Skip to content

Year One Graphic Design student shortlisted in the Penguin Design Awards

Saskia Wright has been shortlisted in the Children’s Cover Award category for her Noughts & Crosses cover design

    Saskia's book cover design
    Saskia's cover design

    A student in her first year of our BA (Hons) Graphic Design course has been shortlisted in this year’s prestigious Penguin Design Awards. The annual competition, run by renowned publishing house Penguin Random House, challenges students to respond to design briefs in a publishing context, thus providing them with first-hand industry experience.

    Saskia Wright was one of 2,185 students to enter the 2018 competition, and has been shortlisted in the Children’s Cover Award category. She created a design for Malorie Blackman’s powerful 2001 novel Noughts & Crosses, a story addressing racism, terrorism and constructed societal divides.

    We caught up with Saskia to discuss her success in the shortlisting stage of the competition. She told us: “It was really exciting to get the email knowing that my work had been recognised and selected by the Penguin Random House judges. My submission was a full cover design for Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses, a really interesting story based on the Civil Rights Movement but in reverse. This gave me the opportunity to use motifs of restriction and hierarchy within my design, as it linked well to the content of the book.”

    Since being shortlisted, Saskia has received individual feedback from the Art Directors at Penguin Random House, which is an invaluable opportunity. Graphic Design lecturer Ellie Wild commented: “What is impressive is that most of the students that get shortlisted tend to be final year students. For Saskia to be recognised by the judges at Penguin Random House is testament to her hard work and the support and encouragement given to students by staff, in particular, her tutor Helen Merrin. We wish Saskia lots of luck for when the winners are announced in June!”

    Saskia is one of 10 students to be shortlisted in this particular category. If successful, she will win a work placement within the Penguin Random House design studios, in addition to £1,000 in prize money. The winners of the 2nd and 3rd prizes in each category will receive £500 and £350 respectively. The winners of each category will be announced on Wednesday 20 June.

    Published on 14 May 2018
    • Subject area: Art and design
    • Category: NTU Arts; School of Art & Design