Nozstock Survival Kit: A designer’s profile

We had a great time sifting through all the fabulous submissions for this years t-shirt competition but there was one that stood out; the cream of the crop-circle. The merchandise this year was out of this world and you’re surely wearing your hoodies wondering who fashioned these fantastic designs. Well, let us put your mind to rest! We caught up with Leanne to tell us a little about herself and her big win.

Hi Leanne. Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am a graphic communication student and freelance designer from Worcester and I designed one graphic for the 2015 official Nozstock merchandise.

We loved your design! Whats your process?

The communication of messages and emotions is the most important aspect of being a graphic designer. So is knowing and understanding the brand, ethos and audiences, and thinking about how to meet the criteria in a visually exciting and interesting form.

That all sounds very scholarly. Where did you learn all the theory?

I am currently starting my third year of my degree, Graphic Communication at the University of South Wales. It’s helped me to develop and find myself as a designer. I have been lucky enough to work with several design companies as well as freelancing on projects creating designs for print, websites and re-branding. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to contribute a design to this year’s merchandise – it gave me an opportunity to be really creative. I was ecstatic to win!

You totally captured the theme! How did you come up with the design?

I loved the concept of ‘Guide to the Galaxy’, it really helped me get in the creative zone! I liked the idea of a checklist of everything you‘d need to survive and navigate in space, time and the galaxy. A lot of my inspiration came from ‘The Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy’, with all the weird and wonderful life lessons communicated throughout the book. I also tried to encapsulate things you would need in space with items you would need for the festival itself. They all have double meanings.

Oo, multi-dimensional! So what’s the meaning of life?

Well that represents the date of the festival; when you can begin the process of planning your weekend! I wanted to illustrate all the exciting parts of the festival journey, from discovering it and getting ready, to arriving and exploring the Hidden Valley! They aren’t necessarily obvious when you look at the design but there’s hidden meanings in there; video calling relates to contacting every person you want to take with you, the spaceship is your transport to the festival, etc.

So, what was the best part of winning?

Being at the festival this year and seeing people buying and wearing my design was mind-blowing. It was really exciting meeting people wearing a t-shirt who tell you they love it. It is at that time you know that you have designed something great!

You sure did! 

I had such a great time this year, I can’t wait to come back. I’ve already had a few thoughts about some new designs, so…watch this space!