Leeds Beckett graphic design students recognised by international typography awards

Abi Ward, Amy Ball, Ella Dorrington, Haydn Mosley and Keira Goddard all received awards through the prestigious ISTD Student Assessment Scheme, achieving two Passes, two Merits and one Commendation. Together, the results represent the course's most successful set of ISTD awards to date.

The International Society of Typographic Designers promotes excellence in typography around the world. Its Student Assessment Scheme is widely recognised as one of the most demanding and respected awards for emerging designers, challenging students to respond to a detailed brief through a rigorous creative process.

Graduate Amy Ball said: "It was a truly invaluable experience and one of the most rewarding projects I've had the opportunity to work on. Without doubt, it has shaped me as a designer, challenging me to think more critically, push my creative practice further and develop confidence in my ideas."

Fellow graduate Ella Dorrington said: “ISTD was something that I wanted to submit for since second year, so it meant a huge deal to get the highest form of accolade after months of very hard work. It was a really nice way to end my time at the university knowing I had done so well in a prestigious international competition. It goes to show how vital and important the tutors support at university is and I couldn’t have done it without them and their hard work to give students industry recognition and opportunities.”

The award-winning projects explored a wide range of historical and social themes through innovative typographic design.

Amy Ball's Beneath Tōhoku is a publication responding to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

Abi Ward's Riot Grrrl examines the influential feminist punk movement and its complex relationship with mainstream media.

Ella Dorrington's My Beautiful Radium explores the story of the Radium Girls, examining how they challenged corporate power and helped reshape workers' rights at a time when labour protections were minimal and women had few legal protections. ISTD assessors described the project as a "meticulous, well-thought-through piece of work which shows some exceptional hand skills and precision […] a well-rounded, cohesive marriage of typography with paper stock and print processes, combined with strong art direction to show a powerful piece of storytelling."

Haydn Mosley's Clay Pigeons explores the life and legacy of inventor Nikola Tesla through the theme of power, while Keira Goddard's Beyond Prediction investigates the devastating North Sea Flood of 1953 and the weather systems behind it.

Ashleigh Armitage, lecturer in Graphic Design, said: “The achievements highlight the strength of Leeds Beckett's Graphic Design course in preparing students for professional practice, combining creative ambition with technical excellence and critical thinking.”

As a result of their success, all five graduates will receive full membership of the International Society of Typographic Designers in recognition of their achievement.