Graphic Design students at Canterbury Christ Church University have helped to bring Christmas spirit to the city with a new selfie trail across the streets of Canterbury in Canterbury BID’s latest Christmas project.
Students were given the opportunity to work on a live brief for their portfolios, in partnership with Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) to design and create window vinyls, creating photo opportunities alongside a walking tour of the city.
The eight festive designs, now displayed in Canterbury high street windows, encourage people to pose in front of the vinyls to take seasonal selfies and follow a numbered trail.
The project theme was ‘the spirit of Christmas’ and included using photos of the Marlowe Theatre’s resident Dame Ben Roddy, a local favourite who has starred in the pantomime each year since 2010, Canterbury’s Christmas Market, Christmas lights, Canterbury Cathedral and Rupert the Bear Centenary Exhibition.
Rupert vinyl created by first-year Graphic Design student Rosie Cox
Dr Kate McLean, Programme Director in Graphic Design, said: “This was an amazing opportunity to work with Canterbury BID during a national pandemic to generate warmth, light and optimism encouraging visitors and locals to follow a selfie trail around the city centre’s streets.
Christmas lights vinyl by third-year Graphic Design student Damjan Gazibaric
“Collaborating in such a positive way with many partners enabled the young designers to use their skills to create ‘graphic design for good’ to bring a community together.”
Canterbury Cathedral vinyl by Canterbury BID graphics team
The vinyls will be presented across window shops in the city throughout the Christmas period.
Lisa Carlson, CEO of Canterbury BID, said: “This winter Canterbury BID wanted to bring some sparkle to our city. In addition to the five miles of Christmas lights, we have also animated the city with big bold designs on shop windows to encourage people to explore the city safely and increase dwell time.
“We were delighted to work on this project with the talented graphic design students at Canterbury Christ Church University, showcasing their creativity and adding some festive cheer following what has been a very tricky time for our businesses.”
Students involved in the project: Glory Limbu, Zachary Weitz, Rose Cox, Damjan Gazibaric, Jimena Zarco Abad, Filareti Koroni and Josh Bassett.
