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University of Lincoln degree show review: Who stood out at 'Show Thirteen'?

By Sy Crampton

June 26, 2013 | 4 min read

Optima designer and University of Lincoln alumnus Sy Crampton examines the work on display at his former university's 2013 graphic design degree show.

Branded as 'Show Thirteen', the University of Lincoln unveiled the freshest talent being released from the East Midlands. Students are given a large portrait wall section, along with a hook to display his or her portfolio. Most students decided to show a prominent piece of work or few pieces, to pull the viewer into looking through their portfolio.

Here are the ones I was most impressed by...

Ryan Vardy

ryanvardy.co.ukThe first board that caught my eye was Ryan Vardy's. Ryan's work was clean, precise and his renders showed a great knowledge of what a client wants to see. My favourite piece being 'Broken Forms', an experience design piece based on Oscar Pistorious. This interactive experience puts the viewer within an abstract sensory environment, which makes the audience feel how it is to lose a limb. Ryan showed a high level of professionalism in his renders and presentation. Interestingly my boss picked up his card…

Dave Morris

cargocollective.com/davidmorrisSecond we have Dave Morris. He had developed user interactive hoarding boards for the V&A with the idea built on 'What the V&A could be hiding from you'. The concept was that the viewer would download an app for the iPhone, which they'd then use their camera with either a red or blue filter to differentiate between two sets of images that were layered on-top of each other. The boards were kept informative, giving details on up and coming developments. Along with some clean, slightly postal looking graphics, I could see this idea and design easily rolled out.

Christopher Algar

www.christopheralgar.comAnother designer that really caught my eye was Christopher Algar. From his work you could see a particular liking for combining photography with typography. The piece that I was drawn to was '21st Century Macbeth'. Chris wanted to take something traditional and present it in a modern way that would appeal to today’s audience. Each piece was very minimalistic, showing a great use of imagery intertwined with type and a Royal Scottish colour palette, along with well thought out design and grid layouts.
The course itself appeared very focused on accolades. There were some fantastic achievements with awards pieces but there was a feeling the course was too focused on winning awards. It was obvious that there were a few favourite briefs throughout all 76 of the students' work, which became a little repetitive.Overall, Lincoln consistently produces some fantastic future designers. Stars shone with a range of styles, influences and thought provoking ideas throughout the exhibition and they kept the excitement going. The level of work from each student was very good but the final presentation of the show felt a little last minute. So congratulations to year three on a great show and our final message goes to those finishing year two at Lincoln. You should be planning your space and portfolio now ready to fill it with your final years work. Remember you are all great designers; Lincoln historically has only recruited great designers and in year three you have to shine to get on the first rung of the next stage – your design career! Good luck to all in year three and we look forward to next year's show.

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