2024 Grad Show Preview – Whitecliffe College | Bachelor of Design & Digital Media | Third year exhibition
A snapshot of some of the featured students at this year’s graduate show at Whitecliffe College, on 22 — 23 November.
Explore, experience, and celebrate all the innovative works of Whitecliffe’s talented design students at their End-of-Year Exhibition & Open Studios. Visit our events page for more details and show times.
George Ballard
‘Sage’
I’m a tertiary student who’s dealing with the cost of living crisis, same as we all are. The price of healthy food is going up and up, faster than government support and my limited availability for work can keep up with.
Cooking fresh meals is something that I enjoy doing, and something that I know helps to save money and encourage a healthy lifestyle. However, for those who haven’t been taught to cook, or who have found cooking inaccessible to their skills and budget in the past, cooking can feel beyond their reach.
My capstone project, Sage, is a recipe-based project designed to enable everyone to pursue the joy of cooking with the resources personally available to them. Through the brand, I developed a gamified recipe sorter that physically searches a database of 50 recipe cards (via key-cut indentations on the bottom and some good old-fashioned gravity), with constraints set by the user. The recipe cards have reference numbers that correspond to recipes in my cookbook ‘No More Noodles’; a collection of 50 unique recipes that will fit any student’s schedule, budget and experience, and are a guaranteed upgrade on instant ramen.
https://georgeballard.cargo.site
Issie Cassidy
‘Dionysia’
My project, “Dionysia” centres around Greek mythology, inspired by my lifelong fascination with how ancient cultures interpreted the world. The Percy Jackson series first introduced me to the allure of mythology when I was a kid, making these ancient stories accessible and engaging. Over time, my passion deepened as I studied Classics, read widely, listened to podcasts, and explored art in museums.
Dionysia is a winery/restaurant that aims to create a unique dining experience inspired by Dionysus, the Greek God of Wine. By combining food, drink, and storytelling, “Dionysia” provides an immersive setting for young people to engage in meaningful conversations, exploring these myths together. With thoughtful branding, packaging and menu designs, I hope to spark curiosity around the topic and bring the captivating stories of Greek mythology into a contemporary, social context.
Bradley Jones
‘Ad Astra’
My capstone project consists of a brand identity called Ad Astra, a supporting website, branded merchandise and promotional material, and a hand-bound, illustrated children’s storybook based on an original story and designed for shared reading. It’s the first in a planned series. The project is topical, and is my response to reports about declining literacy in young New Zealanders, something that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. I have always believed that being able to read (and write) opens up whole worlds of experiences and perspectives.
I want my project to be a contribution to getting children excited about reading from an early age, nurturing an early reading environment that sets children up for success in the future. Research shows that these early interventions have positive out comes for a child’s future learning outcomes. Throughout the project I thought back to my own childhood experiences of first being read to and then being able to read for myself. It felt empowering, like I had gained a superpower. I read everything I could get my hands on from that point onwards. And that’s what I want for young people today.
https://bradleymjones.cargo.site
Fin Knapp
‘Everybody — A social connection project’
Everybody is a UX/UI project I developed to encourage people to build real, face-to-face connections through a dedicated app. The app aims to help people gain new connections through shared interests instead of initial visual impressions.
The project aims to address the issue of loneliness across all ages by expanding users’ support networks, enhancing their sense of belonging, and improving their social support. Through this, Everybody aims to boost physical and mental health, positively impacting overall well-being and longevity.
https://finknapp.myportfolio.com
Fedor Mitrofanov
‘Rustling Rimu’
Rustling Rimu is an identity concept for a New Zealand national park, designed to create a space where people can escape the noise and hustle of city life. Within the park, visitors will encounter eco-art (land art) installations created by professional artists, as well as opportunities to create their own art pieces without harming the environment. The space will also have an educational purpose, featuring signs and small exhibits about New Zealand’s nature and wildlife. These activities allow visitors to engage with their surroundings on multiple levels, fostering a deeper connection with ecological themes, harmonious living, and a sense of being part of nature.
The core of the graphic metaphor is the image of the rustling of twigs, leaves, and bushes—the sounds that accompany visitors throughout their time in the park. This rustling is reflected in the logo through the use of counterforms and curved lines in the word “Rustling,” creating a sense of gentle movement and natural rhythm. In addition to the lines, a key element of the identity is the motion blur effect in photographs, symbolizing the noise and movement of grass and leaves.
As part of the project, a name, logo, advertising materials, park map, and navigation system were developed.
