Staffordshire 'books' itself another award at D&AD New Blood!

Unlike the England team recently.........Staffordshire University Graphic Design, Illustration and ABM students provided another successful exhibition at the D&AD New Blood exhibition, London - full of passion, creativity and skill !!!

This year D&AD provided a change of venue and a slightly different format for the exhibition. The venue at the Truman Brewery was excellent...and is in the centre of one of the most fashionable design led communities so the number of industry contacts made for both Graphics/ABM staff and students was excellent. There was an extensive program of industry workshops which the majority of students signed up to, they received positive feedback on their portfolios and many opportunities for securing work placements/job opportunities.

The Graphics/Illustration stand and ABM stand were highly praised by all visitors with the Graphics stand attracting a lot of visitors because of the large scale work (a huge rocket and very big baby!).

The president of D&AD Paul Brazier (and executive creative director of AMVBBDO - Creative advertising and brand management agency) was particularly impressed and was keen to build links with Staffs Uni, the D&AD education team (and event organisers) clearly rate the University as one of the major players in providing excellent creative opportunities for its students, throughout the event they directed visitors to the Staffordshire stands knowing that we would be enthusiastic/friendly and have excellent work to display.

For the fourth year running a student from Graphics was awarded a New Blood “best in show” award, a great achievement especially as year on year we see the quality of work on display improve. Gemma's book attracted a lot of attention throughout the week!

Jia Ying Gnoh a L3 Graphics student had been nominated for a D&AD Award for his competition work, and received a “commendation” for his work.--Well done, again, Jia!!!!!

Pictured (in no particular order - the Graphic Design and Illustration stand with Aaron Alexander explaining how fireworks 'work', ABM enjoy a farewell drink, Gemma's winning book design, Stuart Talbot celebrates the New Blood Award and accepts the prize on behalf of Gemma).

On Show

Graphic Design and Illustration students are currently exhibiting their final year work at Staffordshire University from now until Saturday 19th June..........a fantastic collection of creativity, inventive solutions and amazing projects is a testament to the students' hard work and focus. Check the university website for opening times.

Be amazed.........

Staffordshire University at D&AD New Blood

Come and join us at New Blood in London.....there will be a warm welcome and some great work to see from our students on Graphic Design, Illustration and Advertising. Jai Ying Gnoh has been nominated for the Advertising & Direct Mail category, and achieved an In-book award for book cover design

D&AD New Blood Exhibition 2010. The Old Truman Brewery. 24-28th June 2010.

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)