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MA Graphic Design students create visual identity for University’s first Creative Industries Expo

A team of five students responded with passion and energy to a creative brief set by the School of Art & Design

    The LEAP visuals outside Newton
    The LEAP visuals outside Newton

    Five students on our MA Graphic Design course have developed the branding for LEAP, a new Creative Industries Expo which took place in the Newton Building on the City Campus this March. Shreya Amatya, Kyrie Gordon, Han Powell, Shinaz Saeed and Sarah Watts worked as a team to pitch their ideas to the School Employability team, and were selected to develop the event’s visual identity, aiming to make the event appealing to students and creative industry exhibitors.

    The idea for the event came from the Schools’ Employability team. Based on the idea of a graduate and placement jobs fair, LEAP placed a special emphasis on working in the creative industries. It was open to all NTU students, and presented them with the chance to meet a diverse range of creative employers, as well as to attend talks and advice sessions from alumni.

    Working as a group, the MA Graphic Design students developed the visual concept for LEAP. They conducted research including a survey specifically for NTU students from creative subjects, asking about their thoughts on the current jobs fairs offered by the University. The concept of a ‘journey’ was then developed, drawing on the student experience of moving through university and towards a chosen career path. The result of this project was a strong visual identity capable of engaging both employers and students. It was adaptable for a wide range of collateral including posters, banners, postcards, flyers, digital assets and social media content.

    The LEAP visual developed by the MA Graphic Design students
    Visuals devised by the MA Graphic Design students

    Sarah Watts told us: “I was passionate about creating a strong campaign that would encourage students to attend this innovative event. Through working as a team, we were able to develop the design thoroughly until we reached an outcome we were all happy with; a process I don’t think we would have achieved alone.”

    She added: “Not only did I really enjoy working on such a creative campaign, but I also valued the opportunity of working with Linda Marchant and the employability and marketing teams at NTU. Our hard work paid off, and it has been great to see our final outcomes printed and advertised across campus!”

    Kyrie Gordon commented: “It was an excellent opportunity to gain new skills and refine existing ones, complimenting my academic studies.”

    Linda Marchant, Employability Manager for the School of Art & Design, was very proud of the students. She said: “The students’ insight and experience was key, and working on the project has enhanced their employability skills and understanding. They worked professionally, and with passion, suggesting aspects of the Expo which have truly enriched the event and made it stand out among all of the events the University hosts.”

    Published on 27 March 2018
    • Category: NTU Arts; School of Art & Design