Graphic Design students win awards for sustainability entries

Oaklands College Level 3 Graphic Design students were entered into the National StarPack Packaging Awards 2020 Competition recently.

Entered by Tutor Phil Heath into the ‘Eco-Friendly Easter’ category to design an Easter gift pack aimed at a 11-17-year-old target group, students had to research, develop and experiment with packaging ideas that would create a sustainable and attractive packaging solution for this project.

The packaging also had to have a secondary use before being recycled. Students had to submit four separate presentation boards to include their research; development work; packaging surface graphics/Net and finally images of the finished packaging.

Originally, as part of the competition entry the final packages had to be posted in for judging, but as this was to be after the school and college closures, judging had to be in isolation, students were asked instead to give video presentations of their work so everything could be sent in electronically. 

Students received the results early this week, with Tommy Quirke receiving a ‘Bronze Award’ and Mackenzie Taylor achieving a ‘Highly Commended Award.’

Tutor Phil Heath said “I was told the judges commented that there was an exceptionally high standard of work this year and that judging was very difficult. This is a National Competition for all schools and colleges, so the competition was very tough and there are a limited number of awards given for each entry category.

All the students worked really hard on this project, producing some great ideas and I am pleased they will all receive a certificate of commendation.  We now aim our sights on trying to do even better next year.”