Online Illustration student creates Cornish town map covers for Little Birdie Guides
23 August 2024
Chantelle's five designs in print
If you’ve ever frequented any of Cornwall’s independent businesses and venues, chances are you’ll have seen or picked up a Little Birdie Guide. The brainchild of Falmouth Illustration BA graduate Louise Lane, there are guides for most of Cornwall’s towns – each one full of unique independent businesses and diverse ideas for activities, accommodation and food to help you experience Cornwall like a local.
Louise recently ran a live brief for Falmouth’s online Illustration BA students to design a new set of covers for the maps, with five of student Chantelle Jean-Paul's designs going to print. We chatted to Chantelle about the project, and her experience on the course.
What was the most valuable thing you learned from the project?
I experienced what it is like to work with a real client and that experience alone was extremely beneficial. I learned how to communicate efficiently with a client to work towards an output that everyone is happy with. I adapted to changes very quickly and I think that my workflow has greatly improved because of it.
What did you most enjoy?
The best part for me was illustrating the designs, researching Cornwall and the challenge of trying to keep my covers cohesive. I also quite enjoyed working on multiple designs all at once. I am fortunate to have had Shefali, our Course Leader, on hand to help me if I had any questions or concerns about producing client work. I feel lucky to have experienced my first client project with Falmouth University by my side.
What did you feel about your finished designs?
I liked my final designs; some were stronger than others and looking back there are a few tiny things that I would change about them. My 'Falmouth’ design – the first one I did – is my favourite, and it is the design I submitted when the brief was sent out to us. Seeing five of my map designs printed and in my hands is amazing, and I still can’t believe that I had this opportunity. I am so thankful to both Falmouth University and Little Birdie Guides.
How was it working with a professional brand?
It was a lot of fun! Louise is a very kind-hearted and honest person, and she was very supportive throughout the project (and still is, even now that it has finished). I hope that my future experiences with clients are just as positive as this one. There were times when I was worried if my illustrations were good enough, as they were quite different to what the brand usually creates, but thankfully Louise was happy with them!
I feel lucky to have experienced my first client project with Falmouth University by my side.
What are you most enjoying about being on Falmouth’s online Illustration BA?
I love completing varied briefs, as they are interesting and engaging. Each module is unique, and I like the freedom of the self-led approach that we are undertaking at our current level. I am now moving into my final year and I’m excited to see what adventures that holds. I am thankful to the amazing staff – Shefali, Jessica and all the tutors – for making the online degree so challenging and inspiring.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I’m not sure about the future, but I would love to work on creative projects until retirement. I was really inspired by the design studios we visited on a recent in-person trip to Sheffield as part of the course, so maybe I’ll start my own studio and hire a diverse range of illustrators. But sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions and becoming an art teacher for secondary school children may well be where I end up!
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