Here at smarttechnique we like to keep in touch with people that we have been lucky enough to meet, work along side and any individual who have influanced us in any way.

At the Top of the list must the lecturers who have all given us an insight into the way the industry is, why things work and what are the main pitfalls of the Graphic design industry (Back in 03 I personally had a lot of guidance from a very switched on tutor ‘Gillian Dunkerley).

Looking through the local news we spotted a familiar face who still seems to be having a positive influance on students. As Recently Dudley Council was asked to coordinate the design of a Logo to brand the UK Geodiversity Action Plan by Natural England.  The Council approached talented students at local art and design colleges including National Diploma Graphic design second year students at Halesowen College produced work that swept the board with first, second and third prizes as well as a clutch of runners up.

The judges were Steve Field, Dudley Borough Artist; Hannah Townley and Jonathan Larwood from Natural England, sponsors of the competition; and Graham Worton Dudley Museum Manager and Borough Geologist. Chris Pamplin a freelance web designer who created the Natural England website also acted as an expert judge. Students were awarded their prizes by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Ray Burston, at Dudley Council House. The competition judges ran through their thoughts about the three best designs and why they had chosen them, which was a great opportunity for the young designers to get professional feedback.  (which everyones knows is a great thing as many in the business is a rare opportunity because as the designer we often find ourselves telling the clients our reasons for the choices we’ve made).

Proud lecturers (course leader who is Gillian Dunkerley) and Halesowen College Principal, Keith Bate, also congratulated the students on their achievements. An exhibition of design entries to the competition is planned as part of the 2009 Dudley Festival of Geology and the work will also be on show at the Halesowen College End of Year Art and Design Show at Whittingham Road campus.

As it’s always great to positive news and recognising sucess. Seeing this in the news also gave smarttechnique the opportunity to get in touch with Gillian and talk about her successful time at Halesowen College which will almost certainly carry on with students to come.