.

What are your memories of NewVIc?

I always really enjoyed my Graphic Design class. Both my tutors Lisa and Mark were incredibly supportive and helpful pushing me gently towards figuring out what I wanted to do. I was definitely bias towards my creative courses, because I knew it was the area I wanted to take further. Without the encouragement of my tutors I would have struggled much more with finding my way.

What is your advice for students considering NewVIc and pursuing a career like you?

Take your time figuring out what you want to do if you aren’t sure. Art Foundation courses are designed to help you figure out what field you’re interested in. Look for people who will advocate for you and return the favour. Also collaborate with others as much as opportunity allows you. Collaboration is an incredibly important skill and you get to make better work with others.

How did you find the teaching at NewVIc? Did it prepare you for your next educational step?

I think my form tutor, Prince, was always quite worried about me, and rightfully so, because I was so focused on my creative studies. I was only going to apply for UAL’s foundation course and Prince had to convince me to stop being so narrow visioned and apply for some back up options, which fortunately I didn’t need in the end. I developed my creative skills to a wide array of styles and practices, my Graphic Design tutors were amazing for that. Studying Sociology helped me develop a political eye which has been important in all of my work. I can’t imagine creating art without the different perspectives I began learning at NewVIc.

What were your next steps after leaving college?

After completing my A Levels at NewVIc, I went onto study an undergraduate degree at University of the Arts London, Camberwell College of Arts to study Foundation in Arts. From there, UAL accepted them into Camberwell College of Arts, where they studied BA Illustration

How would you describe yourself before you came to NewVIc?

I was very shy and not very confident, but I’ve been able to find my footing since then.

What are your future plans?

Hana and I are figuring out what our next game at Humble Grove will be. In the meantime I’m taking on freelance work for other video game studios.