Congratulations again, Sze, for stopping the judges in their tracks. You are amazing!
Where did you study and what was the course title?
Nottingham Trent University - BA(Hons) Graphic Design
Name of your lecturer – course tutor?
Jonny Norridge, Jess Harris, Emmeline Stansbie, Kathryn Coates, Lauren Squires
1. How did you feel about winning the attention of the judges – what does it mean to you?
It feels very surreal to me because when I first looked at the award list, I thought ‘That is the award I want the most!’ and my wish came true. I was so over the moon because colour has always been a big part of my design process - going through the colour charts, paper samples, experimenting with different combinations and print materials to create the final outcome and how to apply them on varied mediums - they are the most exciting parts of my project. It is incredible to have been given this honour.
2. How important is colour in your work and why?
Colour is a substantial communication tool to me and I’m always drawn to colour studies (the colour blue is my final year dissertation topic). Colour makes visuals distinguishable and informative, whether an abstract painting or a black and white document. Choosing a suitable colour for a brand sets the foundation for how audiences initially perceive and connect with a brand's image, it is just as fundamental as deciding what colour to paint on the wall for home. Colour is an everlasting topic in art and design as it exists in every way of our culture and creation - we construct the meaning of colours and vice versa - colour shapes our perception of the world and resonates our feelings. Colour is interactive to me in that sense, it is lively and organic. My interest in colour drives me to explore and utilise colour effectively in my work.
3. What is your main source of inspiration?
My inspiration often comes from daily observations and everyday experiences. Looking at the sky's colour shifting; how light changes the atmosphere and tints; discovering the beauty of colours from our surroundings is fascinating.
4. What makes you happiest/most fulfilled in your creative process?
Choosing a colour scheme and experimenting with various materials are the most satisfying process. After researching different artists and their signature artwork, it was fun to customise the colour palette for each artist I selected for the collection. I also spent a lot of time making the physical prototype of the packaging design: cutting papers, printing the artwork, and thinking about how to refine the structure with some random materials I had at home. After some trial and error, the moment when your improvised idea actually works is very fulfilling.
5. Creative high point?
The creative high point of the winning project “Palla” is when I was inspired by the colour chart I made for my oil paints. It rekindled the excitement I felt as a child when I first discovered the magic of colour theory. It was this nostalgic spark that led me to a breakthrough idea - incorporating an interactive colour-mixing feature directly into the packaging design. The result was a tube that allows users to physically twist and combine two colours, creating a new hue right before their eyes. This design showcases the brand value - brings the joy of colour experimentation to life, and encourages children to explore colours unconventionally.
6. Creative low point?
I wouldn’t say there was a low point for this project. I absolutely love the idea of developing a face and body paint brand that draws inspiration from renowned artists. I had lots of ideas how to visualise it, the only problem was how can I make the work manageable with the limitation of time and cost.
7. Where do you want to be in 3 years’ time?
In the next couple of years, I wish to keep growing as a designer and collaborate with different artists and creative talents across the world. Meeting new people, exchanging ideas and soaking up different cultures are great ways to learn and fuel my creativity. I also believe the collective power of working with a team can have a greater influence.
8. Please tell us about a special person during your studies/life who has really made a difference to you on your creative journey.
I have a long name list to thank those who have given valuable advice to me throughout my creative journey. My ambition often drives me to tackle difficult tasks, but it can also lead to frustration when I encounter limitations. My first-year tutor Julia Chafer, encouraged me with the adage “Rome wasn’t built in one day”. I kept her words in mind and persisted through practice and experience. As a result, I've learned to value the creative process itself, even when outcomes don't meet my initial expectations. The more I enjoy the process, the more confident I am to share my work. I also want to thank my other first-year tutor, Cathy Ballamay, she pushed me outside of my box when I thought I was doing pretty well. She saw my potential and told me my passion and ambition could go further than what I could do at the time. She inspired me to keep challenging myself.
9. What is your favourite colour?
I love all the colours. There are no inherently "good" or "bad" colours. All colours are beautiful in my eyes, the only matter is the application and how we translate them into a powerful language.
Contact details
Instagram: @zerotoze
Website - szewan.work
Email - szewan.wns@gmail.com