Erin wins job contract after impressing entrepreneur Rob Binns
A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) illustration student has won an industry-sponsored award for a project inspired by her favourite band Phoenix.
Erin Jones won the For You Curls (FYC) Award for Technology Innovation at the recent UCLan Degree Show Awards ceremony, which is held annually to honour the very best of final year creative student work and is backed by a range of industry sponsors.
The 21-year-old impressed FYC director Rob Binns with her eye-catching re-design of the French band Phoenix’s 2013 album Bankrupt! She will now work with the company on several design projects, including developing its brand image working with TV and radio presenter Dev Griffin, and creating resources for FYC’s partner charity Barnardo's to share with young people of mixed heritage living in residential care to teach them how to best manage their curls.
"I was overwhelmed when my name was announced as it was completely unexpected. I’m really excited to be working on an industry design brief and can’t wait to get started.”"
— UCLan illustration student Erin Jones
Erin, who grew up in both Staffordshire and Guernsey before moving to Warton to study at UCLan in 2018, said: “I was overwhelmed when my name was announced as it was completely unexpected. I’m really excited to be working on an industry design brief and can’t wait to get started.”
Announcing Erin as the winner, entrepreneur and FYC director Rob said: “Erin has worked tirelessly to develop her practise in the most creative way possible using skill, enthusiasm and expertly applied knowledge. She has shown the self-assured confidence of a professional illustrator and has produced a sophisticated and extensive body of work.”
Erin’s award-winning final year university project is a merchandise line to mark the 10-year anniversary of the album Bankrupt! by Phoenix. She used her passion for fashion illustration and took inspiration from brands such as Gucci and Casablanca to create a 12-page art book, a special edition album cover and merchandise such as postcards and stickers.
"Erin has worked tirelessly to develop her practise in the most creative way possible using skill, enthusiasm and expertly applied knowledge."
— Entrepreneur and For You Curls director Rob Binns
“I wanted to produce something uplifting as an escape from all things Covid related” she said. “The collection of images has a jetsetter theme that follows a group of three characters around various locations that are mentioned in the songs from the album.
“My work buys into a fantasy that uses the band’s French heritage and opulent lyrics to create a stylish line of merchandise that appeals to dedicated fans and art lovers alike.”
Erin has previously experienced award success after a project she was commissioned to work on, a Haitian inspired bottle design for a rum brand, went on to win the Beverage Packaging Dieline Award. She has also amassed more than 3,000 followers on Instagram and an Esty account to sell her illustrations.
Erin, who will graduate from university this year, added: “My next step will be to complete a Masters in fashion promotion at UCLan and then I’d love to work for a brand agency alongside other freelance work. Winning this award is an amazing end to my third and final year of my course.”
Erin’s work is on display as part of the UCLan 2021 Degree Show exhibition, which is available online now.
