Communication Design School of Design
Bea Hudson
I see graphic design as a form of communication but do not see it as something that should be restricted in medium or ideas. I find type interesting, enjoy printing, but I also like world building and art direction. One of my major projects this year explores our relationships with childhood heroes that many of us cling onto even as we grow older. I am Ukrainian and designed the character Kashtanchik that re-interprets the wider culture’s interest of nostalgia but in a Ukrainian context, relevant to the current war. My other main project is a publication which deals with people’s relationship with objects when they’re forced to leave home. The design follows the overland journey now required for me to get home since flights have been restricted due to russias flying missiles. It was inspired by the objects my grandma decided to bring when she left Kyiv.
KASHTANCHIK
Our childhood heroes remain deep in our consciousness throughout our adult lives. The bond between you and those that transport you to another world, is irreplaceable. The games, the plushies, the music, the keychains, makes a child feel heard, understood and accepted. Revisiting any of those objects takes us back to that very special time. I’ve created a character that re interprets the world’s interest in nostalgia, but in a Ukrainian context where those memories become even more precious since the present day is filled with war. The project spans character design, world building, 3D modelling, brand identity, designing a typeface and art directing shoots. I created a coinciding identity with a custom typeface available both in Latin & Cyrillic represented in a suite of merchandise including keychains, t shirts, posters and scarves . The character’s name is pronounced Kash-tan-chik. Kashtan means conker and the ‘chik’ is used in Ukrainian as a diminutive or to make something sound cute. Kashtanchik protects Ukraine so we can bring peace to our home. All profits from Kashtanchik merchandise goes to Ukraine.
Notes from Babusyi
Notes from Babusyi is a publication which deals with people’s relationship with objects when they’re forced to leave home. The design follows the overland journey now required for me to get home since flights have been restricted due to russia’s flying missiles. It was inspired by the object’s my grandma decided to bring when she left Kyiv including small religious icons and her notes. I wanted the book to show the length of the journey and mimic its experience. The icons on the left hand side indicate how far you would be if you were travelling to Kyiv today, depending on where you are in the book. I decided the book should feel more like an object than a publication. Be small in size so it could fit in your pocket and use a variety of materials to reflect the subject matter of the book through inserts and a custom made book jacket. All profits from sales of this book goes to Ukraine.
