The competition has been organised by Edinburgh publisher Floris Books. Joanna tells how it came about.
“I heard about the competition from my lecturer Cathy. It sounded like a good opportunity, so I went along to a meeting with Leah McDowell from Floris. I was really excited by it – it’s a great chance to test my skills and take part in a big project, never mind the possibility of having my work published.”
Joanna's Shortlisted Artwork
“I was very excited when I got the message saying I’d been shortlisted. I’d thought because a lot of people had submitted work the chances of getting anywhere were very low – I wasn’t expecting such an outcome at all!”
Joanna has done really well to be shortlisted, and is up against some tough competition, making it all the more impressive, as Bob McEwan, CQL for Design & Media at the College, explains.
“Joanna is early on in her career, studying at NC-level, but she’s already competing against designers with much more experience. The majority of the other shortlisted entrants are professional designers or degree-level design students. Even to be shortlisted is very impressive.”
Joanna attended the final presentation ceremony on Friday 26th February, where she joined her fellow shortlisted designers to celebrate their achievement and hear the announcement of the final winner. Although Joanna just missed out this time, with professional Glasgow-based designer Darren Gate chosen for publication, it’s still been a great experience, and was a fantastic night.
“I’m very surprised, and very pleased, to create a piece of work that a professional publisher liked. Although I didn’t win, this has given me the confidence to really succeed in this career.”