I was one of around 10 freelance designers who were featured in this month’s issue on the topic of “How to be a better freelancer”. My work was featured under “inspirational projects” where I managed to plug the Made in Brunel exhibition along with some of my other pieces of work.

Well there I was on Wednesday morning rushing to iron a shirt having had a little mishap on the tube, when Matt Collins “the cheeky chappy” gives me a call letting me know there are a number of people who’d like to talk to me about my final year project Josh Pyke – Fill You In (Music Video Showcase).

In a panic I darted off to the station and made my way down to the Business Design Centre in Islington (Where we also held the Made in Brunel event I’ve mentioned previously).

Shortly after meeting what turned out to be the Hallmark team I was stunned to find out that they were actually there to present an award. To my delight my name was announced across the tannoy and off I went to be presented with the “The New Designers Hallmark Cards Plc Award”.

The award consisted of a £1000 cash prize, along with a four week paid placement at their international head quarters in Bradford.

The company usually outsources all their animation work for ecards etc overseas, which will mean I will be leading their animation team while I’m working there. Although my main role will be animation they’re very interested in how they can communicate with people with a range of new medias I’ve come across during my studies at Brunel.

Judges citation: ‘Outstanding and professional multi media skills. Jason’s work represents a raw, illustrative talent using great typography and innovative design which makes a memorable and emotional statement.’

The photographer had an interesting challenge on his hands given the rest of the winners had physical exhibition pieces. Luckily I had my Computer Arts Magazine (Issue 150) to hand.

I’ve been seriously overwhelmed with the amount of attention this piece of work has received and shall enjoy the attention while it lasts. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Hallmark for selecting my work out of the hundreds of brilliant pieces of work the other universities had to offer at the exhibition.

Related posts.
http://www.dezeen.com/2008/07/11/new-designers-awards-2008/
http://www.newdesigners.com/page.cfm/link=86
http://dumbledad.wordpress.com/category/design/

“Congratulations, you have been selected to receive the Thomas Gerald Gray Prize from the School of Engineering and Design at Brunel University. Following the graduation ceremony on the 17th of July the School will recognise and celebrate students’ outstanding achievements.”

A little about the award:

Source: http://www.brunel.ac.uk/338/Tom/130445April2008Spotlight.pdf

The Thomas Gerald Gray Charitable Trust was established in memory of Thomas Gerald Gray, who died in 1988. During his working life in the field of engineering, Thomas Gray was concerned by the lack of appreciation and status of engineering within society. The charity was registered in 1997 with the objective “to advance public education, particularly concerning engineering and technology and the promotion of study and appreciation of engineering and technology”. In 1999 the Trustees formed a partnership with Brunel with a view to fulfilling the aims of the charity.

My main roles are that of a manager for the DVD team; however given the limited staff we have at our disposal I’m also the lead editor, graphic designer and I’m often required to work as a camera man, which includes not only the setup of the camera, but the lighting and the sound etc.

You can find examples of my work produced for the Made in Brunel DVD, Exhibition Showreel and Exhibition countdown here:

http://www.vimeo.com/madeinbrunel

Below is a snapshot of my double page spread in the Computer Arts Showcase 2008, which is included in Issue 150, dated July 2008 [On sale from June 5th 2008]

My work was also selected to be included on the CD that is again included in this Issue of the Computer Arts magazine.