The CSD CEP Student Prize is awarded yearly to one design student from each of the CEP design courses who has demonstrated great work throughout their course, recognising their talents and constant hard work.

As part of our CEP celebrations, we’re showcasing our talented CSD CEP Student Prize winners and their award-winning work. In this spotlight, we spoke with two Sheffield Hallam University students, Edward Tyan Assoc.CSD and Jack Briggs Assoc.CSD about their work in Illustration and Product Design respectively.

Sheffield Hallam University Edward Tynan Assoc.CSD

Tell us a little about your work:

I am very invested in reportage illustration, which I displayed in the format of a magazine titled ‘Ofe the Record’ for my final year self-written project. Through various methods, I aim to depict the theme of conflict, promote unheard perspectives, and do so through authentic storytelling.

I feel that visual communication is currently the most compelling platform for conveying news as well as stories. My practice remains mostly traditional in terms of materials and methods, ranging from animation and moving images to printing methods, as well as venturing into digital collage using found materials and artefacts.

What inspired you to become a designer?

I have always found myself creative problem solving, never really excelling in the academic side during my time in education. However, I’ve always remained very interested in topics such as history, global issues and had a love of literature.

I later learnt that I could document and present those topics through visual communication, taking inspiration from grassroots journalists Andrew Callaghan and Jake Hanrahan, whom both produce work with signature aesthetics and motifs. As a kid, I remember being inspired by creatives on the internet such as David Firth, who pioneered DIY creative projects that gained a massive amount of reach without making it with the primary intent of marketing them.

What does being awarded the CSD CEP Student Prize mean to you?

To be nominated by my peers and acknowledged by the CSD is a comforting reassurance that I’m heading in the right direction. Throughout the many hours that made up my final year, I constantly doubted whether the time and energy I had invested would pay off. It brings peace of mind that the work I am making is valid amongst other designers and in an industry where I am focused on pursuing a career.

What’s next for you?

I have long-term plans for ‘Ofe the Record’, for now, I want to work on a follow-up issue which will be more digitized and based on moving images. I don’t want it to be a one-off thing I did for uni. I want it to be a multimedia project that covers everything I find interesting and funny niche protest groups, underground music scenes, what snacks people collectively love or hate, and finding a unique way to visually document these topics.

Furthermore, I want to collaborate with other designers from different disciplines, so it stays enjoyable to make and will also be viewed by various demographics. I hope to build my portfolio by seeking to work with individuals and clients who share a similar ethos to me and provide creative challenges for me to improve my skills.

 Where can we find you?

You can find me via the CSD Find-a-Designer here.

Connect with me on Instagram or YouTube.

Sheffield Hallam University Jack Briggs Assoc.CSD

Tell us a little about your work:

With an experimental approach to materials and strong sustainability ethics, I see modern design as a platform to change consumer patterns and put emphasis on a circular economy. My work reinforces my beliefs as a designer and questions the current industry and consumer practices.

What inspired you to become a designer?

Having the opportunity to be able to have a positive effect on the world as we know it, through designing products that question the norm.

What does being awarded the CSD CEP Student Prize mean to you?

It is an honour to be an Associate Member of CSD, as this will open many potential networking opportunities along with access to great information regarding intellectual property and general design issues.

What’s next for you?

Ideally, finding a job and getting more experience in the field would be my next step as I feel there is still much to learn and there is no better way to learn than from those already doing it.

Where can we find you?

You can find me via the CSD Find-a-Designer here.

Connect with me on Instagram or view my website here.

Are you an Illustration or Product Design student?

Individuals who have recently graduated, are in the early phases of their Illustration or Product Design career or have the required equivalent competencies can apply to join CSD as Associate members. Learn more about CSD Associate membership here.