Hertford Regional College (HRC) Collaboration with KGK Genix

23/05/24

The idea was to give the students at Hertford Regional College (HRC) the opportunity to experience everything that happens at KGK Genix, from design to print and install. The following experiences were available for students who were interested in the graphics, retail design, and visual merchandising industries:

 

– Working on a live creative brief with direct exposure to a renowned brand from concept to installation.

 

– Spending two days with our experienced industry professionals in the design and production departments.

 

– Three students could win a six-week work placement at KGK Genix after completing the course.

 

This collaboration opens many doors for the students and gives them industry knowledge, skills and experience needed for first-time jobs within the creative industry.

The Mission

The task was to design a retail window display that promoted Superdry’s core product range, with a focus on the company’s sustainable credentials.

The responsibility was to take the live brief from initial creative concepts through to the design, production, and installation of a retail window in The David Gentleman Gallery, at the Hertford Regional College, Ware Campus. The brief provided was similar to what one would encounter as a professional in the industry, along with any relevant digital assets needed for the task. Shown below was the given brief:

Client – Superdry

Campaign – Sustainability

Budget – £500 (material list supplied)

Elements to consider – campaign assets, headline/branding, tagline, imagery and product display.

How they do it: Organic Cotton, Net Zero, Circularity, Sustainably Sourced.

Consider how the campaign could be carried through in-store / online.

Adhere to Superdry’s brand guidelines.

HRC x KGK Genix

The Development of the Collaboration

This collaboration consisted of 7 stages. The Creative Enterprise Foundation Degree and BA (Hons) Visual Merchandising, Styling and Promotion students worked extremely hard to plan, design, create and execute their own displays that stayed within Superdry’s brand image. The team at KGK Genix supported each student during every stage of the process and shared with them their extensive knowledge.

 

Stage 1: Project Briefing Presentation

Matthew Walsh our Group Operations Director outlined the brief, the project as a whole and who KGK Genix are.

 

Stage 2: Visit to KGK Genix

This was so the students could get familiarised with the environment and see the facilities. We were able to showcase our creative, sewing and printing departments. They could experience and utilise our printers and materials in a working business environment and involve themselves in the production of their displays.

 

Stage 3: Creative

This time was for students to produce preliminary ideas and concepts through research, thoughts and ideas. They were asked to come up with 2/3 initial ideas that could be taken to the design stage.

 

Stage 4: Mid-Way Review

Our Operations Director Matthew Walsh and Creative Director Rod Williams of KGK Genix took a visit to the HRC Ware Campus and advised the students on designs.

 

Stage 5: Design Insight Day

The students were able to transform their ideas into tangible designs. They were able to utilise the feedback they received from the mid-way review to improve and finalise their concept. They spent the day with one of our graphic designers within the creative team where they finalised their designs.

 

During this stage, they could preview the artwork and the pre-press process. One of the students, Charlotte Backler, wanted to incorporate some bamboo features as part of their design and incorporate the theme of sustainability. Our graphic designer offered the student two options, to cut it flat or to wrap material around a core. This allowed Charlotte to figure out independently what worked best for her project.

 

Stage 6: Production Insight Day

The students spent one day in the production factory learning about their designs and how they are turned into physical graphics. This is where all our work gets produced and packaged.

 

Stage 7: Installation, Presentation and Judging

The students had to participate in a 10-minute presentation and were judged on inspiration, design concept, retail trends and sustainability.

KGK Genix x Hertford Regional College

The judging panel included:

  • Lorna Storey, Project Manager at KGK Genix (Ex-student at Hertford Regional College)
  • Rod Williams, Creative Director at KGK Genix
  • Graham Pitts, Managing Director at KGK Genix
  • Tony Medhurst, Principal & Chief Executive at Hertford Regional College
  • Angela McLean, Vice Principal Curriculum and Quality at Hertford Regional College
Hertford Regional College Production Factory tour

Our Operations Director, Matthew Walsh stated:

 

“In the dynamic realm of Large Format Print, bridging the gap in skills and age is paramount. That’s why it’s crucial to inspire and empower the next wave of talent. Our industry, often a hidden gem for upcoming creatives, deserves a place alongside traditional career choices. Our Retail Design & Careers Program, now going into its 3rd year, is an unparalleled opportunity for students in creative disciplines like visual merchandising and retail design. Here, they delve into real-world brief, from concept to execution, under the guidance of seasoned professionals, gaining invaluable insights and feedback every step of the journey.

 

I encourage more Large Format Print companies to partner with local colleges and amplify our industry’s allure to budding creative talent. Through our collaborative efforts, we’ve discovered remarkable individuals who’ve seamlessly transitioned into thriving careers within KGK Genix.”

 

Creative Enterprise Foundation Degree in 3D Design student, Charlotte Backler expressed her appreciation for the opportunity,

 

“Working with KGK Genix has been such an amazing experience. They were helpful the whole way through, providing guidance and support throughout the project. They taught me valuable skills at each site visit that can be used within the design industry and helped me be more confident in my own skills and abilities too.”

 

Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be able to share experiences and expertise and support those that are looking to progress into the industry. Staff at both Hertford Regional College and KGK Genix are looking forward to working together again in the future.

We enjoyed working HRC. Find out more about them on their website – https://www.hrc.ac.uk/

Get in contact here or call us on 01920 461244.

Stay up to date by following our company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/91510/

 

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