Building a paper space rocket may seem like a straightforward task, but when the process is split between six students collaborating on a design project, the team had to be firing on all boosters.
Ravensbourne University organised and hosted the annual Im-print Im-press event, sponsored and judged by Baddeley Brothers, Foilco, and GF Smith. In its eighth year, this module is now mandatory and qualifies as part of each student’s degree.
This is a second-year project, at a stage in their design development, when students explore group external horizons and the constraints of professional practice, via group work and industry liaison. The huge value of this collaboration is to introduce students to the value of tactility and handling materials in design processes alongside digital domains.
The team, made up of Jenniffer Cueuro Miranda, Sean Fenech, Dan Fisher, Louis Carroll, Zara Clarke Green, and Roman Mansouri’s first task involved in picking a project that they found thrilling from a selection of three distinct options.
Jenniffer said: “Among the options we had, we chose the one where we had to create a marketing package to get kids to join this outreach programme. This package has to include and focus on paper engineering.
Inner child
The 23-year-old graphic design student added: “I would love to work in branding and packaging after graduation. Any activity that has to do with crafts I will always enjoy. I felt like my inner child really had fun executing this project.
She admitted that working with others can be a struggle, but she took the lead, believing it would help them work quickly and efficiently.
“Communication was the main issue in our group; yet, we sorted our differences and assigned everyone a role to make sure everything was done on time. All through close collaboration.
“We had the chance to exchange many skills with one another. We are all different and all have different points of view.”
She said the help she got from the print team was extremely useful.
“Baddeley Brothers helped us throughout the project, providing us with tips and artwork set-up where needed.
“The process of the different machines is fascinating. I learned how considerate and precise you have to be in order for your piece to be well-executed.”
Sean wants to find a job in graphic design after graduation and said he seized the chance to include this project in his studies.
Branding and packaging
“After graduation, I would like to find a job as a graphic designer, focusing on branding and packaging design.
He said: “Collaborating with others was an enriching learning experience and a thrilling adventure. The focus of my collaboration with Jenniffer revolved around the technical aspects of paper engineering for the project.
“And working in a group facilitated a more effective exchange of ideas, leading to a better outcome and a greater diversity of perspectives. Each member contributed unique strengths.”
Furthermore, he highlighted the project’s importance in generating curiosity and excitement about space exploration, thus contributing valuably to the educational and imaginative development of children.
“The kit encourages kids to engage in activities such as colouring, gluing, folding, and building while gaining knowledge about space. The materials Colorplan Citrine & Factory Yellow 270gsm with the foil Blue Cracked Ice Holographic (581F14) were deliberately selected to help children engage with the project. The aim is not only to provide an entertaining experience but also to foster skill development and learning. Exposing children to new skills broadens their horizons.
“Baddeley Brothers, Foilco and GF Smith supported us from the very beginning. Offering invaluable guidance, suggestions, and solutions to overcome the challenges we faced, all the while generously sharing their professional knowledge.
“Touring the factory enlightened me about an object’s fascinating journey before reaching its flawless outcome. The behind-the-scenes experience revealed the many talented individuals who play a crucial role between the creator and the final product.”
Commercial director Charles Pertwee said “the ‘space project’ was less conceptual, more relatable this year. This was important for the intended audience.
“This year, as with every year, all three companies involved are keen to prove that there is more to design than digital output. Jennifer, Sean and their team more than demonstrated this.”
