New Designers brings together over 3,000 of the UK’s best emerging designers, in a two-part showcase of fresh innovation. On Wednesday 3 July, Dick Powell – chairman of D&AD and co-founder of renowned design and innovation company, Seymourpowell – officially opened Part 2 of the show.
He presented the coveted New Designers Awards to this year’s most talented design graduates, commenting: “All the participants are at the same point in their life – graduating from education and going out into the real world of our creative industries with little to lose and the prospect of a career in the creative industries, which are hugely important to the UK, financially, practically and culturally.
“This week at New Designers is a major opportunity to make those first valuable contacts and build a network which might one day lead to a job. That’s what it’s all about. Today you join that network as an embryonic designer with a future- welcome to our world!”
These awards, which are presented in partnership with leading brands and organisations, recognise the design world’s rising stars, offering winners and runners-up vital support as they embark upon professional careers.
The results were as follows:
The BCD New Designer of the Year Award – Part 2, winner
Prize: £1000 cash prize, advice from intellectual property lawyers Briffa including membership to their DesignProtect insurance service, accounting and taxation advice from Rhodes & Rhodes and a marketing and PR workshop.
Winner: Henry Franks
University/College: Northumbria
Title of work: Range of products inspired by dyslexia
Judges’ citation: “Henry reimagines everyday objects with the various attributes of dyslexia. He joyfully combines utility with human behaviour resulting in a clever, well-rounded collection that’s brimming with unique ideas.”
Winner’s comment: “This opportunity is a foot in the door to a national audience with the possibility of turning my passion into a profitable career. The award endorses my work and the time I have put into creating it.”
New Designer of the Year Award – Part 2, runner-up
Prize: £500 cash prize
Winner: Colin O’Dowd
University/College: Central Saint Martins
Title of work: Stix toys
Judges’ citation: “Insightful, engaging and research-based, Colin’s work is all about combining honest and accessible ideas with raw materials and polished execution.”
Winner’s comment: After three year’s hard work it is nice to finish on a happy ending.
New Designers John Lewis Award for Design Excellence and Innovation
Prize: £1000
Winner: Mihaela Ogarca
University/College: The Cass, London Metropolitan
Title of work: Laser Cut Lighting
Judges’ citation: “A great example of material exploration and the effect a process can have on it. Mihaela has a created a stand out light with great potential”
Winner’s comment: “I am very happy to have won this award from John Lewis. It is nice to receive such great recognition.”
The New Designers Wilkinson Award for Product Design
Prize: £1000 and a work placement.
Winner: Josh Owen
University/College: University of Derby
Title of work: Paint Brush and Paint Roller Recycle Cleaning device (product design)
Judges’ citation: “Josh’s design shows great appreciation for solving a real customer problem – something we all instantly related to. His design demonstrates an eco-friendly solution and has a strong fit with our customer base. Josh’s design is desirable, versatile and perhaps most importantly, relevant.”
Winner’s comment: “I am absolutely delighted with winning the Wilkinson Award! Hard work and commitment has enabled me to produce a potentially viable product. A big thanks to Derby University for the opportunity to attend and represent them at the show.”
The New Designers Hallmark Award
Prize: £1000 and a work placement including accommodation.
Winner: Gemma Luxton
University/College: Nottingham Trent
Title of work: Greetings card range
Judges’ citation: “Gemma inspired us with her commercial and diverse portfolio. Her personality shone through and we think she will be a great asset to the Hallmark team.’
Winner’s comment: ‘I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to gain experience in the field of work that I am extremely passionate about.”
The New Designers Sky Award
Prize: £1000 plus a work placement at Sky Creative.
Winner: Amelia Hurrell
University/College: Weston College
Title of work: ‘Me & You’ app design
Judges’ citation: “We were really impressed with Amelia’s personal commitment to her ‘Me & You’ project, a communication tool for children with ME. Amelia pushed the design process by proactively researching and engaging with users and members of the ME community. Amelia’s work has depth, attention to detail and a great sense of personal style that is evident across her portfolio.”
Winner’s comment: “Winning an award at New Designers has come as a complete surprise but is something that I am extremely proud of! I am very thankful for the opportunity to showcase my project and I hope I can continue to develop both the project and my skills as a designer. I hope this award is a great reflection of the course and the tutoring I received throughout my time at Weston College.”
The New Designers InterContinental Hotels Group Award
Prize: Luxury weekend break for two at the prestigious London InterContinental Hotel Park Lane Plus and a work placement at the IHG Design and Spatial Agency.
Winner: Kyle Tetley
University/College: The University of Huddersfield
Title of work: Velosocii: The Real Social Network (interior design)
Judges’ citation: “Kyle’s project is a thoughtful and well-executed scheme that shows good narrative development and a beautiful visualisation of his ideas. He displays a wide range of creative skills and is able to communicate his ideas with superb clarity.”
Winner’s comment: “I’m amazed and grateful for the recognition my work has received. I am honoured to receive this award.”
The New Designers IDA Panaz Award
Prize: Six month paid student placement at RPW Design
Winner: Aaron Vure
University/College: University of Huddersfield
Title of work: Signature (spatial design)
Judges’ citation: “Aaron’s project showed wonderful breadth and depth in the design and in its documentation. It is commercially aware and shows excellent presentation skills. The university should be highly commended for the quality of their course and this year’s outstanding students.”
Winner’s comment: “Winning this award will give exposure to my work and skills and allow industry experts to recognise that I am a particular level of designer. All round it is great that people backed and most importantly understood how my design works and how it can work commercially. I appreciate this award for the confidence it will give me for the future.”
New Designers 100% Design Award
Prize: stand in the Emerging Brands section at 100% Design including promotion and PR support.
Winner: Leala Dymond
University/College: Bucks New University
Title of work: Bungy Sofa
Judges’ citation: “A playful, highly accessible design with a great name. Leala uses well-chosen textures and colours and shows huge potential.”
Winner’s comment: “It’s a great honour to get this award and I am really pleased that the public and judges appreciate my work.”
New Designers Best Stand Award
Prize: trophy, certificate, champagne and promotion throughout the event and at newdesigners.co.uk
Winner: UCA Rochester
Title of course: CG Arts and Animation
Judges’ citation: “A brilliantly imaginative, clever presentation of animation and illustration. The stand has been turned into a mock cinema where visitors are invited to take a seat, spend time with the work and really engage with it.”
Winner’s comment: “We are delighted to win Best Stand at New Designers 2013. A good idea and lots of hard work has paid off, and we’re pleased that our graduates’ work can now be enjoyed and celebrated.”
New Designers One Year On Award
Prize: £500, membership to the Design Trust and Design Nation, paid guest blogging on the Design Trust website.
Winner: Harriet Riddell
Title of work: InStitch You (machine embroidery)
Judges’ citation: “This person does something different: she captures the spirit of creativity. There is great scope to grow her brand and she will benefit greatly from the support that both Design Nation and The Design Trust can offer.”
Winner’s comment: “Winning the award is a superb experience; I feel my hard work has paid off. I am so appreciative of the help and mentoring I will gain with my prize. It’s been an exciting roller coaster since leaving university and this award encourages many more exciting years ahead.”
