New Designers @ Teesside University

By Connor Marsden Year 3 student:

Each year, the third year product design students at Teesside inherit the New Designers society.  This group of students is primarily a means to organise fundraising activity for the New Designers stands at the end of the academic year.  Three students this year have taken on key roles within the Society.

Picture2

Tim Hargreaves, Lawrie Ward and Ffion Crowhurst have each taken the positions of Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.  Their task this year is to organise events and manage the society as we being to raise funds for our stand at New Designers 2016, next summer.  With the new construction and developments around the University – Not least of all the Curve – Campus Heart is a hive of activity.  This gives us an excellent position to organise fundraising activities for the New Designer’s fund.

So far, the society has held a number of small events – bake stalls, cake stands and the like.  On the evening of Halloween, a group of us also partook in a sponsored hike.  Many attended in fitting Halloween attire, to the bafflement of every other hiker we passed along the way.    The trip began at the foot of Highcliff Nab, one of the cliffs overlooking Teesside and the surrounding area.   The trek then began through the moorlands, and on to to Captain Cook Monument above Great Ayton.  The weather was unseasonably pleasant, and by the fourth hour we reached the base of Roseberry topping.  The hill itself is one of the tallest in Northern Yorkshire, with a magnificent view for miles around.

Picture3

Though the trip was almost non-stop, we managed the reach the topping – and in doing so, raised a considerable sum towards our New Designers stand.  As Christmas is approaching, we’ve taken some time to brainstorm new ideas for more events up to and after the New Year.  Some of our members have taken the time to begin crafting Christmas gifts, and touch up their model making skills while doing so!

Picture4

New Designers 2016

The New Designers exhibition is one of the most important annual events for Design students, and a chance for students from across the nation to meet with industry figures and employers.  Held in the diverse London district of Islington at the Business Design Centre, the show offers students a chance to showcase their work and canvas ideas to a variety of Designers, buyers, trend predictors and members of the public.    The atmosphere and venue encourage curiosity and invite viewers to a whole range of different Design and Crafts related displays.

As of 2016, New Designers will have been going for 31 years – an established, and well recognized show to be sure.  The exhibition is supported by many Event and Media partners. These renowned establishments, such as The Design Trust, The Design Museum, Design Nation and Icon, are among many expected to be attending the coming show.

Held each year, usually in late June and early July, the exhibition is a regular spot for third year design students at Teesside University.  For some, this is a springboard opportunity to help launch their new careers, or begin to develop a contact network – invaluable in the field of Design.  Employers also look to find fresh talent among graduates, and many former Teesside students have been offered work placements and internships while displaying their work at the exhibition.  The exhibition also caters for younger students, with regular campaigns aimed at high school, A-level and college academics.  For younger students considering university level study, this is an excellent opportunity to meet tutors and graduates in person.

Picture1

Click the image above to see more Class of 2015 work at New Designers.

Here, we can see the previous third year’s finished stand at New Designers.  The location is prime, and although the show is supported by sponsors and partners, the price of our stand requires some fundraising and more than a little creative thinking.

You can read more at NewDesigners.