What’s this all about?
‘IMAGINE’ is a showcase of graduate work from BA(Hons) Graphic Communication and BA(Hons) Art Practice at University Studies at West Suffolk College. The diverse body of work on show for 2024 is a culmination of the student’s final year’s work demonstrating their creativity, curiosity and talent as designers and art practitioners.
This is an excellent opportunity to see first-hand an exciting exhibition of work from a new generation of fresh talent! Join us in celebrating the achievements of our students.
Private Viewing: The Hangar, 6th June, 5:30pm - 9pm
Public Viewing: The Hangar, 6th June - October (please contact universitystudies@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk to arrange a viewing).
What can I expect to see?
We encourage our students every step of the way to challenge their pre-conceived ideas and to push the boundaries of their imagination to come up with unique and original solutions by thinking outside of the box. This year is no exception such a broad mix of themes and approaches underlines the differences seen in our students, and the ways in which individuals can follow unique pathways within their degree courses to establish areas of specialism that are both as original as they are successful. See for yourself the creative work on display, which draws inspiration from both personal experiences and perceptions of the world around us.
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication
BA(Hons) Graphic Communication students have had another outstanding year producing high-end commercial projects for regional employers as well as competition worthy entries for National and International Design Awards in advertising, typography and publication design. Expect to see a wide range of ingenious concepts this year.
If you have any questions please contact the Course Leader, Sian Horn by emailing sian.horn@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk.
Libby Minns - Level 5 Graphic Communication
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Tackling the dietary topic of healthy eating in young children, I have designed an insect smoothie brand called ‘Dinki’. Focusing on bug protein as the fundamental ingredient, I’ve created a range of appetising drinks, to provide children with essential healthy nutrients. Promoted through playful grub characters, I have produced a selection of three unique beverage options; each containing a specific insect protein source.
Using vibrant colours, distinctive illustrations and appealing textures, I hope to alter the perspectives within the younger generation. Advertising through social media, I can also target parents looking for a healthy alternative in children's lunchboxes. Developing a striking website, consumers can explore and purchase the smoothies online, receiving collectable merchandise including stickers and wristbands with every order. I believe with this strategy, Dinki has the potential to become the next upcoming trend.
IMAGINE: Graduate Degree Show
Jack Bates - Level 5 Graphic Communication
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For my project, I wanted to explore an area that has always intrigued me but where I hadn't significantly ventured in terms of design. I chose to focus on creating an integrated campaign to promote Comic-Con London for 2024, a project that not only allowed me to channel my creative energies into something new but also to contribute to a community that celebrates diversity and creativity.
The centrepiece of my design is an adaption of the existing logo/identity for Comic Con to embody inclusivity, a core value of this year’s event. This logo is designed to be welcoming to all individuals, irrespective of age, sex, gender, or any other characteristic. It features a modern, accessible aesthetic that reflects the inclusive spirit of Comic-Con, making everyone feel represented and part of this vibrant community.
Alongside the logo, I developed a series of patterns that are versatile in their application, transcending traditional uses. While these patterns are prominently featured on T-shirt merchandise, their design allows for a wide range of applications, from digital backgrounds and printed materials to decorative elements at the event itself. Each pattern is crafted to capture the essence of Comic-Con—dynamic, colourful, and inclusive.
This project was an opportunity to push the boundaries of my design skills while addressing the need for more inclusive visual representations in major cultural events. By integrating these elements into the visual identity of Comic-Con London 2024, my aim was to create a design that is not only visually appealing but also socially resonant and widely applicable across various media channels and merchandise.
![Social Media Post [1].png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f7f2c63596bb34070a825ce/3f222137-8488-4cfb-be77-93d981022880/Social+Media+Post+%5B1%5D.png)
![Tee-Shirt [Blue].png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f7f2c63596bb34070a825ce/61fd5c50-b187-4c24-85a6-5c4b559a8d3e/Tee-Shirt+%5BBlue%5D.png)
Isabel Duncan - Level 5 Graphic Communication
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The UK café industry represents an important part of the retail sector and has experienced significant growth over the last decade with over 27,000 outlets in the UK alone. As consumers we are faced with a plethora of café choices from large international chains to small independent artisan cafes. Themed cafés are becoming more widely popular offering a unique blend of entertainment and dining, attracting customers not just for the food but for the experience.
With this trend in mind I decided to create my own branding for an entertaining cat café called ‘Calico Cafe’. The cafes provide not only a means to interact with cats and enjoy their companionship but also the opportunity to socialise and relax with other like-minded cat enthusiasts creating a community vibe.
The Cafe’ was inspired by the breed of cat called a calico. A calico cat has a tri-coloured coat of brown, white and black . I really like how a calico cat's coat looks and used this idea of tri-colours within many different elements of my branding including the logo, menu, packaging and signage to create a cohesive identity.
