The Art and Design department at South Downs College set 42 AS-level Graphic Communication students the live brief of designing typographic artwork for the teenage waiting room at the Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital in Cosham.
Paul Parsons, Graphic Communication lecturer, said: ‘When we heard about the chance to work with the QA Hospital and create artwork to go in a teenage waiting room, we jumped at this amazing opportunity!’
Each student was given an inspirational quote which they had to interpret and design as a poster for patients to view. Paul Parsons stated: ‘The artwork could help inspire young people going through a tough day at the hospital.’
A panel from the NHS selected seven of the forty-two students’ artwork to display. They commented that it was a very difficult decision to make. Paul added: ‘I’m very proud of all forty-two students who submitted artwork. We have so many talented and hardworking students studying A-level Graphic Communication at South Downs College. The course continues to grow and improve due to the fact we make sure our students achieve high grades and create meaningful outcomes; we teach our students industry standards and we constantly look for opportunities to get our students work seen by the people of Portsmouth.’
Paul Carter, Head of Art, Design and Media at South Downs College, said: ‘This was such a fantastic opportunity for our students to work in the local community and provide some inspirational design work for the QA Hospital. As always, they were professional and responsive to the live brief and a credit to the College. The seven winning students now have their outstanding work up for lots of people to see and enjoy.’
Rob Delicate, A-level Graphic Communication student, said: ‘I was once a patient who had to wait in this room so I feel really proud my work has been chosen and will make someone’s day and keep their spirits up! All the work has really brightened up the room, it’s great to see.’
Katie Greenshields - an A-level Graphic Communication student, added: ‘It was really motivating and exciting working on a live brief because I know it has a purpose of making young people feel better while they are in hospital. This experience has also given me more confidence and made me think more positively about my work. Overall, I am really proud to see my artwork in the waiting room.’