University of Bolton students have designs on success in tough UK creative challenge

Talented graphic design students from the University of Bolton made a big impression as they celebrated success in a grueling national competition.

Six third-years from the BA (Hons) in Graphic Design programme, took part in Two+Two, a challenging design event organised by Creative Resource, a recruitment specialist for the marketing sector.

The event involved 200 students and 25 mentors from agencies across the UK, collaborating on a time-sensitive industry brief that pushed them to their limits.

Made up of students from 19 universities with backgrounds in marketing, business, and visual communication, Bolton set a new benchmark as it became the first university in the history of the one-day event to have competitors in the top three finishing teams.

Jasmine Swingwood was a member of the first-placed team with Ayaz Yusuf coming in second and Leigh Middleton in third. A fantastic result for all three students and their team members.

“Collaborating with other creatives was exciting. I’m happy not only that I came first, but my peers came second and third. It just showed how hard our tutors have worked." Said Jasmine after the event.

“I didn’t realise that I knew as much as I did until I had to do a brief in just a few hours, just as you would in an agency.

I am studying at an incredible university, so it was an honour to bring the medal home for not just me, but for them too!”

Sarah Joyce, Professional Practice Lecturer in Graphic Design at the University of Bolton, said: “The change in confidence levels from the beginning to the end of a challenging, yet extremely rewarding day is amazing.

My main push is to get students to engage with the industry and this Two+Two event, run by the fantastic team at Creative Resource, is the best event in our third-year calendar.”

Carol Allison, Programme Leader for Graphic Design, Animation and Illustration at the University of Bolton, said: “We are delighted for our students. This is the perfect opportunity for our undergraduates to network within the industry.

Most of our design and creative projects are live, meaning that the briefs we set are taken from the commercial and charitable sector and our students are already adept at working with and presenting to clients and collaborators.”