SH!

Last week saw the SH! Awards ceremony. SH! is a student competition for the Yorkshire region started by Brass in 2003 after the sad death of a promising young designer called Stuart Hocknell. Stuart was an ardent supporter of student talent and a student design competition seemed like a good way to honour his memory. Since then the event has developed and grown and, year-upon-year, has enjoyed the support of agencies and universities across Yorkshire. This year, for the first time, the ceremony was run by Leeds Chamber with support from Brass and generous donations of funding and other support from agencies throughout the region.

Creative students from a mix of universities and courses compete to win the attentions of Creative Directors and designers from, among others, Elmwood, Home, Made by Pi and Numiko as well as from here at Brass. The award celebrates creativity and inventiveness. With no categories, competing entries come from graphic designers, games designers, illustrators, animators, textile designers, architects and artists. Combined with a casual approach to the evening and a sprinkle of entertainment from social enterprises (Invizible Circle and Future Arts, who provided dancers, rappers and musicians), it makes for a lively event.

Well done to the winners, Stephanie Ogilsby, James Lashmar and Polly Williams and to everyone who took part in what was an exceptional year for quality graduate work. The degree shows take place over the next few weeks, so I thoroughly recommend you get out there and take a look.

See you next year!