Faraday Benjamin - Level 5 Graphic Communication
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Each scene in the book has been meticulously designed to capture the essence of the story, while also incorporating unique visual elements that give a fresh twist to the traditional tale. The illustrations are presented in a sketched-out style, utilising a limited colour palette of white, grey, black, pink, and red. The composition of the characters creates a striking contrast between the small, sweet main character and the unsettling, angular wolf.
To showcase my work, I have prepared various deliverables including a physical sculpture of the main character, and a professionally printed version of the book. These items are currently on display at the exhibition.
Alice Cawdron - Level 6 Graphic Communication
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Shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales have risen to the highest level in 20 years with more than 430,000 offences recorded just in last year. This could be largely attributed to the cost-of-living crisis but there is also rare case of mental health disorders like Kleptomania where people are unable to resist the urge to steal things. They may shoplift things they have no use for, do not need, or could afford to buy.
I have created a zine to help inform and educate audiences about Kleptomania. The publication includes not only a detailed description of the condition but how it can be treated and case studies on how it has affected key individuals.
In terms of the overall aesthetics of the publication I wanted it to feel organic and have adopted a grunge style, which is characterised by a less uniformed, less structured look-and-feel. I have used half tones and textured geometric shaped backgrounds mixed with deconstructed typography and distressed photographic images to give the publication impact. I have chosen a minimal colour palette of black and white and one other spot colour of red to express the psychology of the condition and the narrative of the text.
The inspiration of the concept came from my personal love of the theme grunge and how elements of images and text are just placed in a way to make it look like a scrapbook and the overall messiness of it all.
Archie Weaver - Level 6 Graphic Communication
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‘Crescent’ is a publication based on a series of scientific theories and facts about the Moon. From a design standpoint, there is a dominate typographic theme throughout with emphasis on open space /layout and simple relaxing colours. The aesthetic for the book was inspired from a Japanese style of design right through to the binding and materials used.
There are lots of clean simplified illustrations /vectors throughout the book, which are all hand generated to give the publication a more personal and craft like feel. The book is in honour of my late grandfather, who introduced me to the fascinations of the moon.
For the publication I worked to all my strengths, as I find that I work best with type, layout and publication design; as well as some physical elements in the form of my own binding, as I often like to combine physical work with digital.
Charlie Bailey - Level 6 Graphic Communication
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The Horrors of the Third Millennium is a film festival based on showcasing six of the most beloved, recognised and highest-rated horror films released in the 21st century.
A variety outcomes have been designed for this festival, including an advertising campaign, programme of events to showcase information about the festival such as a summary of the plots, information about the directors and the stars that appear in the films, plus a whole array of merchandise and apparel.
Additionally, a guerrilla marketing campaign has been created to promote the festival featuring a film mascot, which is a shadowy figure reminiscent of similar creatures from online analogue horror videos. The mascot appears on various digital screens in public places, and projections onto buildings. Members of the public are encouraged to share their sighting of the figure online through social media posts such as Instagram, which intern generates a buzz around the event.
Jazz Lacey - Level 6 Graphic Communication
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Soma Yoga is branding concept that celebrates the traditional beliefs of Hinduism with the healing system of somatics. The idea behind somatics is that slow, gentle exercises re-educates the nervous system and allows the release of tight, restricted muscles, thereby promoting healing.
I wanted to create a fun and inspiring visual identity for the brand specifically aimed at young mums with children as well young adults, which would stand out from the competition. To do this I have used a combination of bright colours and fun icons.
I also researched Hindu astrology to create a collection within the brand that focuses on star signs, which also links back to the name, Soma being the god of the moon. The reason I wanted to relate back to beliefs from Hinduism throughout is to remind people of the origins of yoga and bring a certain level of respect to that whilst appreciating that this has been modernised and commercialised in recent years.
Louise Champion - Level 6 Graphic Communication
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‘The Armory’ is a war board game set within some of the oldest recorded ancient civilization in the world; Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Indus Valley Civilization and Ancient China. It is a four person/team game, which means that it can be played in teams or individually. I have created from scratch an arsenal of weapons, which all have their own colour palettes and designs depending on what civilization they are from. I also designed twelve different quiz question cards and a board and its packaging .
The cards are split up into three different categories, which contain questions to test the player historical knowledge of battles and rulers, as well as weapons and superpowers that will allow the player to achieve a decisive advantage by outmanoeuvring the enemy, and thereby achieve overall victory.
The inspiration for the game and cards came from Dungeon and Dragons (DnD) and Role play games (RPG) as well as Trivial Pursuit.
Maia Sivaraj - Level 6 Graphic Communication
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Blossom is an affordable and convenient natural beauty brand aimed at 18-35 year old women. Blossom’s product range contains world-first formulas that give you the look of traditional makeup, alongside benefits for your skin that can only come with natural ingredients. All of their products are vegan, cruelty-free and leaping bunny certified and have been developed to suit all skin tones and types.
