Graduates get creative with new Stoke charity

Recent graduates have been competing to design the logo for a new creative project in Stoke-on-Trent

Two young women pose together, one resting her head on the other's shoulder.
Winners Chloe Tunicliffe and Becky Sidwell

The Graphic Design course at Staffs provides the chance to work with live briefs throughout our studies so we were super prepared to take on this opportunity.

Becky Sidwell, BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Charitable organisation Stoke Creates aims to be an engine for artistic, creative and cultural participation among children and young people in the Stoke and North Staffordshire city region.

As a champion of emerging talent, Stoke Creates invited BA (Hons) Graphic Design graduates from Staffordshire University to take part in a paid design competition to create their brand identity.

Senior Lecturer Jim Williams worked alongside Glenn Handforth from The Ideas Facility to mentor the students from design concept through to development, with the three final solutions offered to Stoke Creates for selection.

Glenn said: “All the graduates approached the project in a very professional manner, responding to feedback and delivering the work to the project deadlines. They were well prepared for the challenges offered by working on a live project and I’m sure they all have a bright future ahead of them.”

The winning design, submitted by Chloe Tunnicliffe and Becky Sidwell, is yet to be publicly revealed but will be implemented in the coming months as the newly formed organisation gathers momentum.

Winner Becky Sidwell said: "The Graphic Design course at Staffs provides the chance to work with live briefs throughout our studies so we were super prepared to take on this opportunity.

“We were paid for our efforts as part of the pitch process and to be awarded as the winning team is amazing. What a great start to my new graduate status!”

As Stoke Creates develops into a business entity, it is looking to do more ‘live’ projects with students across the University.

Discover more about studying Graphic Design at Staffordshire University at our next virtual Open Day on Saturday 5 December. Find more information and book your place here.

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