Three art students from the Midlands will compete for the chance to see their work used in a high profile international advertising campaign for Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance after winning the competition’s Midlands heat.
Rosemary Knowles from Birmingham City University, Emily Larter from Nottingham Trent University and Phillip Ward from the University of Derby beat stiff competition at the Midlands final of Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance’s ‘The Art of Nurture’ competition.
‘The Art of Nurture’ has been developed by Commercial Finance; the asset based lending division of Lloyds TSB, working closely with Arts & Business, the national not-for-profit agency building innovative partnerships between commerce and culture. The initiative is designed to help the cream of the UK’s art students to develop a commercial career.
Submissions from across the region were judged by a panel including Gavin Buckley, Director of Visual and Arts & Business West Midlands, Judith Harry, Deputy Director, IKON Gallery and Ted Ettershank, Managing Director of Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance.
Rosemary, Emily and Philip will now progress to April’s national final in London when they will go head-to-head with students from other regions from across the UK.
As well as seeing their art used in a high profile commercial environment, the overall winner will receive £5,000 for themselves and £5,000 for their college or university. In addition, the winning student will also have the opportunity to further boost their career prospects by undertaking a unique three-week paid placement with a top London-based creative agency.
Last year’s inaugural contest was a runaway success. The marketing campaign which featured work by last year’s winner Zara Picken, an illustration student from the University of the West of England, helped to generate a 40% increase in new clients for LTSB Commercial Finance.
Emily said: “Being selected to go forward to the national final means I’ll be competing with the best students from across the UK. It’s the first step towards seeing my work used in a high profile commercial environment. It’s a fantastic opportunity to boost my portfolio and develop skills for my future career, and I’m delighted to have got this far in the competition.”
Jon Adams, regional director at Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance in the Midlands, said: “The visuals used by our marketing campaigns are designed to support specific messages regarding our skills and expertise. The winning pieces illustrate, in a creative and interesting way, our financial solutions and approach to the market. All three students interpreted the brief accurately and delivered a truly impressive piece of work, worthy of use in a major campaign. This approach and commitment will stand them in good stead at the national final and throughout their careers.”