Students on or Access to HE course have been working on a live brief with local Middlesbrough Charity Rubies! Creating promotional material for the organisation which actively supports young women in Teesside. Set-up as a response to a 2016 report that identified young women in the area as disadvantaged, local women Liz Edwards and Krista Coulson set-up rubies to address some of the points made in the report.

The charity has formed workshops that work in primary schools that teach young girls about self-esteem and empowerment and safe social groups and support like counselling. Rubies is a fantastic resource made in Middlesbrough for the women and young girls of Middlesbrough. Students on our Access course have made a range of materials that respond to the charities values, activities and the towns local identity.

Course leader Andrew Edwards said “‘I think it’s important that students, whatever their age, gain the valuable experience of working with organisations. Rubies as a charity, is a very worthy cause and I was pleased with the meaningful work produced by the students and more than happy to submit them to Liz.”

The brief was set out to teach students skills in digital design and marketing each where tasked with a brief to make a series of illustrations that communicate to an online audience ‘the essence’ of the charity. Student Michael Alfaro said “Working on this project was a rewarding experience as it allowed me to become acquainted with the organization and its mission to support girls and women in Middlesbrough and its surrounding areas. Through this project, I discovered the admirable work of Rubies within the Middlesbrough community.”

Speaking of the concept and design he continued, “Exploring their website and Instagram, I came across compelling photographs showcasing their efforts with the girls. While researching, I stumbled upon striking images of Middlesbrough that resonated with me, prompting me to create an image that embodies Rubies’ values and features the girls they support.”

At the end of the project students where selected by the charity, finalist were Amy Foy and Michael Alfaro. Runners-up included students Danielle Alfaro, Birdie Elton and Kezia Kent Vepers. All received offered feedback on their designs so that they could get a greater understanding of how well their work responded to the brief, Andy said “‘Liz (Rubies co-founder) was impressed with the range of ideas and the opportunities for using them in a variety of promotional formats”.

Speaking of working with the student Rubies CEO Liz Edwards said “The students have produced some really thoughtful and creative designs and it’s been difficult to just pick one or two to use. Thanks to everyone for all their hard work on the project.”

If you are interested in studying a creative degree but would like to gain more experience in art & design after higher education in another field our Access to HE course might be for you. Our award-winning programme is a highly supportive course designed to provide learners (19+ years) with the opportunity to get back into education and training. Your successful completion of this course will provide you with our own individual creative portfolio and the skills you need to progress to a wide range of degrees or career pathways. Find out more here.