Student Helen makes the front page - literally!

Press Release March 24, 2014 - issued by the University of Derby Buxton and reproduced by permission of the university's community liaison officer, John Phillips.

A University of Derby student's work has made the front page for an international arts festival - literally!

Helen McIvor won a competition to design the artwork for the cover of the programme for this year's Buxton Festival Fringe, which attracts artists, actors, musicians and magicians from all over the world.

The design brief was put to third year illustration students at the University, an idea suggested by lecturer Eric Tilley, also designer of the Fringe programme.

Helen, a third year BA Hons student from Burton-on-Trent, submitted a sunny and fun-filled depiction of the Festival Fringe, and has also worked with Eric and Fringe Marketing Manager Stephanie Billen on producing leaflets based on the design.

"I was really pleased that my design was chosen for the cover," she said.

"It was quite a challenging brief and I decided that I wanted to portray the themes of summer, family, friends and fun. I've enjoyed working with Eric and Stephanie on refining the designs for the programme and leaflets, which is still ongoing. It has given me insight into working as a freelance Illustrator as this is something I am considering to pursue as a career."

Festival Fringe Chair Keith Savage said: "The University competition to provide artwork for the Buxton Festival Fringe cover this year was suggested by Eric Tilley who does all the Fringe designs.

"He used his connections with the University of Derby tutors and we received 30 interesting and compelling designs. The standard was high and it wasn't easy to choose.

"We very much liked Helen McIvor's inclusive, open-air and sunny design. It captured the essence of the Fringe for us.

"The University is keen to run the competition again next year and we see it as a good example of how we can work with our sponsor in a way that is really engaging."

Pictured: Stephanie Billen, Helen McIvor with her winning design, and Eric Tilley.

ENDS