TUS students send powerful message about climate change and war
Two budding graphic designers have made their mark in a special edition of Hot Press magazine, sending a powerful message about pressing global issues of climate change and war.
Bronagh McCarthy (Dysart, Roscommon) and Jn Witkowski (Mullingar), both Year 3 BA (Hons) in Graphic & Digital Design students at the Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus, were selected to showcase their work in the publication under the theme of “Message to the Future”.
Under the guidance of industry professionals David Rooney from Hot Press and Lisa Dooley from The Factory, Ireland's leading sustainable design house, the pair demonstrated their ability to translate their creativity into impactful messages.
Bronagh delved into the theme of war and its consequences, aiming to raise awareness and foster reflection on the human toll of conflict.
Jn, on the other hand, explored the UN Sustainable Development Goals through his artwork, emphasising the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change.
David Rooney, illustrator with Hot Press magazine, praised the students' work, noting the dual focus on climate change and war: "The work selected for publication by the editor covered the dual global concerns of our time: climate change and war. Jn Witkowski’s excellent work saw a tree’s cry for help, while Bronagh McCarthy powerfully tackled the concept of war nursing its opposing sides.”
He also commended Bronagh’s previous contribution to the magazine, highlighting her powerful illustration on protests in Iran and noted it’s the first time a student has been published in the magazine for two years in succession.
Aoife Dooley, creative director of The Factory, lauded the project for its emphasis on design for positive impact: "The work created in response is incredibly important, it shows how harnessing the power of design can highlight global issues which in turn has the potential to inspire meaningful change.”
Commenting on the significance of collaboration, Tara Cullen, lecturer and programme coordinator of the BA (Hons) in Graphic and Digital Design, emphasised its value in building students' confidence and preparing them for the demands of the industry.
"It can't be underestimated, the value for students to collaborate. It builds their confidence. It gives them something to really show when they go out into the workforce," she said.