A personal project by Graphic Design graduate Claire

Claire Rudd’s final year project at the University of Teesside was devised with a personal insight. She devised a campaign to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, inspired by the plight of her 82-year-old grandmother Joan Rudd, who was diagnosed with the condition two years ago.

Claire, 22, from Gateshead, has now graduated from the Middlesbrough-based University with a BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design. Her awareness-raising campaign included six posters, a television advertisement and an information pack for the patient’s family and carers. Claire researched the subject with information provided by the Teesside branch of the Alzheimer’s Society. Her work was displayed in Middlesbrough’s Cleveland Centre during Alzheimer’s Awareness week back in July.

“I wanted to do something different for people to take more notice. My main aim was to change the way people perceive Alzheimer’s sufferers. It’s not a case of going crazy, it’s actually a disease”, said Claire.

Alzheimer’s information worker Steve Tonge said: “Claire’s work is very impressive. It’s hard hitting and very high quality.”

Claire is now aiming for a career in advertising. She came to the University after completing a foundation year in Art and Design at Newcastle College. Claire added: “From an early age I’ve loved drawing, I get my artistic interest from my mother. The degree was a really good experience and geared to the real world. For example, we explored business and marketing, as well as illustration and photography. The University’s facilities were good and the Lecturers helpful and honest.”

Claire is the daughter of Cecilia and John Rudd and a former pupil of St. Thomas More School, Blaydon.

For more information on the BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design please call 01642 384019, or check the University of Teesside’s web site at www.tees.ac.uk

---