College Students Brighten Campus with New Calm-Inspiring Mural

A group of Illustration students at the College have added a fresh splash of creativity and calm to campus by transforming the beauty therapy room with a vibrant new mural. This project was part of a live brief challenge, giving students the chance to work on a real commission and see their work come to life in a public space.

From 12 submissions created by students across different courses, the panel– featuring Associate Dean May Donald and Curriculum Head Alison Bell– selected Aimee Gibson’s design as the winning entry.

“I was a bit intimidated at first by the idea of a live brief,” said Aimee. “But it also made me really focus and put a lot of effort into my design because I knew it would be painted on an actual wall.”

Once the design was finalised, a dedicated team of students worked over 50 hours to bring it to life. Year 1 students Ella Wilson and Eryn Ferguson joined Year 2 students Faatima and Muhammad, along with Year 3 Design Practice student Katie Pickering. Their teamwork and commitment helped turn Aimee’s vision into a stunning mural that complements the space’s calm and welcoming vibe.

Amy Whiten, Curriculum Head, emphasised the project’s value for students, saying:

“These projects are invaluable for students because they provide practical experience and help develop skills needed in the creative industries. Collaborating with another department within the college made it even more rewarding.”

The mural now adds a welcoming, artistic touch to the College environment while giving students hands-on experience in design and teamwork. This project highlights how creativity and collaboration can make a real difference on campus.