Blossom believes that shopping for natural beauty products should be just as fun and luxurious as shopping for any other beauty product. That’s why they focus on creating packaging full of colour and with the feel of the modern beauty industry.
Blossom aims to make the shopping experience as convenient as possible by offering their range both online and in both Superdrug stores across the UK. This means you can enjoy shopping for sustainable, vegan makeup, bursting with natural ingredients whether you are an online shopper or a drugstore lover.
Finally, Blossom packages all of their products with reusable and recyclable materials, so that you know that when you shop with them you are not only taking care of yourself, but also the planet.
Maisie Irvine - Level 6 Graphic Communication
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‘Glowgirl’ is an affordable skincare brand aimed at the younger generation who suffer from blemished skin / acne and who enjoy keeping their skin clean and healthy. All products are organic, with no harmful chemicals to hurt your skin especially for the younger skin. Glowgirl’s aim is to help younger healthier skin and to make the consumer feel confident with themselves and their skin.
Glowgirl aims to have their products in retail shops, where they will be displayed amongst other larger brands. The sustainability of the product will be recyclable and therefore healthier for the environment.
Phoebe Ellis - Level 6 Graphic Communication
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Imagine, is this year's graduate degree show. The show exhibits work from both BA (Hons) Graphic Communication and BA (Hons) Art Practice students at University Studies West Suffolk College.
Both the name and the design inspiration for the show came from the way that we as creatives experiment and collaborate with each other. The main thought behind the designs however were taking inspiration from retro collage and mixing it with modern photographs and vintage technology, this symbolises the way in which our industry is changing but we will always include old techniques and technology.
Ryan Symonds - Level 6 Graphic Communication
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‘Boost’ is not just a campaign but a movement that was started by students, and made for students (aged 18-24). Boost aims to empower students to overcome the struggles and stresses of student life and to help them thrive in their educational journey whether that's by providing healthy coping mechanisms, shining a light on important social issues or just by simply creating a space where students can just exist!
There are 3 boost publications that each tackle the most common challenges that students face which are poor mental health, feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out), and finally academic stress. Each publication contains stories from fellow students, guidance, and professional advice. To accompany the publications, Boost has a website containing all necessary info and an app that provides students with a simple task to complete daily to improve their overall well-being. There are also some merchandise designs to help build a community of students who want to create the best possible student experience.
BA (Hons) Art Practice
The student group graduating this year demonstrate technical knowhow, creative flair and a unique approach - all cornerstones of a successful artistic practice. The education they have experienced throughout their time on the course is notably different to other broad art degrees; the skills and knowledge they leave us with will not only enable them to take the next step in launching independently formulated creative practices, but it has also prepared them to tackle vocational aspects of their future careers.
If you have any questions, please contact the Course Leader Glenn Pickering by emailing glenn.pickering@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk.
Georgina Marston - Level 6 Art Practice
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Forgotten Mythologies is a book of illustrations that focuses on mythical creatures from ancient Chinese culture. I am very inspired by Chinese history and find the characters that come from eastern culture fascinating. Therefore, for my final project, I wanted to create a book aimed at children, that explores the unique qualities of these characters.
I have always loved children’s book illustrations and understand the important role that visuals play in communicating, inspiring and teaching kids. I wanted my book to engage young minds and excite them about an area of the past that they may not be familiar with.
When making my illustrations, I tend to create several variations – often directly in pen. I feel that this spontaneous approach results in drawings that have more life. I like loose lines, and aspects of colour – all of which work to create visuals that can appeal to children and adults alike.
Jack Williams - Level 6 Art Practice
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This triptych depicts the Third Crusade (1189-1192), in which Christendom and Islam vied for control of Jerusalem. The left panel depicts the Crusader army, led by the King of England, Richard the Lionheart. The central panel depicts a clash between the Christian and Islamic armies. The right panel depicts the Saracen army, led by Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, better known as Saladin. Whilst these two leaders of opposing religions were enemies, they found one another to be an adversary worthy of their respect. They found themselves equally matched, with the war resulting in a stalemate. This project took over 300 hours to complete, including over 120 hours of hand-carving wood.
Anna Langford - Level 6 Art Practice
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This artwork is inspired by a love of Rave Culture and nature. It encapsulates my experiences from the rave scene over the years; people I have met and club nights I have been to. I use neon colours and a 90s aesthetic (like the good old days). I try to highlight the positive and negative attributes of club culture and include hidden gems that fellow ravers might recognise.
I love music, people, animals and nature – all of which are incorporated in my illustrations. I turn people into animals based on characteristics I see in them, or personality traits they have, and sometimes just because the animal fits the image.
