Paul’s designs revolutionise school life

The UK’s primary children may consign their rucksacks to the past, if the designs of Paul Bell take off. For University of Teesside BA (Honours) Design Marketing graduate Paul has designed a case for primary children aged 6-10 to transport their work to and from school.

Paul, 21, from Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, designed the case as part of his final-year project. He was approached by art materials company Daler-Rowney, who were looking to re-brand their portfolio. Paul devised the idea of a school portfolio, which the company didn’t include in its range. While researching the school case, Paul visited Roseberry High School in Great Ayton, to discuss ideas with teachers and pupils. The case took over three months to complete, from initial plans to final model.

Paul said: “The problem with children’s bags is there was no space to store home work, particularly art work, which was being returned home crumpled. I loved art at school and wouldn’t have like to see it damaged. So I’ve devised a waterproof case in two different sizes, for primary children aged six to seven and from eight to ten, with dividers for individual subjects, such as art, English, maths and science. There’s also a catch instead of a zip.

“I also devised a marketing campaign to promote the case, with a logo, leaflets and vouchers which would give the children 10 per cent off the case price. The consumer would write their name and address on the voucher, to be kept by the company, who could then inform the consumer about future goods. I’d love it if Daler-Rowney took up my designs, it would be weird to see children walking to school with the case.”

Paul is currently working for a Darlington advertising firm and aims to pursue a design career in London with two other Teesside Design Marketing graduates. Paul added: “Teesside was my first choice, I wanted a degree that combined design and marketing. The course has given me a range of skills, such as knowledge of industry software, including Photoshop, Flash and Dreamweaver as well as a sound understanding of the marketing and design world. The Lecturers were good and approachable, and the campus looks amazing now with the new investments.”

Paul is the son of Steven and Dawn Bell and is the first in his family to graduate from University. He is also a former pupil of Ayton School and Yarm School. Paul’s sister Katie is set to enrol at the University this autumn, on the BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology degree.

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

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