How Scarlet Shepherd combines Shakespeare with graphic design for activism

I joined AUB fresh out of Sixth Form with absolutely no design experience (I didn't even know how to create a grid in InDesign). I thought I would feel out of my depth, but since studying what I love and throwing myself into graphic design headfirst, it’s been the most natural transition I could have hoped for.

During my first year, I took the time to get to grips with the world of graphic design and explored as many avenues as I could, learning Adobe software along the way. However, I started to fully realise my passion for the subject in my second year.

One of the most memorable briefs that year was a group animation project for the Creative Conscience competition. Our animation, Doomscrolling, ended up being shortlisted, which was extremely exciting for us. At the time, I was still learning how to use the Adobe programmes, but having a team to lean on was incredibly encouraging, and we produced a finished project we were all really proud of.

Being at AUB has allowed me to come out of my shell and realise my potential as a designer. Being around like-minded people who lift you up and support you with your work is the most wonderful feeling, and that string of encouragement runs through everyone on the course. During my third year, I’ve also worked on some exciting projects, including briefs set by Dyson, ISTD, RSA, branding for the AUB Graphic Design graduate show, and entering the D&AD New Blood Awards. With these projects, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and began experimenting with Blender, Cinema4D, and Adobe After Effects to build on my technical foundations.

Alongside this, studio visits and the constant opportunities we’re given to speak to creatives from the graphic design industry have helped me gain a better understanding of the world I want to be a part of. During a networking event organised for us in second year, I got the chance to speak to Design Bridge, Walker Agency, Pearlfisher, Salad Creative and Sky. It was one of the most exciting, fast-paced experiences I’ve ever had. I had the chance to make some valuable connections and have taken part in studio visits before and after the event, including Walker Agency, Make Studio, Design Bridge and Imagination.

For my Final Major Project, I chose to focus on the open brief assigned to us by WHM&I. The task was to create a new “Brand Britain” that would unite people from across the UK. I began by brainstorming quintessentially British things: dry humour, complaining about the weather, roast dinners, Wetherspoons and The Traitors (of course). However, I reflected on my own passions and the historical links that connect people across the UK, regardless of age or ethnicity. This is when I became drawn to Shakespeare. Like most of us, I studied Shakespeare extensively in secondary school and then pursued A-Level English Literature, where I re-encountered ol’ Billy Shakes’ work through Othello.

The current disillusionment regarding the social and political state of the world is leaving many Gen-Z individuals in the UK feeling lost and misrepresented. Because of this, 70% of Gen-Z are involved in some sort of social or political cause, including pro- choice, BLM, the Free Palestine movement, trans rights, and the Me Too movement.

But these social and political problems aren’t new. Shakespeare wrote about them 400 years ago through the themes of power, conflict, love, and identity.

With my new protest brand HARK!, I aim to shed light on these current conflicts through the ironic use of Shakespeare’s English. By creating HARK!, I hope to unite Gen-Z individuals from across the UK through their shared outrage and demonstrate how relevant Shakespeare’s works still are in the 21st century.

This has turned into a real passion project of mine. I’ve especially enjoyed experimenting with the perfectly imperfect nature I’ve created for the brand via screen-printing, laser cutting stencils for spray painting, and creating wooden protest signs with vinyl.

I want everyone who represents HARK! to make it their own, layering different words and phrases with a combination of typefaces and mediums. Much like Extinction Rebellion, the handmade aspect of the brand has been extremely important to replicate. Paints, stencils and old pieces of wood and cardboard hold power and can be combined to create a strong social or political statement.

My plans for the future are to keep talking to people who inspire me, be a sponge and stay busy. I thrive when I work with people and know that teamwork is paramount in design. I love discussing ideas and merging design styles, and I want to continue doing that in the future. I’d love to land an internship or junior designer role where I can continue to grow and develop my technical skills by learning from creative people around me.

It’s nerve-racking thinking about life after uni, but in an exciting way. There is a world of opportunities and people to speak to out there, and I’m looking forward to taking a deep breath and going for it!