Our BA (Hons) Graphic Design students showed off their exceptional design skills when they put forward branding proposals as part of a project inspired by the town centre regeneration project.
This follows the success of the “What it means to us” project where students produced artwork for the visual hoardings surrounding the town centre regeneration site. In this latest initiative, students were tasked with developing strong typographic and brand identities to present in a professional client pitch.
The cohort responded with a range of thoughtful, well-resolved solutions that clearly addressed those key selling points, all delivered to an exceptionally high standard.
Everyone involved in the project was clearly proud of the work the students produced.
Graphic Design Programme Leader Damyon Garrity explained the invitation, for the students to “pitch” their ideas to a live client audience and industry members with expertise in the field, was a stand-out opportunity to take a real look into the world of graphic design.
Damyon said:
“It all culminated in a real celebration of their work. Every student received recognition with certificates for their portfolios and appreciation for their contribution, which was great to see.
“We’re now in discussions around work experience and shadowing opportunities with the team from the Council, which is something I’m really looking forward to developing further.
It’s the start of an ongoing relationship and a strong partnership and there’s a clear appetite to keep involving our students in future projects as they come forward.
The students should be proud of themselves. I certainly am.””
This was echoed by Robert Gatensbury, Programme Lead for St Helens Town Centre at St Helens Borough Council, who said:
“We were really impressed by the standard of the work produced by the students who took part in the project. The St Helens town centre regeneration programme is about providing a place that residents can be proud of and where everyone feels welcome, safe and included.
We are committed to engaging residents throughout the process and working with St Helens College is a fantastic way for us to provide valuable opportunities for our young people and to understand their hopes for the town.”
Lucy Railton, BA Hons Graphic Design 2nd year student described the experience of being involved in the project as “amazing.” She said:
“For those of us at Level 4, receiving creative feedback from real clients and presenting our work has been invaluable, not only for developing our skills but also for shaping our futures as graphic designers.”
First-year students Daryn Ashcroft added:
“Presenting to the council allowed for us, as students, to learn through experience on how to pitch our ideas in a professional environment. I feel as though this opportunity built upon my confidence and marketing skills as a designer.”
In addition, student Molly McClymont said:
“I was genuinely bowled over by the level of professionalism from the student cohort. They delivered near industry-standard presentations to a full board of stakeholders, working in development, marketing, communications and graphics for St Helens Borough Council.”