All elements visually support the idea of natural closeness and remind people of the importance of reconnecting with nature.
https://mitrofanovportfolio.tilda.ws
Zoe Ford
‘Perspective; A Photographic Journey’
Perspective is a documentary style book, of which its purpose is to unveil Malawi’s beauty, to challenge stereotypes and inspire introspection. In August of this year, I travelled to Malawi with World Vision. During my time in Malawi, I captured my observations, lessons and what I was being educated on throughout the trip through photography, documenting the hidden beauty and profound teachings of the Malawian people. My approach was intentionally documentary-style, aiming to create authentic, ethnographic images that genuinely reflected the lifestyle and culture I encountered.
Each photograph tells a story of resilience, joy, and community that I witnessed firsthand. The resulting book is a visual journey that invites readers to see Malawi through my lens, experiencing the warmth and wisdom of its people. My goal is to share the transformative impact this experience had on me, hoping that the images will resonate deeply with viewers and inspire them to find joy, embrace faith, and foster community in their own lives, regardless of their location. This photographic narrative serves as a bridge between cultures, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of the human spirit that thrives even in challenging circumstances.
Ariane Bourneville
‘Heroines of History’
The Heroines of History card deck and booklet is an inspiring tribute to remarkable women throughout the ages, celebrating their contributions, legacies, and personal qualities that changed the course of history. Spanning from ancient times to the modern era, this collection showcases women from diverse cultures, with each card highlighting the unique attributes that defined these heroines. Displaying carefully chosen symbols, each card offers storytelling cues that allow users to explore and reflect on the qualities these women embodied to change the world around them. The accompanying booklet provides deeper insights and inspiring messages from each heroine. This deck serves not only as a historical exploration but also as a source of empowerment, encouraging users to recognize their own strengths in the heroines celebrated within the deck.
Designed for both learning and reflection, the Heroines of History deck can be used in various ways. From individual card draws that offer daily inspiration to group games that foster teamwork and historical exploration, each activity provides a unique lens through which to engage with these heroines’ stories. Whether used for personal empowerment, educational purposes, guidance, or simply as a fun way to connect with friends, this project celebrates the enduring impact of women who dared to defy norms, break barriers, and leave an unforgettable mark on the world. Ultimately, the Heroines of History deck invites users to learn about these extraordinary figures and discover how their own strengths can echo the timeless qualities of history’s most inspiring women.
https://arianebportfolio.cargo.site
Stefen Sparrow
‘Béton Brut’
I’ve always been fascinated by unconventional beauty, drawn to aspects that often go unnoticed, and my project seeks to highlight these overlooked elements, encouraging the public to reconsider designs that typically escape appreciation. While design is often centered around problem-solving and enhancing human experience, I find the opposite approach compelling, which is where Brutalism plays a key role in my work. Brutalism, with its unapologetic honesty and rejection of decoration in favor of pure functionality, challenges conventional design by evoking a sense of insignificance. Unlike environments crafted for warmth and comfort, Brutalism forces us to question our surroundings and reconsider what we typically accept as aesthetically pleasing.
My project, titled Béton Brut, aims to showcase this architectural style in an unorthodox way. It features a 3D animation that presents my unique take on Brutalism, accompanied by surrounding information that invites viewers to explore the style further. The project delves into how Brutalism impacts not just our perceptions of space but also how it influences the way people interact with and perceive their environments, challenging conventional ideas of beauty, functionality, and human experience.
https://readymag.website/u1720222308/4780279
Jaqua Temu
‘Autismize’
Autismize is a non-profit organization I’ve created to help autistic people cope with their daily struggles through providing helpful tips and advice. So, they can embrace their struggles with confidence and move forward within their daily lives.
I’ve created a fun educational motion graphic video, to reinforce a positive learning environment for autistic people to find solace and support without being pressured or overwhelmed with information. I’m also creating a website that’ll provide easy and useful tips to overcome their daily challenges, while also selling an assortment of merchandise to promote my brand through a positive outlook.
Explore, experience, and celebrate all the innovative works of Whitecliffe’s talented design students at their End-of-Year Exhibition & Open Studios. Each event offers a glimpse into the creativity, dedication, and skill that drive our students’ unique artistic journeys. Whether you’re an aspiring student, art enthusiast, industry professional, or proud family member, you’re welcome to visit.
Venue: Whitecliffe College
67 Symonds Street
Auckland, Grafton 1010 New Zealand
