For the second year in a row, Creative Industries students have collaborated with Soroptimist International on an International Women’s Day live brief. The brief asked students from Creative Industries to ‘create an artistic response to International Women’s Day in a graphic illustration format’. Students were asked to ensure their graphic embraced the achievements of women around the world, empowered women and girls and raised awareness of both past and current influential feminists that inspire women today.
25 students took part in the brief and their works will be displayed in an exhibition space in Dewsbury in April. After careful deliberation, the judges picked two of their favourites to win: Edie Berryman, a Level 3 Creative Media Practice student, and Katie Brennan, a Level 3 Art and Design Practice student.
Edie’s design was inspired by female musicians. Speaking about the work, Edie said:
“I am very honoured to have won this award. I was inspired by the female music industry, focusing on Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Florence and the Machine. I wanted to draw attention to the importance of owning your own voice, being empowered and not being suppressed by the ‘music machine’.
I created the work using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom as I felt this gave me the tools to add certain textures to the illustrations to make them more lifelike. I then made sure to incorporate this year’s International Women’s Day quote ‘Embrace Equity’ and to clearly show the client’s brand.”
Katie drew inspiration from this year’s International Women’s Day theme too. Katie commented:
“I enjoyed working on this brief as I was given the opportunity to create artwork to empower and support women and young girls. I really enjoyed creating the piece because I was constantly learning new technical skills and pushing my limits. It was also really interesting to learn about Soroptimist International and more about International Women’s Day, and I’m really thankful to be selected as joint winner.”
As well as supporting a good cause, this live brief offered students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Emma Crosland, Work Experience Coach said:
“It has been fantastic to work with Soroptimist International again, working on a new brief that allows Media and Art students to create artwork, exploring traditional and digital techniques to create a strong message.
Many students chose to select this employer-led live brief to investigate influential women that have made a difference throughout history and today. Students have undertaken thorough research to generate ideas and have created some fantastic final pieces that showcase professional practice and technical skill. This is the result of our Work Experience programme, which gives students the chance to work with employers and stick to a brief for a client.”
A representative from Soroptimist International also commented on the success of the competition:
“Once again it has been wonderful to work in partnership with Emma and her students. The students have researched Soroptimist International and have worked hard with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day “Embrace Equity”.
The work has been outstanding and is of a high standard. We have managed to pick out two pieces of artwork, so this year we are choosing joint winners. Although everyone who has taken part is a winner in our eyes.”
To find out more about our Employability Pledge and Work Experience Programme at Kirklees College, head to our Employability Pledge page. If you are interested in Art & Design at Kirklees College, click here.
