Cafe's Christmas Scene Designed by Worcester Student
Thursday, 08 December 2016
A Graphic Design student from the University of Worcester is celebrating Christmas early this year as her work has been chosen by Starbucks to decorate the windows of their main store in the City throughout the festive season.
Carmen Andres Polvillo, who is studying Graphic Design and Multimedia at Worcester, created the wintery window scenes after Starbucks approached the University looking for talented designers to work with.
"The designs for the window were aimed at celebrating Starbucks" first year in Worcester as well as Christmas," said Carmen, from Seville, Spain. "The Cathedral and the bridge are two of the most characteristic sights in Worcester so I thought making an illustration of them with snow would fit really well with the brief."
"It was very satisfying having the chance to go through the whole process, from responding to the initial brief to actually applying the vinyl to the windows. I learned a lot about what it could be like when I finish my degree and I'm a professional," she added. "It also made me realise what worked and what didn't so now I know a few aspects to consider in my next brief. Having my work exposed to so many people in this way is amazing."
Helen Holmes, Course Leader in Graphic Design and Multimedia at the University of Worcester, put the brief to her students, having been approached by her local store.
"This was a perfect opportunity to involve my students in some real professional practice," she said. "As a professional myself, I know just how invaluable this kind of experience is for students. I have many graduate designers approach my design consultancy looking for work, and these 'live' briefs set designer's portfolios way ahead of others who just have imaginary briefs set for them by their lecturers."
The team from the University then worked closely with Turlough McKenna, Operations Manager for Starbucks franchise partner, 1 Oak Ltd, who chose Carmen's Cathedral-inspired design from amongst all those put forward by Helen's first year class.
"Carmen and I then worked together to prepare the design for the windows, and applied the design in time for the launch of the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre on 24 November," Helen said. "This also coincided with the first birthday of the Starbucks store in Worcester."