17 November: The University of Canberra’s Faculty of Arts and Design partnership with Canberra BMW and Rojo Customs delivers a unique opportunity for students – the chance to have their winning design enhance a luxury car.
Each year, the University delivers the Car Wrap Design competition for students studying a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design).
Serving as an assessable item for second-year design students, the competition provides an exciting opportunity for students to work with real world clients, and the potential to bring their designs to life.
As an added incentive – the winning student gets the keys to the BMW bearing their design, so they can drive their design around Canberra for a weekend!
Assistant Professor in Visual Communication Design Dr Emma Phillips said the competition represented one of many valuable opportunities for Faculty of Arts and Design students to engage with industry clients and work to professional briefs.
“It's fundamental for students to be involved in Work Integrated Learning [WIL], and work with industry contacts,” Ms Phillips said.
“The competition is a fun opportunity of course, but it’s also giving them a chance to experience what the industry looks like.”
Students, staff, industry partners and members of the wider University community gathered on Tuesday for the unveiling of the winning design.
Rachel Mugridge was crowned the winner, for her unique design inspired by themes of summer and Canberra imagery.
Marketing Manager at Canberra BMW Izabella Tanewski said Rachel’s design caught eyes of the judges because of its balance and seamless integration with the shape of the car.
“Rachel’s design skilfully captures the essence of Canberra in a simple yet captivating manner,” Ms Tanewski said.
“The use of monochrome tones and negative space is brilliant, allowing the design to seamlessly integrate with the car’s natural flow. Congratulations, Rachel!”
Rojo Customs, a Canberra-based company specialising in creating custom printed and embroidered products, handled the wrapping process of the car.
Rohan Thomas, the Director at Rojo Customs, is himself a Faculty of Arts and Design alumnus. He said the collaboration represented the company’s connection with University.
“We were supplied with the final design, and it was our job was to measure up the car, ensure the design was aligned to its shape, then print the special film and apply it to the vehicle,” he said.
“When the opportunity to be involved in this partnership first came up six years ago, I jumped at the chance. I loved my time at UC.
“Our shop is quite close to Canberra BMW, so we had an existing relationship there and we just wanted to be involved.”
Ms Phillips said the judging panel was impressed by the calibre of submissions they received.
“Students had three or four prompts to choose from, but ‘Summer is Coming’ seemed to be the most popular theme.
“As you can see, Rachel’s got the lake [Lake Burley Griffin] in the background, the mountains and the typical Canberra hot air balloon – a very successful effort.”
This year marks the sixth year of the collaboration between the University, Canberra BMW Group and Rojo Customs.
