Student Grant

A quick note to say thankyou from all the staff and students at Staffordshire University to Grant Mitchell who is taking a bit of leave from teaching duties to concentrate on Transmission Creative. Hopefully this will be temporary........thanks for all his help, inspiration and dedication. mark.g.

All the world's a stage.....

Level 1 Graphic Design and Illustration students at Staffordshire University finished their first year on a high with a brief that required promotional material (poster+ creative mailer) for a stage production. Below are just some of the highlights.........

Antony & Cleopatra - Andrew Tomlins
Hair - Sarah Bucknall
La Boheme - Tom Oldham
Six Degrees of Separation - Richard Hajkowicz

The Snow Queen - Laura Malpass
The Power of Yes - Melanie Milne
The Snow Queen - Ben Lambe
Hair - Rebecca Clemson

The Thrill of the Chase

Students on Level 3 Graphic Design & Illustration at Staffordshire University took part in a brief set by external partners The Chase. Written by Lionel Hatch, Creative Director and co-founder and Harry Heptonstall, 2007 graduate of Staffs, the briefs were written to stimulate the mind and inform the designer; sharing a common need for a carefully considered balance between concept and craft.

Expressing the contrast of the depth of 'real love' with that of a more colder, superficial version. (Melissa Horne)

A conversation between two people who are about to split up. (Emily Fitzpatrick)

A conversation overheard at a bus stop which details the sadness of a woman's fading memories. (Anna Christoffer)

'Write down as many different uses you can think of for a brick'. This was the starting point for responding to 'there are two sides to every story.' (Andy Cooke)

Press Update

This month's Grafik features Staffordshire University's very own Andy Cooke, featuring a four page spread in the 'Talent' section. Also in the same issue is Harry Heptonstall (2007 Graduate) writing on the virtues of the Open University Logo.

Roaring success.....

Design Week have followed hot on the coat tails of Creative Review in featuring The Grey Matter Store on their website....check it out here:- http://www.designweek.co.uk/home/blog/blog-archive/roaring-trade/3012635.article

It's the THOUGHT that counts.....

For the first time this year, D&AD permitted lecturers to observe the judging process of their most prestigious awards. Over 3 days, both student and professional work was put through its paces at Olympia in London, in over 20 categories ranging from graphic design, product, advertising, art direction, illustration, web, packaging, branding, direct mail to radio and tv.

Each category was judged by 6 industry professionals in what was a highly rigorous judging process. Unfortunately lecturers were not permitted to have sight of the student work (though we may have had a quick peek). What was of interest was the judging criteria......

Firstly-The work must be a HIGHLY ORIGINAL AND INSPIRING IDEA.

Secondly-It must be exceptionally well executed.

Thirdly-It must be relevent to its context.

Good luck to those students who have entered.......results are announced in a few weeks.....

The Magnificent Seven!

Congratulations to all the students who entered the MPA Roses this year!

Again, Staffordshire University were successful in gaining 

7 runner-up positions in 6 of the categories.

The students who received recognition were Gemma Brownhill+Sophie Williams, Gary Devreede+Dale Longshaw, Stefan Salt+Lucy Smedley (who enetered 2 projects and managed to get BOTH shortlisted!), Kirsty Edwards (shortlisted for a second year running!), Ben Brand+Vicki Shield and Ben Anslow. 

Well done to those students and to all those who put in the hard work and effort on this year's briefs. 

The red carpet awaits..........

...Gemma Brownhill 

...Lucy Smedley and Stefan Salt

...Ben Brand

Level 2 students....

Guest appearance from Mr. M........

Raghu wins for the best 'holding a design magazine' category......


..we're with the band.....

..we are the band.........