In a world where the creative and global landscape relentlessly evolves, the 2023 cohort of Graphic Communication students at BCU emerges, equipped with unparalleled skills, aptitude, and adaptability. With unwavering determination, we not only survive but thrive in the dynamic realm of our industry, where change is the only constant.
Our work stands as a testament to the boundless diversity and immense breadth of graphic design. From captivating illustrations to powerful brands, innovative typography to mesmerizing digital art-working, and from seamless UX/UI experiences to cutting-edge coding, motion, and 3D designs—we have mastered it all. What's more, we have delved fearlessly into uncharted territories, exploring the contemporary realms of AI and VR.
The challenges of the pandemic have shaped us, bestowing invaluable lessons and ingenious workarounds. Armed with these newfound insights, we have honed our ability to connect with audiences in innovative, visually captivating ways.
Our collective of brilliant creatives has emerged from these transformative times, offering a glimpse into our journey of growth and limitless possibilities.
Join us on this extraordinary adventure, as we invite you to immerse yourself in our creative universe. May our experiences ignite inspiration within you, and may you revel in the sheer brilliance of our unique visual creations, which embody the unyielding spirit of constant flux we fearlessly navigate. Together, let us embrace the potential of creativity and forge a path towards a vibrant future.
Message from Jane Anderson
Course Director
The word ‘flux’ – with its contemporary meaning of ‘constant change’ and its etymological roots in the Latin fluxus (from fluere: to flow) – is a highly appropriate name for this year’s grad show. It brings to mind a sense of what this cohort experienced during the first year of their studies, through the lockdowns and remote learning imposed by the pandemic. Perhaps more positively, this idea of ‘flow’ – captured so well through the visual identity developed for the show – also reflects what this year group have had to become in order to deal with a constantly changing landscape: flexible, adaptable, and fluid.
The work in this catalogue offers an insight into the sheer diversity of creative practices demonstrated by this year group – from branding and packaging to motion design and 3D; from art direction and advertising to editorial and print – and so much more in between. It would be true to say that this cohort is one of the most talented we’ve seen when it comes to technical skills – and what’s more, many of them are multidisciplinary practitioners, who can respond to a problem or brief in a number of ways.
Despite going some way to demonstrate the breadth of our students’ work, this exhibition and catalogue only really offer a snapshot of what has been an exciting and jam-packed final year. As a course we’ve strengthened our industry connections, with students working on competition briefs set by globally-leading design agencies and organisations – such as Bulletproof, Turner Duckworth, and RSA – where we’ve seen individuals on the course both shortlisted and awarded. All of us – staff included – came away inspired after a guest talk from top agency DixonBaxi. Many of our students have taken on live projects in collaboration with businesses, and are already making an impact out there in the world.
This past year has also been a real opportunity for community-building, with students making the most of trips to cultural locations such as London, Berlin, and New York — and we had a fantastic time somewhat closer to home on a residential trip to the YHA at Ironbridge. It has been wonderful to see a sense of community being forged through the student-led initiative Creative Exchange, which has brought students together not just on our own course but across the whole University.
Class of 2023: what a pleasure it has been to be a part of your creative journeys. We are proud of all you’ve achieved with us, and we can’t wait to see what exciting things you go on to do next!
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the staff and tutors at BCU for their encouragement, enthusiasm, and support throughout the duration of our course; so in alphabetical order, a big thanks goes to Tracy Allanson-Smith, Jane Anderson, Danielle Clarke, Tony Davis, Martin Donnelly, Joseph Frascina, Jonathan Griffiths, George Hart, Gemma Ince, Colette Jeffrey, Freya Jensen, Mattie Lynch, Ioana Macovei, Geraldine Marshall, Chris Morris, Ranveer Nandra, Koray Pezukoglu, Emily Springall, Ally Standing, Luke Tonge, Emma Turland, Ruth Yeates and everyone who has played a part in our incredible journey. Your continuous energy to inspire us to become the next generation of creative thinkers and innovators will not go unheard.
A special thanks goes to Jane Anderson for going above and beyond as Course Director in our final year. We would also like to thank our tutors Martin Donnelly, Emma Turland and Gemma Ince for their continuous support and guidance throughout the grad show process – we could not have done it without you.
A loud cheer and thank you to the students who have helped organise, design and contributed to bringing FLUX to life, no easy task, with a range of very multi-disciplinary skills from branding, concept, digital, UX, motion to print.
So in alphabetical order, congratulations for the huge team effort: Harriet Allmark, Amber Charlton, Zoé Coppin, Tudor Dragomir, Rebecca Eastment, Yasmina Frej, James Gibson, Jade Hopkins, Hannah Hussain, Alexia Langford, Jack Lloyd, Berenice Lunn, Chloe Pashby, Bobbie Pearshouse-Oliver, George Pym, Vlad Raboj, Ami Ray, Serlina Small, Curtis Vaughan, William Westlake and Yumna Zahid. A massive shoutout to all the students who have attended meetings, offered feedback, provide their gorgeous work for the showcase and have given up their time to contribute towards the show. You have been amazing, and we appreciate your time and effort. Thank you!
Thanks too to the Birmingham Design team for welcoming us into the West Midlands creative community. The advice, support, and expertise you have provided us as well as organising a range of wonderful events is a big part of what makes our student experience so great. We’d also like to thank you for letting us be a part of the Birmingham Design Festival Conference. You are incredible!
We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Joelle Preddy from GF Smith for help with supplying the beautiful front cover paper for the catalogue. Our vision wouldn’t have been brought to life without Ian Clarke and Nigel Clarke from Clarkeprint. Thank you for helping us throughout the printing process to createsomething we are proud to put our name on.
