Art Students Impress Graphic Designers from Industry with their work on Branding Project

22 October 2015

As part of an introduction to Graphic Design, students studying the Foundation Diploma in Art Design & Media (FAD) were required to work collaboratively in groups as mini ‘Design Studios’ to produce branding, packaging and advertising for a new Greek style yoghurt, aimed at males aged 21 to 35. The culmination of which would be a final presentation of the project to visiting designers from leading North West design studios.

Students worked intensely over the two week project to complete a range of innovative responses which tested their skills and industry understanding, before presenting the work to Alex Frech, Creative Director of Black & Ginger, based in Liverpool and Antonio Giansante, Account Director at Ahoy, Manchester.

Both Alex and Antonio praised the exceptional standard of the work and the informed presentations, which they commented were well matched to presentations they have seen given by graduates in the sector.

The designers then awarded two of the teams, having been unable to choose just one, the coveted Battle of the Brands trophy for 2015, before identifying three overall winners: Ryan Prandle, Lewis Langan and Max Palmer, based on their exemplary leadership, technical and presentation skills. As a result, the three students were awarded the opportunity to attend a fully funded coding and app design workshop sponsored by the BBC at Broadcasting Place, London over October half term.

Teacher of Art and Graphics at the College, Leanne Jones, was delighted with the standard of work produced by the students, stating, “All of the FAD students should be exceptionally proud of what they have achieved during the two week brief. The standard of the work was second to none and the way in which they managed their own time and responsibilities was a real achievement. The students were excellent ambassadors of the college and their fellow students. The art department would like to thank Alex and Antonio for their valuable contribution to the project.”

The students found the task to be extremely valuable. Ryan Prandle, one of the overall winners of the Battle of the Brands competition commented, “The feedback from Alex and Antonio was invaluable and will certainly shape the way I approach target audience research in particular in future. It was both nerve wracking and exhilarating to be able to present our work to industry experts and the experience has left me with much more confidence in my work as well as a better understanding of how the industry operates” .

Fellow student Mischa Hughes who joined the College from Pensby High School added, “I thoroughly enjoyed the project despite the fact that it was not something that I have studied previously. Since the project I have re-evaluated my University choices and now have a better understanding of how my skills could be applicable in different industry sectors”.