º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Graphics students are Pencil winners at the D&AD New Blood Awards 2023

Considered by many the worlds’ most prestigious benchmark for commercial creativity, we are proud to announce that 4 º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Graphic Communication and Illustration students have received Pencils at the D&AD New Blood Awards.

For 2023, D&AD launched their “What making it is made of” campaign aiming to engage the global creative community by celebrating the power of creativity, and the processes, tools and emotions that help creatives win Pencils and find commercial success in the industry.

David Hitchcock, Joanna Nicoll, Nitya Thawani, and Sammy Rudkin have all been announced as winners, and received their Pencil levels in an award ceremony held in London. There are 4 levels of Pencils, with Wood showcasing the best of the year, Graphite for stand-out work that rises above the rest, Yellow for outstanding work that achieves true creative excellent, and Black the ultimate creative accolade that is reserved for ground-breaking work.

The winning responses are as follows:

Nitya Thawani: Bubble by Barclays

Brief: Barclays – Innovate banking in the name of neurodivergence
Winner: Nitya Thawani
Response: Bubble by Barclays
Pencil: Yellow

58% of people with ADHD find spending impulsively to be their biggest money-related barrier and are four times more likely to impulse-spend than those without the condition. Impulsive spending can significantly impact one’s everyday life, financial freedom and mental wellbeing. Bubble by Barclays is a supplementary mobile application designed to help those with ADHD manage their triggers and impulsive spending habits in a fun, friendly and interactive way.

Read more about Bubble with Barclays.

Joanna Nicoll: A Voicemail With Values

Brief: giffgaff – Let people know giffgaff is making some moves
Winner: Joanna Nicoll
Response: A Voicemail With Values
Pencil: Yellow

B Corps are all the talk, but what are they actually all about? This campaign explores what becoming a B Corp will really mean for giffgaff and their members. We came to the conclusion that B Corps are about shared values, trust and commitment… and so is dating! Using this slightly unusual comparison, we were able to tell the story of giffgaff becoming a B Corp using light hearted, relatable terms that reflect giffgaffs unique tone of voice.

Read more about A Voicemail With Values.

Sammy Rudkin: The Power of IMAX

Brief: IMAX – Show off the immersive IMAX experience before the main show’s even begun
Winner: Sammy Rudkin
Response: The Power of IMAX
Pencil: Yellow

IMAX is unrivalled in the ability to create powerful, immersive cinema experiences. But what if this power was visualised? This pre-show video realises a tangible ‘power of IMAX’ in the form of a crystal producing bright, flowing energy, powering every aspect of the IMAX experience. The video also visualises the symbiotic relationship that IMAX has with its audiences.

Read more about The Power of IMAX.

David Hitchcock: Heineken Moments

Brief: Heineken & Design Bridge - Leverage a beverage icon as a catalyst for connection
Winner: David Hitchcock
Response: Heineken Moments
Pencil: Graphite

Drinking beer and its associated moment can act as a common ground across conflicting cultures and groups, connecting people from different backgrounds. Highlighting this commonality through recyclable Heineken bottle’s that once distributed, have the ability to showcase their previous drinkers and moments with it – creating a chain by touching the lips of many. With this, drinkers must put differences aside and embrace diversity, metaphorically sharing a drink with those come before.

Read more about Heineken Moments.

Congratulations to all our students!

Visit our online Degree Show to see all the inspired and innovative work from the 2023 Design and Creative Arts finalists.