My passion for graphic design ignited during my design foundation year, exploring the intricacies of type, color, and composition. What captivates me is the unique thought processes individuals bring to similar ideas, shaped by interests, culture, and experiences. Graphic design's distinct appeal lies in its fusion of image and type, allowing the presentation to communicate diverse narratives with nuanced impact. The acute attention to detail in graphic design, often overlooked by the average person, reveals a designer's discerning eye, shaping how information is perceived.

Inspired by Kenya Hara, a design luminary, I admire his mastery of white space, transcending mere aesthetics to embody profound principles. Hara's philosophy emphasizes the intentional omission within design, using white space for contemplation, clarity, and profound audience engagement. This approach advocates for thoughtful interaction, showcasing the power of subtlety and restraint in every design element.

Omar first discovered the discipline of Graphic Design at high school, whilst participating in a pop-art workshop in response to the visual style and influence of Andy Warhol. After specialising in Visual Communication within UAL's Foundation Diploma in Newcastle, he developed his creative skillset with a focus on self-initiated project work, before applying to Central Saint Martins.

Having been surrounded by art and design throughout his upbringing, the design scene captivated him from a young age. From this exposure, he had been - without often realising it - surrounded by creativity before he even knew about Graphic Design.

Omar likes how Graphic Design gives him a voice to respond to the social complexities in the world around him, through mediums including type design and printmaking. He likes to look at design as a communication tool that can educate and inform change around him. Within his practice, he has explored issues ranging from migration and displacement, to the more conceptual including memory, experience and personal nostalgia.

He is particularly fond of the works of David Carson and Barbara Kruger - both are influential towards his practice. He is captured by their distinctive and experimental approaches towards typography, and their design has inspired him to explore the process of repurposing imagery to create striking designs. Carson’s work gives him a sense of freedom and expression, whereas Kruger’s work challenges him to consider our cultural landscape and question the representation of power within our society. He is excited to see where his time at Central Saint Martins will take him and discover which avenues his creative practice will take throughout the course.

Thi-Uyen is the recipient of the FUTURE FWD scholarship for 2022/23.

Her interest in graphic design began in secondary school when she realised the endless possibilities and career opportunities available in the design industry. She was fascinated with how design allowed her to approach different topics and experiences with a holistic vision; enabling her to interact with others to learn about different cultures and spaces.

“Design has given me the space to investigate how I can work to benefit and improve others’ lives,” says Thi-Uyen.

She believes design gives her control and authority over her own narrative and lived experiences and wants to challenge the status quo to bring about a better future.

She is particularly fond of the work in Toilet Paper Magazine and is attracted to the publication’s playful and uncanny approach to design. She sees it as a form of escapism to think and act freely from a world that is too serious and where she felt as if she was forced to grow up too quickly.

Aaron Reid is the recipient of the first FUTURE FWD Scholarship which was granted in 2021.

He discovered graphic design through his previous experience in visual merchandising and during the pandemic he took the initiative to retrain, teaching himself the foundations of graphic design and is now attending Central Saint Martins.