Students illustrate their talents to the world of literature

Masters student at the University, Matt Jones, has been selected for a prestigious national competition, while undergraduate student Amy Evans has secured the printing of her second book.

This is the second time Matt has been shortlisted for the prestigious Penguin Design Awards. His task was to design a new cover for The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame in order to reinvent the classic for a new generation of readers. The aim was to attract children and adults to the novel ensuring that it remains an integral part of childhood.

Matt said: “I am thrilled to be shortlisted for the Penguin Design Award 2013. The story of the Wind in the Willows is one of my fondest tales from childhood making this competition all the sweeter. It has been an absolute pleasure to work on this project and to be shortlisted for this award twice in the past four years is amazing, an achievement I am extremely proud of.”

He is one of ten students shortlisted from over 1,000 entries. The winner will be announced in June and judges of the competition include Jacqueline Wilson, creator of Tracy Beaker and Chris Riddell, an accomplished graphic artist. The winner will be invited to spend four weeks at Puffin in the design studio working with Puffin Art Director on live briefs along with a cash prize of £1,000.

While fellow student Amy is going from strength to strength having her second fully illustrated book published by the London publisher, Cico books.  Her first book was published in 2012 and this new book contains almost double the number of illustrations.

Sally Powell, Art Director at CICO Books said: “We are now working with Amy on a third book, and we have seen her go from strength to strength. Her work is fresh and pretty and this has enhanced the feel of these books and given them a greater appeal to a broader audience. Amy has proved herself to be adept and creative at interpreting a brief and punctual at delivering work. We hope to continue working with Amy in the future.”

Amy will be staying at the University to do her masters in illustration in the autumn.

Visual Communications Course Leader, John Clementson said: We are always immensely proud of our students and it is exciting to see Amy and Matt using the skills they have developed here at Wolverhampton to create some exciting and creative work for the commercial environment.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Dawn Beddard in the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736

Date Issued: Monday 20 May 2013