Talented students in the creative frame

Graphic design students created the naming and brand design for Framing Talent, a showcase of work by students across Teesside University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries.

Ella Miller, Jess Ivy Brown, Morgan Quinn and Carl Fraser devised the branding for Framing Talent, which will celebrate students’ work at a range of events taking place from May 16 to 19.

Framing Talent includes exhibitions of students’ work across the School of Arts & Creative Industries, including Fine Art, Fashion, Graphic Design and Illustration, Graphic Design with Marketing, Interior Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Media Production, Film & TV Production, Comics & Graphic Novels, Innovative Home Design & Construction, Photography, Product Design, Journalism, Media & Communications, Sport Journalism, Music Technology and Musical Theatre.

Alongside work displayed in exhibitions, other events include a showcase presentation by media students, a fashion show, and a celebration of graduating students’ success.

Practical workshops will also be held for college students to demonstrate what it’s like to study a creative subject at Teesside University. Sessions include life drawing, fashion, photography, graphic design and illustration.

The academic school’s annual Journalism Awards will also be held at MIMA to celebrate the success of students as they complete their journalism and sports journalism degrees.

Framing Talent design creators, Ella, Jess and Morgan are all completing the BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration, while Carl is a BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Marketing student.

Students across the school’s design courses were asked to submit ideas for the branding of the annual School of Arts & Creative Industries celebration.

Ella, 25, from Darlington, said: “The idea for Framing Talent came from us wanting to celebrate the people and the places of Teesside University. We wanted to 'frame' the amazing work that everyone is going to showcase.

“I created the risograph illustration which uses the different buildings involved in the event, which is then used as a frame to draw focus.

“It's been amazing working with the University’s marketing team on the branding. Having the work brought to life on the brochures and posters has been a great feeling.”

Ella added: “I chose the course due to the facilities and the University was close to home. I'd love to continue my freelance illustration business whilst also writing and designing my own children's books.

“The course has helped me towards this path by providing opportunities to work with clients and connect with people. I've also been able to work on my style and gain varied feedback from different tutors.”

Jess, 24, from Stockton, added: “It was great to work with the University’s marketing team and get an idea of how promotional material is created and the amount of work that goes into it.”

Commenting on the branding design, she added: “Each colour and building represent the vibrant mix of specialisms that are encompassed within the degree show, and we hope that it celebrates the achievements of everyone taking part.

“I chose the graphic design and illustration course after having worked in various marketing roles. I wanted to be more creative and learn more about the design side of things. I chose Teesside University as I heard it has a great reputation for the course and the fact that it is local was a plus too.

“I love branding, hand lettering and typography so that's definitely something that I want to pursue. I've learnt so much from the course and I've completed projects that I never thought I could a few years ago. I’ve developed my own identity as a designer and learnt countless new skills that have opened up some amazing opportunities for the future.”

Morgan, 22, from Redcar, added: “The overlapping of the buildings in the branding design was a lovely way to symbolise the overlap that all the courses have, all the creative work that is produced by students all link back to being a part of the School of Arts & Creative Industries.

“Our team has been involved with creating the name and all the visuals for the degree show, from posters to the brochure. The University’s marketing team have been brilliant to work as they wanted us to be involved every step of the way.”

Morgan, who hopes to progress to the primary school teaching PGCE, said: “This is the career path I have always wanted to go into, but I plan to keep up my creative side by working freelance as well as creating my own small business where I can create my own range of illustrations and products.

“I was drawn to this course because of the variety of work you could create. You can experiment and explore new techniques and ways of working.”

Angela Lawrence, Associate Dean (Marketing and Recruitment), in the University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries, said: “We are really pleased with the creative ideas from the graphic design students in creating the concept for the branding.

“It’s really exciting to see the work being showcased by the students, with Framing Talent bringing all disciplines from across the school to be celebrated together.

“Having students involved in developing the branding for our degree showcase was really important to us – this is their show, their work and the Framing Talent name and brand design that they created is stunning.”

Framing Talent exhibitions will be in the University’s Athena, Constantine, Cook and Waterhouse buildings, along with MIMA.

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