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CCAD student wins Trend Bible Competition

A WALLPAPER designer has won the chance to hang with professionals as she hones her skills as a trend-spotter.

Cleveland College of Art and Design BA textiles and surface design student Jade Robson was chosen as the overall winner from more than 30 entries in a competition run by world renowned design forecaster the Trend Bible.

The 20-year-old, of Newcastle, will now spend two weeks working with the North-East company which helps companies in 18 countries predict trends, including Pottery Barn, Nokia, Gap, Sainsbury’s, LG and Japanese car manufacturer Daihatsu.

Jade is in the final year of a BA textiles and surface design degree studying at CCAD’s Hartlepool campus.

She wowed judges with her designs which blend botany with science and the quality of her portfolio.

“Many people love dressing themselves; I love dressing the home,” said Jade, who will show her work in New York later this year.

“I was travelling home with my dad when I got the email telling me I had won and I screamed. I have never won anything before, not even a raffle.

“I can’t wait to work with Trend Bible because it has such a great reputation globally but is based in the North-East. It is really exciting and I will be doing my utmost to impress them.”

Trend Bible founder Joanna Feeley said they had launched a calendar featuring colour and design trends for 2012. These had proved popular within the design community so they had decided to print more for 2013 and sell them, donating the proceeds to help nurture local talent.

“We had entries from universities and colleges from across the region but Jade stood out for many reasons, including the way she had put together her application,” said Joanna.

“The quality of her work struck a chord with us. We had developed a trend story called Botanical Discovery which drew on similar influences to Jade’s, but we liked the twist she had given her work.”

Jade will now work with Trend Bible forecasters on colour palettes and could end up helping on projects from across the world, including New York, London and Paris.

CCAD tutor Claire Baker said: “Jade’s work is absolutely fabulous and I am delighted she won this prestigious competition.

“Competitions like these are great experience offering the chance to work to a professional brief and to deadline. They also present all manner of opportunities which can shape their futures and I am so pleased that such a talented student has received the recognition she deserves.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Cleveland College of Art & Design .