From the 1st to 4th July, final year BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration students from CSVPA presented their graduate projects to leading creative professionals at New Designers 2026, the UK’s premier showcase of emerging design talent, held at the Business Design Centre in London.
For aspiring creatives, exhibiting at New Designers represents a defining milestone in the transition from higher education to professional practice. The event provides creative students with an invaluable platform to showcase their talent to a wide audience of industry professionals, employers and fellow designers. The event enables students to build meaningful networks and establish connections with potential employers, collaborators and mentors while gaining valuable insight into current industry trends. It also creates a platform for sharing ideas and exchanging experiences with students from universities across the UK, fostering inspiration and encouraging future collaborations.
In addition, exhibitors have the chance to gain recognition through prestigious industry awards, helping to raise their professional profile and validate the quality of their work. With leading companies actively seeking emerging talent, New Designers also offers an excellent environment for securing internships, graduate roles and employment opportunities, making it an important stepping stone from education into a successful creative career.
Among this year’s standout exhibitors was BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration student Uliana, who works under the brand SHUBA. Uliana was awarded the Affinity Digital Design Award for her project Parallel, an innovative concept that reimagines the gym environment by creating an active, engaging space for children alongside their parents. Addressing the challenges of early parenthood through thoughtful, human-centred design, Parallel demonstrates how design can strengthen wellbeing, community and connection. As part of the award, Uliana will receive a professional commission from Affinity for a future marketing campaign.
Fellow student Shiam was named runner-up for the prestigious BDC New Designer of the Year Award for her beautifully illustrated graphic novel Noor. Drawing on her own experiences of growing up in Libya and later settling in the UK, Noor tells the moving story of a young girl and her family’s journey as they flee conflict in search of safety and a new beginning. Through compelling visual storytelling, the project explores themes of displacement, identity and belonging with remarkable sensitivity and emotional depth.
In recognising Shiam’s unique talent, the judges commented:
“An incredible showcase of illustration at its best, culturally poignant subject matter paired with a beautiful craft of colour, light and composition.”
Further recognition came for Illustration students Jia and Ania, who were both nominated for the People of Print Award. The award celebrates exceptional achievement in print, mark-making and visual craftsmanship, recognising creatives who combine technical excellence with a distinctive artistic voice.
The success of CSVPA’s Graphics & Illustration students at New Designers 2026 is a powerful reflection of the creativity, ambition and originality that defines our artistic community. From socially engaged design and deeply personal storytelling to exceptional illustration and innovative visual communication, each project demonstrated the confidence to challenge convention and communicate ideas with authenticity and purpose. Collectively, the students made an indelible impression on industry professionals, distinguished by the calibre of their work, the individuality of their creative voices and the ambition that underpins their practice. Their achievements not only celebrate personal success but also exemplify CSVPA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of visionary creatives who are ready to shape the future of the creative industries.
Inspired by the success of our graduating students? At CSVPA, our BA (Hons) Graphic Design, BA (Hons) Illustration and BA (Hons) Visual Communication programmes empower emerging creatives to develop their individual voice, build an outstanding professional portfolio and gain the confidence, skills and industry connections needed to thrive in the creative industries. Through expert tuition, live projects and opportunities to exhibit at leading events such as New Designers, students graduate ready to make their mark.
Discover where your creativity could take you and apply now to join the next generation of innovative designers and illustrators.
