Awa Press Young Designer of
the Year Award
Shortlist 2010
 | Keely O'Shannessy 'Books are special objects. They represent a lot of time, energy and passion – from the author, publisher and reader. They have the ability to profoundly affect and educate. They can change people’s lives. I feel very privileged to be able to design for such an extraordinary medium. Creating a visual package that does justice to an author’s words, whilst striking the right chord with the audience, is often quite a challenge. I get a real sense of satisfaction when I know I’ve got it just right.' |
Judges’ comments The cover design of Keely O’Shanessy, who was highly commended for the young designer award last year, made her the stand-out winner this year. She seems to effortlessly hit the nail on the head every time. When has a black and white image with four lines of type and a few dots ever looked so beguiling? Keely generates charming work at an intersection of the handmade, the digital and the commercial. If a successful cover makes you want to pick a book up, these make you want to pick them up, turn them over and take them home. You can’t ask for much more than that.
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 | Kalee Jackson 'I enjoy using design as an opportunity to reflect on, and respond to, an exhibition or artist’s work, while remaining sensitive to the intentions of the artist. I find it rewarding to create a tangible, enduring object. I like to consider how elements such as tactility of paper, use of colour, weight and pace in the interaction between image and text come into play in communicating the book’s content. I also like to bring a sense of playfulness and exuberance to the activity of book design.' |
Judges’ comments Kalee Jackson, working from the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, had cleanly resolved design concepts with well-integrated internal design. Experimentation with packaging and production, while not always successful, created some perfect gems.
 | Sarah Healey 'I am a graphic designer and tutor. My passion for teaching and learning has informed my designs for educational books for wide-ranging audiences, from youngsters learning to read to teens learning to critically engage with challenging texts. I interweave Photoshop and Illustrator to create visually rich page and cover designs, and also enjoy getting away from the computer and into my sketchbook at any opportunity.' |
Judges’ comments Sarah Healey wowed us with a strong signature palette, beautifully layered illustration and a very skilled use of cover textures and special effects, with finely pitched cover typography.
