News
Judging every book by its cover puts student in spotlight
Wednesday, 02 June, 2010Final year Graphic Design student Andrew Henderson (22), from Hawick, is looking forward to Gray's School of Art Degree Show 2010 next month in the knowledge that his work may soon be on the cover of one of Penguin's most popular children's books.
The Robert Gordon University hopeful has been shortlisted for the Puffin Children's Prize which will be announced at the Penguin Design Awards on 23 June. His brief was to design a new cover for ‘Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and Andrew has impressed judges with his illustration which is framed around The White Rabbit character.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of well-known Gonzo artist Ralph Steadman, Andrew likes to take a unique and innovative approach to every illustration he works on. His entire final year project, which will be displayed at Gray's Degree Show, sponsored by BP and launching on 18 June, comprises of designs for book covers. He has created a series for authors such as Irvine Welsh and hopes to entice publishers to consider taking forward his designs in the not-too-distant future.
The former Hawick High School pupil says: "I try to make my designs reflect the unique attributes of the author, at the same time as ensuring they will appeal to the target market for the publication. Irvine Welsh, for example, has a very distinct style of writing and as such my idea includes typography with black and white illustrations to help the text stand out."
Andrew has really enjoyed his time at Robert Gordon University and is hoping that this recognition of his talents will give him good grounding as a professional designer. He comments: "I was attracted to the riverside surrounding at Gray's and I have had a great time studying in Aberdeen. I am really flattered to have been shortlisted for this award - it really is best case scenario for me since I have focused my work solely on book covers - and I see it as a big honour."
Andrew will be featured as part of the New Blood exhibition in London for young designers the day after the Penguin Design Awards and hopes that he might be able to go along as a winner. Examples of his work can be found at theandrewhenderson.co.uk.
Gray's School of Art Degree Show 2010, sponsored by BP, will be launched on Friday 18 June. The show will then be open to the public from 19 to 26 June. For more information, visit: www.rgu.ac.uk/degreeshow
ENDS 1 June 2010
Notes to editor
There will be an opportunity to photograph and interview Andrew with examples of his work at 11am tomorrow (Wednesday 2 June) at Gray's School of Art, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen. Members of the media should meet Katy Jones on arrival to the facility's main reception.
Katy Jones
Communications Officer
Robert Gordon University
Schoolhill
Aberdeen
AB10 1FR
Tel: 01224 262206
Email: c.a.c.jones@rgu.ac.uk