Winner of Hallmark Studio New Designer Award revealed
Hallmark Studio has continued its long-term pledge to nurture new talent and highlight the opportunities in the greeting card industry by sponsoring a significant award at the New Designers show. The exhibition is the UK’s leading showcase for undergraduate and graduate creatives, involving a host of art colleges and universities. Hallmark Studio has been sponsoring New Designers for 19 years, rewarding graduates and giving them advice as they embark on their professional careers.
Rihanah Hussain (pictured at top), a student at Bath Spa University, has been awarded the Hallmark Studio Award, selected from the hundreds of students who have been showing their work at the New Designers exhibition, (which is taking place in London’s Business Design Centre until 8 July). The New Designers Awards, presented in partnership with leading brands and organisations, recognise the design world’s rising stars.
As well as receiving £500 cash, the prize also includes an eight week paid studio placement at Hallmark Studio to gain experience working in a commercial studio environment, with free accommodation.
Commenting, Laura Broadley, studio manager, ideation at Hallmark Cards says: “New Designers is really an integral part of ensuring our designs are new and fresh, as well as nurturing our designers of the future. We really look forward to the show every year, and it’s a great place to find new talent.”
She said of Rihanah’s screenprints: “We loved Rihanah’s versatility, her use of colour and composition and her quirky style. We thought her work had a lovely personal feel but with real commercial potential.”
Rihanah, who is studying for a BA Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors, Bath Spa University, said: “I’m a little bit surprised but really happy. This will encourage me to keep going and develop my practice.”
Images: ©Mark Cocksedge New Designers 2017
