National final for art student

Carlton Smith, 26, from Wolverhampton, was named as one of three regional finalists in the Art of Nurture competition held at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery last week. He was delighted to win £250 for himself and £250 for the University.

Carlton, who is in the second year of a BA (Hons) in Illustration, will now go through to the national final on April 13 which will see him exhibit his artwork at the famous Saatchi Gallery in London.

He will go head to head with students from across the UK in a bid to have their designs used in a high profile national advertising campaign for Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance.

Another second year Illustration student, 19-year-old Mandeep Seehra, from Wolverhampton, also reached the regional final of the competition.

Students were given a brief to create a piece of visual art to illustrate one of eight themes. Carlton and Mandeep both chose the 2012 Olympics.

Carlton’s idea for his piece developed from looking at the consequences of investment, with his conclusion being growth. He used images of photosynthesis to illustrate his idea in relation to the Olympics. Mandeep focused on how Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance would help prepare athletes and facilities for the London Games.

Carlton said: “I’m so pleased to have got this far in the competition and I am very excited about the prospect of having my work shown in a national gallery.

“I have gained so much valuable experience already and being able to put a commercial marketing campaign in my portfolio will look really professional.”

John Clementson, from the University’s School of Art & Design said: “The Illustration team is delighted for both of our shortlisted students. The competition attracted over 500 entries from 50 colleges nationally and to be shortlisted for such a prestigious event should give them both a huge confidence boost.”

The national winner of the competition will receive £5,000 and £5,000 for their university, while the person in second place will get £2,000 and £1,000 for third place, plus matched amounts for their college or university.

In addition to seeing their work used in a campaign, the three national winners will also be given the opportunity to take paid work placements.

Carlton will be joined by staff from the Illustration department at the national final.

For more information about the competition, visit www.artofnurture.co.uk .

Further information

Picture: Carlton Smith (right) from the University of Wolverhampton, with the other two regional finalists Abigail Stevens and Hazel Castle.

Picture: Carlton’s shortlisted design

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736