The Creative Print Collab, a new collaboration between industry leading organisations and Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), have announced the winners of its inaugural programme.
First-year students on AUB’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design course had to select one of five wellbeing-themed briefs and were tasked with producing an aesthetically beautiful, creatively printed and packaged final product in just eight weeks. The kit needed to include a box, printed cards, a poster or magazine, and stickers to promote positive wellbeing using LUSH cosmetics.
The partners from The Creative Print Collab, which include LUSH, Dayfold printing services, and stamping foil suppliers Foilco, announced the winners, runners-up, and those shortlisted from more than 90 entries at a ceremonial event on AUB campus on Friday 8 March.
Julia Anderson with her project entitled Mane Memories scooped first prize, winning an eight-week LUSH internship, the production of the LUSH wellbeing box featuring her design in the Dayfold factories using Foilco foils, followed by the distribution of the box at major music festivals, as well as printing supplies, swatches, and tickets to events.
"Getting the opportunity to work on a live project with LUSH in our first year has been amazing," comments Julia. "It’s been great getting to know the LUSH team and seeing the ins and outs of the industry. Winning has honestly been surreal.
"I’m so proud of the work we’ve all done, and I’m grateful for my tutors and friends. They’ve motivated and helped me throughout the whole project. It’s going to be so cool seeing my design given out at festivals and I’m very excited to start my LUSH internship."
In second place with her project, With Love X, was Lauren Gardner who won a one-week work experience placement at the Dayfold factory, an all-expenses-paid visit to the Independent Paper Show London including a pass to an exclusive Q&A with the founding members from Switzerland, £150 worth of free G . F Smith paper, a full set of G . F Smith swatches, and a Foilco INDEX folder. Placing third was Annabelle Turner with her project, All You Need is LUSH.
"Coming second place in a live brief with LUSH is more than I could have ever hoped for," says Lauren, "I am so grateful for such an incredible opportunity. I’ve learnt so many new skills in such a short time, and I am thrilled and grateful that my hard work has ended in success.
"I am also incredibly excited for Annabelle and Julia, who deservingly placed, and I am thankful to share this achievement with them."
Annabelle adds, "Working on this project with LUSH has been an amazing experience. I have gained an understanding of what it is like to work with a client and use their feedback to develop my design. I am so grateful for such an amazing opportunity. Being able to work closely with both Dayfold print and LUSH this early on in my studies at university is a true privilege."
"Print is incredibly important to all of us here at LUSH," says Simon Allen, Senior R&D Creative Production Support at LUSH. "What better way to support the future of print than by working with our local arts university and industry leads?
"We've lots of creatives within the business that have graduated from AUB and it's great to see the local talent coming through. The students did not disappoint with the level of work that was produced and we look forward to welcoming Julia on her internship and hopefully many more in the future."
The module at AUB started with two intensive days at Dayfold’s factory in Verwood, where students were fully immersed in the world of commercial printing, including demonstrations on a variety of printing and finishing techniques. They also attended a full-day workshop from Foilco, educating them on the range of foiling and paper solutions available, and a workshop from paper specialists G . F Smith.
Marten Sims, Senior Lecturer for AUB’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design course, and unit lead on the project, comments, "All the staff have been amazed by the level of work that the students have produced. These are first-year students who are only six months into their course and what they’ve delivered is exceptional.
"As well as winning some really amazing prizes, being able to offer all the students the opportunity to spend time with industry experts in real-life workplaces has been very well-received. These are the experiences that really add value for our students. We’re delighted with the feedback from our partners; we know how important it is for them to connect with the next generation of designers, and makers."