University News Last updated 17 July
Two BA (Hons) Graphic Design students from Birmingham City University (BCU) have been awarded coveted D&AD New Blood Wooden Pencils, recognising them amongst the most promising emerging creative talent in the world.
Final-year students Billy Sterndale (left) and Anthony Grant (right) received the prestigious awards for their responses to industry-set briefs from Nothing and Giffgaff, demonstrating exceptional creativity, strategic thinking and originality.
The success marks the second consecutive year that the University's BA (Hons) Graphic Design course has celebrated a D&AD New Blood Pencil winner, reflecting the programme's growing reputation for producing industry-ready graduates with ambitious creative thinking.
The D&AD New Blood Awards are recognised internationally as one of the creative industry's most respected student competitions.
Each year, leading brands and agencies challenge students to respond to real commercial and societal issues, with work judged by some of the world's most influential creative professionals.
Over recent years, the Graphic Design team at BCU has significantly strengthened its support for students engaging with D&AD New Blood, investing additional time in workshops, mentoring, portfolio reviews and competition preparation.
This enhanced focus has enabled students to push their ideas further, refine their creative thinking and produce work that competes successfully on an international stage.
Martin Donnelly, Senior Lecturer and L6 Coordinator, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to celebrate Billy and Anthony's success. “Winning a D&AD New Blood Wooden Pencil is a remarkable achievement and one that reflects months of dedication, curiosity and creative ambition.
Jane Anderson, Course Director for BA (Hons) Graphic Design, said: “What makes me particularly proud is not only the awards themselves, but the culture that our staff have worked hard to build.
“We've made a conscious commitment to giving students the time, encouragement, and industry insight they need to develop truly original ideas. Seeing that effort recognised for a second consecutive year is incredibly rewarding.
“Our students continue to demonstrate that they can compete with the very best emerging creative talent, and these awards are testament to both their commitment and the exceptional support provided by our academic team."
Nathan Tromans, Head of Art and Design, said: “The D&AD New Blood Awards are widely recognised across the design and advertising industries as the key accolade for students and emerging creatives, so I am thrilled for our students. Well done to their tutors for inspiring them with the creativity and confidence to succeed.”
BCU's students also exhibited at the D&AD New Blood Festival in London, where they showcased their portfolios to leading creative agencies, studios and employers from across the UK and beyond.
The exhibition generated significant interest, with industry professionals commenting on the consistently high quality of the work and the strength of BCU’s emerging creative talent.
The achievements reinforce the University's commitment to delivering a future-focused graphic design education that combines industry collaboration, live creative challenges, emerging technologies and socially engaged design practice, preparing graduates to thrive within an evolving creative landscape.