Four Solihull College Graphic Design students have been recognised for innovation in packaging design and technology as part of the 2015 Starpack Awards.
Submissions are received from across the world for the awards, with winners chosen by a combination of industry professionals and brand sponsors. Students are asked to choose from a selection of briefs assigned by the competition organisers, putting into practice the skills and techniques learnt and applying them to real world packaging design.
James McFerran won both a Gold Award and the Britvic-sponsored prize, while Jake Reeves, Kelly Murray and Jordan Wedgbrow each achieved Bronze Awards for their work. All four HND students will be presented with their prizes at the Starpack Awards ceremony taking place at the National Space Centre, Leicester, in September.
James, a former accountant who came back to college in order to change career, was delighted with the Gold Award for his submission in which he redesigned the Robinson’s squash bottle and packaging. He commented: “I really wasn’t expecting to win Gold. The level of competition in recent years has been so high. When I found out, it felt great. I was proud that all my hard work had really paid off.”
Neil Duffy, tutor on the HND Graphic Design course, commented: “I’m delighted the students’ excellent work has been acknowledged. The recognition will be invaluable as they progress forward in their careers as graphic designers, whichever route they choose to specialise in.”
All four students intend to stay on at the College to study the new Graphic Design top-up degree, where their HND will be topped up to a full honours degree.
