The Art and Design Summer Show 2024 is a great opportunity for final year students from the School of Art, Design and Performance to showcase and celebrate their final major projects to family, friends, colleagues, and industry professionals.

The Summer Show is open to VIPs in a private viewing on Thursday 13 June. The event will then open to the public in the Events Hall on our High Wycombe campus from 14 June - 19 June 2024. 

Every year a student is selected to design the artwork and graphics for the annual Summer Show. This year, we're delighted to put the spotlight on 
Jack Parr-Mckivett, a third year BA (Hons) Graphic Design student, and soon to be graduate.

Synopsis of Jack's Final Major Project

Jacks' final year project focuses on an increased visitation of less mainstream point of interest whilst simultaneously attempting to raise awareness and halt the degradation of the UK's environments and landscapes. 

In the initial quarter of 2023, international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic tourism rates with the growth of travelling reverting to the rates the economy knew prior to COVID. In these first three months of 2023, an estimated 235 million tourists crossed country borders worldwide- portraying over a 50% increase from the same period of 2022. To be concise to the United Kingdom, tourism frequency is forecasted to populate at 35.1 million people in 2023: to put this into context, in 2020, the UK received 11.1 million inbound visitors representing a loss of £22.2 billion which tallies a 73% decline in the local economy. Therefore, whilst the general quantity of tourism and international visitors is increasing healthily, the economy is struggling to simultaneously progress.

A key factor into tourism is landmarks and natural heritages. These points of interest used the pandemic to degrade and, in a sense, feel derelict due to the constant change we see from the environment. Contributions from pollution, ignorance and lack of management have decreased the cleanliness and appeal of tourism areas adding into this economic decline, which for less developed and wealthy countries is a major portion of their finances.

This is where Quest comes in: Quest is an organisation primarily aspiring to encourage users to embrace adventure and expand their experiences. This is achieved via ‘Questpoints’ located across the United Kingdom picked to intrigue and engage Quest users that are both local residence and long-distance explorers. With the primary form of a mobile application, Quest strives to engage with users via regular engagement and interaction on a digital platform creating excitement via a collaborative, participatory culture. This excitement is then transferred to physical touchpoints across the user experience, forming a loyal community of Questers.

The personality of Quest is reflected throughout the entire visual and verbal identity to work as an extension of the brands values. This aids the audience in having a beneficial and smooth experience whilst upholding a professional and contemporary aesthetic. Quest’s identity radiates a sense of inspiration and modernism via the usage of rounded typography and geometric imagery, in addition to a vibrant palette. The contemporary design of the brands elements fits into the current market and rivals’ competitors in addition to having an eye on the future and adapting for users benefit. These personality traits continue the theme of discovery, adventure and achievement.

We recently sat down with Jack and asked him a series of questions to reflect on him time here at Buckinghamshire New University, as well as how Jack feels ahead of this years show.

What does the summer show mean to you?

Whilst a mixture of exciting and nerve inducing, the summer show represents a time to celebrate and reflect before transitioning from education to industry. It is an occasion of inspiration and honour signifying not only the end of our time at BNU but also the start of the rest of our lives.

How does it feel to know your work will be shown to fellow students, staff, family members and industry professionals?

My designs are something that I’ve always been proud of so being given the platform to display them in front of individuals who have supported my university experience and lifelong dreams in addition to respected industry professionals is very exciting.

Have you enjoyed your time at BNU and what do you plan on doing once you’ve finished your degree?

My time at BNU has certainly been a rollercoaster, but ultimately it has taught me a range of skills relating to design as well as personal traits. I feel more confident as an individual since my first day thanks to the help of my peers and tutors. I trust my initiative and decision making a lot more within my design process, showcased in the development of my work. I have had some great experiences in the last three year but feel prepared to transition from education to industry. I am thrilled to continue developing my practice and progressing my career as a graphic designer.

What do you enjoy about your course?

The smaller class size allowed me to establish a stronger relationship with my peers and tutors which has led to a more comfortable environment to develop my practice. Moreover, the facilities of the Red Shed are, whilst scary at first, amazing for utilising traditional methods in projects. All the tutors and technicians that I have had the honour of conversing with have made my experience one that I wouldn’t change for anything.

Thank you!

Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their support during my university experience as well as my tutors and peers who have made classes a place I’m excited to go. I wasn’t sure University was going to be the correct pathway for me three years ago but I’m so glad I went. Not only am I graduating a more refined designer but also a more mature and confident person.