Graduation 2018: Becki McConaky, Emma Smith and Laura Grainger

This group of Graphic Design students won a prestigious industry award while studying at South Essex College University Centre.

Becki McConaky, Emma Smith, Laura Grainger were awarded a Pencil from D&AD for their creation - Pixel, a card game with the aim of guessing pixelated images.

The students also won a special award at the Graduation ceremony for their achievements with D&AD.

Emma, from Basildon, said: “Pixel was created as a modern day version of Pictionary. It was inspired by our love of colour and shape through design and putting this into a game.”

Laura, from Rayleigh, said: “It was a massive shock to win, we were incredibly excited and emotional when finding out the news. It feels great for us to have accomplished something so well known in the design industry and for our hard work to be acknowledged.”

Becki, from Chelmsford, said: “It has been a great three years on the degree with the most supportive tutors and classmates. The course has helped us improve our confidence, think outside the box and create a strong portfolio for us to take forward and start our careers with.”

John Chandler, Course Leader, said: “This award is massive, it’s like the Oscars of the design world. All three students progressed from Level 3 courses at the College to the degree and I’m incredibly proud of them.”

D&AD exists to stimulate, enable and award creative excellence in design and advertising. For more information about the award win, click here.