We caught up with OW Alexis Gavan, following a remarkable career journey as a Creative Director and Photographer. Read below to find out about Alexis’ professional journey and time at Westholme.

We recently caught up with OW Alexis Gavan, following a remarkable career journey as a Creative Director and Photographer. Alexis has worked on an array of incredible projects, developing her creative and professional skills along the way. Her talent and commitment to her career was recognised with the Debenhams Rising Star award, and we would like to congratulate her on her recent promotion to Creative Lead at Debenhams! Read below to find out more about Alexis’ professional journey and reflections of her time at Westholme.

How would you describe your Westholme experience? Did you have any favourite subjects/sports/ clubs?

My time at Westholme was incredibly positive. While I wasn’t the most academically gifted in the classroom, the school really nurtured my unique skill set and gave me the space to thrive. I enjoyed sports but my favourite subjects were Art and Textiles, and I was part of the first year to try Photography, which truly sparked my journey into photography and creative direction.

What have you been up to since leaving Westholme?

After leaving Westholme, I studied Fashion Communication at Northumbria University, a course I absolutely loved. The tutors were incredible, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the creative industry. The course encouraged us to gain work experience during university holidays, so I worked at a PR agency in London and participated in London Fashion Weekend each year.

After graduating, I travelled to Australia for what was meant to be six months but I ended up staying nearly 2.5 years. During my time there, I worked various jobs, including a highlight role with a small health business as a creative, helping to build their brand awareness.

Next, I moved to Canada, initially seeking full-time work but eventually deciding to do a ski season for six months. Then COVID-19 hit, which brought me back to the UK.

Upon returning, I joined the JD Group as a mid-weight Creative, a role that really defined my career. I gained invaluable experience and worked with incredibly talented people. Alongside this role, I pursued my passion for interior design by completing an Interior Design course to diversify my skills and open up new opportunities.

After 2.5 years at JD, I transitioned to Debenhams as a Creative Manager, where I’ve been ever since. My role involves working on all their creative campaigns and focusing on building brand awareness

What inspired you to pursue the career you are in now?

When I was younger, I was obsessed with The Hills and seeing them work at Teen Vogue—I thought it was the ultimate dream job. During Sixth Form, I interned at Ribble Valley Live, and they kindly let me assist on a few seasonal shoots. It was during that experience that I realised how much I loved the creative environment and the freedom it offers, which inspired me to pursue a career in this field. Initially, I thought I wanted to be a full-time photographer and pursued freelance work in that field. However, through those experiences, I discovered my real passion was in bringing ideas and concepts together, which ultimately led me to focus on creative direction.

What do you enjoy most about your job? What does a ‘day-in-the-life’ look like?

No two days are ever the same. One day, I might be developing a creative concept for a fashion project, the next coordinating logistics with producers, and another day directing on set. The following week, I could be working on campaigns for beauty or home. What I enjoy most is being on set with the talented team and watching our vision come to life.

You also have a number of incredible creative projects throughout your portfolio, could you tell us a little about these, any favourite projects you have worked on?

I have a few projects that I’m incredibly proud of. One standout was the Rolling Stones project, where I had the opportunity to shoot Johnny Marr and Jon Savage—a real pinch-me moment. At the JD Group, I absolutely loved working on any Napapijri shoot. I’m a big fan of the brand and felt I had a lot of creative freedom with those projects, which brought me so much joy.

More recently, shooting our AW campaign for Debenhams was a fantastic experience. It felt like we were really solidifying the brand’s direction and making a strong statement. Another favourite was the Generation Beauty campaign last year. While it was a huge organisational challenge, the final result was incredibly impactful and visually stunning.

Working on the backstage artists’ projects with Parklife Festival is always a highlight—the team is amazing, and the atmosphere is so much fun. These projects remind me why I love working in this industry.

Any advice for current students here at Westholme?

Gain as much work experience as possible while you’re still a student. The creative industry is incredibly diverse, with countless niches and roles. By exploring different positions, you’ll not only build valuable skills but also discover what you truly enjoy and what might not be the right fit for you.