Three final year BA (Hons) Graphics and Illustration students received awards at New Designers 2024.
Held each year in London, New Designers celebrates new and emerging designers graduating from UK and international design related courses. It provides a platform where over 3,000 graduates each year can present their work spanning illustration, visual communications, product design, furniture, textiles, fashion, and more. It is a prestigious industry event where new graduates showcase their work to industry professionals. It is also an opportunity for graduates to observe designs created by their talented peers in other universities and institutions. With a plethora of incredible artwork on display, there is plenty to inspire our students and those aspiring to study the creative arts.
Disney Home Storyteller Award
Flynn, BA (Hons) Graphics and Illustration student, won the Disney Home Storyteller Award. The award includes ten mentorship sessions with a creative leader at Disney. It is a unique opportunity for an emergent designer and illustrator to gain insight and experience from one of the world’s leading entertainment companies.
At New Designers, Flynn showcased his final project – a retelling of a children’s story written by his aunt. His creative designs draw together his South African heritage with the artistic knowledge and skills developed through his undergraduate studies. Using bright colours and geometric shapes, the imagery is fun and engaging to appeal to both adults and children alike.
The judges praised Flynn’s “depth of storytelling. Grounded in strong South African narratives. Innovation in use of multi-media techniques. Great characters.”
Colour in Design Award
Aleks and McKenzie, who worked collaboratively on their final major project, were runners up for the ‘Colour in Design’ Award. Through their collaboration as students, they have established their own studio where they intend to continue working together after graduating from CSVPA.
Their final major project was inspired by their shared interest in food insecurity and local food banks. Many people experience embarrassment and perceived stigma about using food banks, which can lead to individuals not seeking out support. Aleks and McKenzie created vibrant designs focused on encouraging individuals in need to access food banks. Quotes from food bank users sit atop colourful food packaging illustrations to create a powerful message that encourages support for and use of local food banks in the effort to combat food insecurity.
The entire BA (Hons) Graphics and Illustration 2024 cohort exhibited their work at New Designers this year. They were also joined by students studying MA courses at CSVPA who also showcased a selection of their work.
We are exceptionally proud that so many of our students had their work considered by the various judging panels. The judging process involved individual judges visiting each university stand, viewing the pieces on display and speaking with students about their work. The wider judging panel may return to speak to students further, asking about their designs, inspiration and techniques.
Visits from the judges demonstrate that the CSVPA Class of 2024 have produced innovative, interesting and high-quality work. Our students should be rightly proud that their work has been recognised by industry professionals in this manner.
CSVPA encourages students to push the boundaries of creativity. Our lecturers and tutors challenge students to embrace the discomfort of new mediums, techniques and ideas and empower them to develop artistically within a safe space.
Press play on your creative journey by exploring our Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses.
